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Top Tips for Healing Post C-Section

Writer's picture: Dr Rachel CollinsDr Rachel Collins

Did you know that roughly 1 out of every 3 women will end up having a C section/Cesarean? There were roughly over 3.5million births in the US in 2022 which means there were approximately over 1.2 million cesareans performed. So many women experience surgery to have their little one enters the world and yet less than 1% of these women are referred to a pelvic floor therapist or even given any knowledge about safe movements when returning home.


Some of my top tips for moms post C-section are as follows:


  1. Roll onto your side when getting up.

    1. This will really help reduce the stress around the incision sight during those first few weeks of healing. It will also help with pressure management and reduce strain through the abdominals and decrease risk of prolapse symptoms.

  2. Early movement is good

    1. Don’t be afraid to move and stretch, the skin and fascia around the incision site are going to be tight and can affect posture as well as abdominal activation. In the first 1-2 weeks I would focus laying flat on your back and deep breathing to help reduce the rounded shoulder and shortened abdominal position. Then I would progress to thoracic rotational exercises and cat/camel to start moving the fascia dynamically.

  3. Move you scar

    1. I know this can be scary but this is really important mentally and physically. I know touching your scar can be very hard depending on your birthing experience. I highly recommend that if you are struggling with touching your scar due to birth trauma, reach out to a mental health professional. You are safe to start performing scar massage once the incision is fully healed, which is mostly after 12 weeks. I would start by taking two fingers and massaging in small circles around the incision and then over the scar. If you can tolerate a more aggressive approach you use cupping over your scar to help break up scar adhesions and increase blood flow. These are some cups I have used Amazon.com: LURE Essentials Edge Cupping Set – Ultra Clear Blue Silicone Cupping Therapy Set for Cellulite Reduction and Myofascial Release - Massage Therapists and Home Use (Set of 4, Blue) : Health & Household


There have been some good results with silicone scar strips when the incision is full healed. You can wear it daily for up to 6 months, here is a type available on amazon Amazon.com: Aroamas Scar Professional Silicone Scar Sheets, Soften and Flattens Scars Resulting from Surgery, Injury, Burns, C-Section and More, Soft Silicone Scar Strips [3"x1.57", 8 Sheets for 4 Month Supply] : Health & Household


Please reach out to me if you have questions about C -section rehab, my goal is to help educate moms so that they can become confident in their healing journey.


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