Common Post-Partum Pain Part 2 of 4

C-section pain

Another common pain new moms may experience post-partum is pain from a c-section. Not all moms had a csection, so if you didnt, you can skip this blog and move to the next. But, this information may help a friend or someone else. <3

The number one rule with a c-section.

REST.

• Boo, you not only spent the last 9 months growing a human. You then had MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY to remove said being from your body. Then the American healthcare system decides after 3-4 days in the hospital you’re shined up good as new and you go home to care for yourself and keep this little crying sack of potatoes alive… really?

• Usually you also have lifting restrictions, so no carrying this baby who only wants you or the baby carrier. insert eye roll

Alright, Ill get off my soapbox. But seriously, rest.

Other pro tips:

• Lay flat.

  • Find time every day, preferably a couple times a day to lay flat.

    • We dont want you scar healing in a shortened position with you constantly hunched over keeping the tiny human alive or because its painful to stretch the scar.

    • Within reason, stand up straight. Lay flat, get the upright posture back. It easier to prevent it than come to a pelvic PT and we fix it later.

• Log roll.

  • Listen to the Kvara podcast on this for a verbal explanation or click here for a written explanation.

    • It protects your incision and reduces pain with getting out of bed.

• Pillow brace.

  • Use a throw pillow, or any pillow, held against your incision when your cough/sneeze to help brace the reflexive abdominal contraction and reduce pain.

• Self-Massage

  • Until your scar is healed, you can still help with lymphatic flow/ swelling around the scar. You can do small circiular movements around the bandage/ glue ect. Once your OBGYN gives the ok, you can do gentle small circles over the scar itself.

• Silicone scar tape

  • This helps the scar remodel and reduce sensitivity and reduce appearance of the scar.

    • With OBGYN clearance, usually around 4-6 weeks you can use this without issue. All the scabbing needs to be gone.

• Sidelying breast feeding

  • Moms with c-sections thrive using sidelying breastfeeding.

    • You can use that pillow against your scar to help support your abdomen and position baby. WIN-WIN!

Part 3 is covering general abdominal pain and rib/ upper back pain.