Giving birth to a baby is tough work, no matter how the little one decides to enter the world. Having had a c-section and natural births, I can say that while natural birth can be harder pre-birth, c-sections can be much harder in recovery.
At the same time, there are some things you can do before and after a c-section to help with the recovery process. These are things I wish I’d known and been able to do when I had my c-section that have helped many others since then. I’ve tried many of these things while recovering from natural birth as well, and they were really helpful.
1. Beneficial Broth
I’ve written before about the many benefits of broth and these benefits are especially helpful before or after a surgery or illness. Bone broth is packed with amino acids like proline and glycine, which are needed for collagen production and great for skin healing.
Broth also contains gelatin, which is beneficial for wound healing and for the skin.
There is a reason broth is a traditional hospital food for those recovering from illness or injury (though unfortunately, we’ve moved away traditionally made broths that contain these beneficial ingredients in favor of MSG infused broth.
Traditional broth can really help recovery from c-sections and as a bonus, it helps digestion and can ease the digestive discomforts and constipation that sometimes come after cesarean birth.
2. Binding
When I first heard of this, I thought it sounded more like torture than comfort, but after trying it, I’m sold!
The basic theory is that using light pressure and compression can lessen the pain and speed healing after a c-section. In fact, this can be helpful for non cesarean births as well since it helps reduce pain and helps the uterus return to normal size more quickly.
I personally used this binder after my cesarean at the recommendation of one of my postpartum nurses. If you are interested in trying this, check with your insurance since some of them cover these types of devices (for vaginal or cesarean deliveries). I liked that one because I didn’t have to take it all the way off to go to the bathroom, but there are also much less expensive wraps that just go around the abdomen that worked just as well for me in subsequent deliveries (here is a larger size one).
3. Gentle Cesarean
From being a doula for several women during their cesareans and postpartum time, it seems that the circumstances of the cesarean make a big difference on recovery.
Emergency c-sections or ones where mom loses a lot of blood obviously take longer to recover from, but it seemed like women recover more quickly when they have a peaceful surgery and get adequate bonding time with baby right away. This is an emerging movement called gentle cesarean and when possible, it seems to really help recovery.
4. Soothing Salve
A cesarean is major abdominal surgery and there is a substantial incision. I’ve found that using this belly salve during pregnancy can help avoid stretch marks and using this healing salve after delivery can help remove them and speed scar healing.
I used the healing salve multiple times per day after my c-section as soon as I got the approval from my doctor and my staples were removed. It can also be used on the perineum after a vaginal delivery.
5. Glutamine
Definitely check with your doctor on this, but I took glutamine in the weeks following surgery as there is some research that it can drastically speed recovery:
Glutamine is a key substrate for fast-growing and multiplying cells, including white blood cells. Glutamine stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, thereby helping in wound closure. It is the major amino acid lost during any tissue injury, implying a significant role in the preservation of lean body mass. According to researchers, glutamine possesses anabolic properties, which are effective in wound healing only when present in amounts 2 to 7 times greater than required in healthy persons. (source)
From the University of Maryland Medical Center:
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the body. The body can make enough glutamine for its regular needs, but extreme stress (the kind you would experience after very heavy exercise or an injury), your body may need more glutamine than it can make. Most glutamine is stored in muscles followed by the lungs, where much of the glutamine is made.
Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body). It also helps your immune system function and appears to be needed for normal brain function and digestion.
You can usually get enough glutamine without taking a supplement, because your body makes it and you get some in your diet. Certain medical conditions, including injuries, surgery, infections, and prolonged stress, can lower glutamine levels, however. In these cases, taking a glutamine supplement may be helpful. (source)
I shared a guest post about using glutamine for gut health before, but I also used it post c-section and it seemed to help. Definitely check with your doctor! This is the L-Glutamine I used.
6. Scar Massage
Another thing recommended by my wonderful postpartum nurse. Anytime there is a major incision, there is a potential for adhesions to form where tissue fuses where it isn’t supposed to. To help avoid this, she recommended gentle scar massage once the wound had fully closed and the scab had gone away.
I did this for several months postpartum and it seemed to help soften the scar and bring back feeling in areas that were numb. Here’s how to do it:
7. Water and Magnesium
Many people get constipated after surgery and this can be especially painful after a cesarean (or a vaginal birth!) To help avoid this, my midwife (turned doula during the c-section) told me to drink a lot of water to make sure I was hydrated and to also take some magnesium to help loosen stools and prevent constipation. I used several different forms of magnesium and I talk about them all in this post.
8. Sleep
We often underestimate the power of sleep and after surgery or childbirth (and especially both!) you need more than normal. I was not able to sleep much after my cesarean because my little one was in the NICU and I think this slowed my recovery considerably.
The body regenerates more quickly during sleep and it helps speed tissue repair. Certainly, getting sleep with a newborn is easier said than done, but enlist help and make it a priority if you can. This article has some tips for improving sleep quality.
Have you ever had a c-section? What helped you recover? Share below!
How to Have a Natural & Gentle Cesarean
Did you use any oils for reducing pain after the section? I did not like the pain medications given to me after and I’m trying to reduce that. If you did use them, did you diffuse or use topically? Thanks!
