10 Helpful Tips for a Smoother Cesarean Recovery
I was genuinely excited to experience labor (yes, really!). I wanted to know what it felt like and to see what my body could do. I imagined a magical, empowering vaginal birth that would take me to another plane of existence.
Instead, I developed HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia, and heard the words, “We need to get this baby out now.”
So, out came the best baby in the entire world. My birth story wasn’t what I’d pictured, but the outcome was better than I ever could have imagined.
Thankfully, my recovery was smooth and uneventful - something I don’t take for granted. While I was lucky in many ways, there were also some specific things that helped me heal and regain strength. Whether your cesarean was your Plan A or your Plan D, these tips can make the recovery process a little smoother:
10 Things That Helped My Postpartum Recovery
1. Splinting:
I learned this trick back in PT school - it helps patients recovering from open-heart surgery, and it worked wonders for me too. Holding a pillow against my belly when laughing or coughing made a huge difference in comfort.
2. The Log Roll:
Not the most efficient move, but definitely the most comfortable one when getting in and out of bed after delivery (and great for back pain, too).
3. Abdominal Binder:
I wore one almost 24/7 for the first two weeks and then gradually weaned off. It gave my core extra support and helped close the gap between my abdominal muscles. Research shows that wearing one up to 8 weeks is helpful so listen to your body and follow your own timeline.
4. Core Connection:
I started reconnecting with my deep core muscles right away - during breastfeeding sessions, actually. Since that happens 8–12 times a day, it was the perfect built-in reminder.
5. Bone Broth:
Magic in a mug. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with collagen and electrolytes - perfect protein-rich beverage for recovery and breastfeeding.
6. Silicone Gel:
It’s proven to help with scar healing, and my personal experience backed that up. While the gel worked best for me, the silicone sheets may work best for you.
7. Scar Mobilization:
I planned to start gentle scar massage at two weeks, but my body needed more time. I waited until around four weeks, and it was absolutely the right call - listening to your body matters.
8. Early Strength Building:
I eased into light movements before my six-week clearance so my body was ready to lift and move comfortably once I got the green light.
9. Gradual Progression:
Biking at 2 weeks and stadium at 3 weeks prepared me to be able run at 6 weeks.
10. Gratitude:
Always helpful to remember to be grateful to get to experience this recovery.
Whether your cesarean was planned or unexpected, your recovery deserves patience and support. If you’re feeling unsure where to start or how to move safely, know that you’re not alone. With both professional and now personal experience, I love helping people feel strong, confident, and at home in their bodies again.
Postpartum Care at Mobility PT
At Mobility Physical Therapy, we help new parents recover, rebuild strength, and return to the activities they love safely and confidently. Whether you’re weeks or years postpartum, our pelvic health services can guide you through gentle core reactivation, scar mobilization, and customized exercise progressions.
If you’d like personalized support in your postpartum recovery, reach out to schedule an appointment or learn more about our pelvic floor therapy services. Your body has done something incredible - let’s help it feel that way again.
