1 in 3 babies in the United States are born via C-Section. When it comes to the recovery period, remember that you did something amazing: you brought a human into this world. You’ll feel the urge to bounce back, but the truth is it takes time to physically and emotionally recover from your C-section. The resulting incision represents that beautiful miracle of life, your baby.

Recovery is overwhelming, especially when you're learning how to care for a newborn baby and your own healing body. You may even have another little one at home!

Here’s a simple guide to help you take care of your C-section scar during the postpartum period.

Take it Easy

It sounds very obvious, but it’s easier said than done. Give yourself permission to rest and heal.

The time it takes to recover from a C-section varies from person to person. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you can expect to be in the hospital from 2-4 days, while recovery takes about 6-8 weeks.

It’s important to keep moving after your C-section, but rest is important. For the first few weeks postpartum, avoid lifting anything heavier than your newborn.  To allow the scars on your uterus and abdomen to heal post C-section, avoid sudden movements.

Light movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots and other issues. You may choose to walk with your family, a fellow mom, or put your newborn in their stroller and get moving! The movement will be good for you, and you’ll be able to bond with baby.

Treat your incision with care

Check your incision daily. If all is healing well, the edges of your incision will meet neatly. Make sure your hands are washed and cleaned before touching the area. Be sure to also change your bandage daily, but frequently if it gets wet or dirty.

When you shower, avoid scrubbing the area. Let soapy water drip down your wound during the shower, and pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Depending on your doctor’s instructions, it’s okay to apply antibiotics or ointments to help speed up the healing process. Noodle & Boo’s maternity collection is safe to use on C-Section incisions after initial healing and with doctor’s approval.  

Our Postpartum Oil is a therapeutic blend of organic oils formulated to nourish and help restore the condition of postpartum skin. Pair it together with our Perfecting Crème for the ultimate stretch mark routine!

Support your incision site

When you cough, sneeze, or laugh, hold a small pillow over your abdomen to support it and reduce discomfort. Sudden movements can hurt after your C-section!

There are other ways to support your C-section pain besides gentle pressure. Some moms like to have a heating pad on their belly. You can also try wearing a wide compression belt that wraps around the stomach area to provide support.

When to see your doctor

Ask your doctor what pain medication is best for you. Depending on your discomfort level and whether you are breastfeeding or not, your doctor will be able to advise what works with your needs.

Itching is very common post C-section as your skin has been disrupted. Avoid scratching the area or hold an ice pack to the area briefly.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately:

• Foul smell coming from the C-section area
• Oozing or draining from the wound
• You feel increasing pain around the area
• Your incisions splits open
• Redness, warmth, or swelling of the incision or skin surrounding it
• Fever higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit
• The wound is red or swollen.

Pain and discomfort are normal things to experience in the childbirth recovery process, especially with a C-section. Recovery looks different for every mama, so take your time and give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job!

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