I used a tincture called after ease https://www.amazon.com/Wishgarden-Herbs-AfterEase-1oz/dp/B004000CA4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1446084240&sr=8-2&keywords=after+birth&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=75748e134d05518eb9bee5ec83ef936b&language=en_US) which helped a lot and just took motrin a couple of times (not optimal, but better than the IV drugs). I didn’t use oils since many that help with pain can suppress milk production and I was trying to pump for a preemie in NICU. Also, a friend tried to use oils topically on her scar a few days after her surgery and the oils dissolved the dermabond glue and her incision reopened, so I’d absolutely use caution using them topically… Check with your midwife or doctor to be sure though…
I believe the healing and anti infection efficacy of the oils would still be valuable applying directly next to the incision, without getting any on the glue or stitches.
Hi Katie,
I’m curious about your experience with the After Ease tincture. Did you refuse the pain meds altogether during recovery and just use AfterEase + motrin? And did you find that to be sufficient? I’m getting ready for a c-section in a few weeks and am trying to prepare myself as best possible. I would rather not take pain meds but don’t know if that’s a good idea and am trying to figure out what better options would be.
Thank you!
I did refuse the pain meds (and the Benadryl because I reacted to one of the medications used during surgery but it can reduce milk supply). I took the after ease and motrin and was fine.
thanks so much for your reply! I’ve read that Bromelain can be great for pain too, so I’m planning to try that + after ease instead of the meds. Hopefully that will suffice and recovery will be quick. To prepare my body, I’m already taking zinc & vitamin C (on top of my prenatals, probiotics & cod liver oil), and then after surgery adding in bromelain + after ease for pain, which is an overwhelming amount of supplements for me but I’m hoping it pays off in the end!
Hai I had emergency c section in 8th month ago. It was also my first birth and scar give me some trouble healing inside and also stretch marks in lower abdominal best, hips what can I do please tell me
I have had 2 c-sections, the most recent being 18 months ago. Is it too late to do the scar massage? Lynn mentioned checking the scar for 2 years and I’m thinking I passed my window of opportunity.
You could definitely still try it. It shouldn’t hurt anything 🙂
Hello, Thank you for this! I had an emergency c-section 7 months ago. I was also very emotionally and physically scarred. I’m still having aftermath problems now with my scar and inside of my tummy. Doctors have given up on me and referred me to gynecology. Anything I could do to treat inside naturally? Also, my scar is probably twice as big as the lady on the video, it goes from m right hip, right the way to my left. It is HUGE, so would I massage it in sections?
A non related question…
Did any of you have a vaginal after a c-section? I really want a natural birth but terrified of scar rupture. I just want to do it naturally.
Thank you
Hello, I AM so going to try this. I had my first emergency c-section 7 months ago. It was also my first birth and the scar still gives me trouble. On the video the ladies scar looks TINY compared to mine, mine goes from one side of my hip to the other. How would I massage this? In sections?
Has anyone got any remedies for healing inside? I’m still getting issues, I take golden milk a few times a week incase it’s an infection but doctors practically gave up on me, still getting quite bad abdominal pain etc.
Not a related question but has anyone had a vaginal birth after a c-section? I’m dying to have a natural birth, what I always wanted. Thanks.
I had 5 c-sections and never once was even offered antibiotics. So I am not sure what hospitals you are thinking about.
It is my understanding that all abdominal surgeries, and most surgeries for that matter require “preventative” antibiotics, which are generally included with the IV or anesthetic depending on the details of your surgery. It is highly unlikely you did not receive antibiotics, but you can ask for your records to confirm.
During C-section, women take a lot of antobiotics during the process and more after to help prevent infection. What women often forget is that antibiotics can kill most of the good bacteria in our gut which helps is have good health. I’d say it helps if they also start taking probiotics after birth to help their digestive system also recover.
Thank u so much I have had 4 c sections n I have never done any thing mentioned above to help in quick recovery but am planning to get the 5 c section however I will apply all the tips I have learnt in this blog to heal faster.Thanks and GOd bless u
I have had 4 c-sections. The first was an emergency, because my son got the umbilical cord wrapped around his throat. That was terrifying, especially since I had never in my life had a surgery before. The other three were planned, and really did make things easier. Recovery is not fun. Its not easy. It hurts a ton and there are so many reasons throughout the day to get up and have to do something. I agree with all of the tips you mentioned, but a HUGE thing to remember is that this is so temporary, and it really does get better, especially when you have more than two sections. Use the little pillow the doctor gives you when you sneeze and cough…you will really need it! And to any one who criticizes us for getting c-sections, if they really really really offend me, I find a way to gently remind them that I will never need a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, and I really hope they don’t either. 🙂
How childish. I found your comment helpful until the end. Im exhausted living here with humans as petty as this. Dear Creator we need you more then ever.
Wow, what a God-send. I have had 5 c-sections. My last was 9 months ago at the almost age of 42. I never knew I should massage the scar. I hate even touching the scar as it is still a bit tender. I am going to try this out. I know this time my uterus has not gone down like it should. Any recommendations on that?
Thank you!
I also love that you are not ripping on people who have these. I had no choice. My first I did just a local anesthetic c-section (torture) The rest I was under general as I can’t have a spinal. So yes those drugs got in my breast milk but it was still better then formula. And my lovely hubby had those babies nursing before I was even awake yet from surgery.