Your postpartum recovery kit: Feel your best after a C-section

Giving birth—no matter how you give birth—is one of the most incredible and physically demanding experiences of your entire life. That means it’s super rewarding, but also can be challenging to recover from, especially where C-sections are concerned. Recovery from a Cesarean birth takes about eight weeks acutely, though we often say it takes a full year to recover from pregnancy and birth fully.

We’re sure you (and everyone else) will be busy attending to the baby’s every need. And while that’s great, we also want to make sure that YOU are being taken care of as well.

In The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama, we have an entire chapter about C-sections (and another one about recovering from birth). Here’s what you need to know to have the best possible postpartum recovery after a C-section (along with our favorite products to help the process).

How long will I bleed after a C-section?

Women typically bleed for about six weeks after birth. Many people are actually surprised to learn that this includes C-section births. The primary cause of post-birth bleeding is that the place where the placenta was attached in your uterus is a wound that needs to heal—and as it does, and as your uterus shrinks back down to its pre-pregnancy size, it bleeds.

The bleeding will start heavy and taper off over the course of a few weeks.

Why do I still look pregnant after my C-section?

It is very normal to still “look pregnant” after you give birth. In fact, it may be this way for weeks. This is because your uterus needs time to contract back down to its pre-pregnancy size, a process that can take about six weeks. Be gentle with yourself—it is said that the volume of the uterus expands 500 times during pregnancy, so it only makes sense that those pre-pregnancy clothes will take a while to fit. And speaking of which, let’s talk baby weight for a second.

“Baby weight” is different from an enlarged uterus; during and after your pregnancy, your body holds onto water and fat differently in order to best accommodate your baby and body’s needs. Now I know that in our society, we have a major aversion to the concept of baby weight (and feel strong pressure to “bounce back”), but mama, what if you could flip the script? What if you could look at your softness with pride and love?

If you want to lose the weight, you will. But right now, as you recover, could you just… recover? Could you love yourself with the same admiration that your baby does? Because I promise you that they love every inch of you.

Does recovering from a C-section hurt?

You will have some level of discomfort as you recover from your C-section, but the amount will vary. I’ll share some of the causes of discomfort, but please keep this important fact in mind: You do not have to just suffer through this. If you are in pain, reach out for help. If you are still in the hospital, push that call bell and ask for your nurse. If you are home, call your OB or midwife. You do not have to deal with excessive pain, mama.

Cramping

For the first few days after your birth, you may experience some uncomfortable cramping (especially when you breastfeed) for the first few days. This is because when your baby latches to your breast, the oxytocin hormone is released, which makes your uterus contract (or cramp). This is actually a good thing since it helps your uterus shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size, but it can feel like menstrual cramps. This is again, totally normal—and won’t last forever, we promise!

Sore breasts

Whether or not you are nursing, your breasts are probably pretty tender these days, as your body adjusts to milk production (and your new little suckling). This is not forever—you’ll feel better soon (but if you’re concerned, call a lactation consultant!).

Incision

It will take about six weeks for your incision to heal, and will likely be at least a little painful while it does. You may go home from the hospital with Steri Strips (little paper bandages) covering your incision, or you may have staples, which will need to be removed in a few days.

Hemorrhoids

Ah, hemorrhoids, everyone’s favorite “congratulations on having a baby” gift. Whether you got them from pushing before a C-section was called, or simply from carrying around a growing baby, you now likely have them, and possible some discomfort from them.

What symptoms should I look out for?

We hope your recovery is totally uneventful. But just in case, here are some big things to look out for. If you do have them, call your doctor or midwife right away (even if it’s 2 am):

• Multiple vaginal blood clots, or a blood clot that the size of a golf ball
• Heavy vaginal bleeding that fills a pad in an hour or two
• Lower belly tenderness
• Redness or drainage at your incision site
• Fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above)
• Foul smelling or green/yellow vaginal discharge
• Severe headache
• Blurry or spotty vision
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Sharp pain in an area of your body (usually the leg) accompanied by warmth, redness and hardness
• Sharp or shooting breast pain, especially if accompanied by a hard spot, redness or a fever
• Feeling very sad or anxious, disconnected from your baby, not enjoying life, feeling excessively tired or worrying about things often*

*If you feel like you want to hurt yourself or the baby, you can call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

So now that you know a bit more about what your recovery will feel like, let’s talk about some of our favorite products to help get you through it.

Bodily

Belly Band

•

$50

You need support in all the ways right now, mama. The double-layer belly wraps from Bodily provide targeted compression to help support your belly and lower back as you heal and regain strength postpartum. With velcro to customize the fit and a soft but structured design, it keeps you stabilized without feeling too constricted.

SHOP

Nipple ointment

$23.99

As your nipples adjust to breastfeeding, they may be a bit raw. Ointment or nipple butter can be a total game changer—just remember, if it hurts when your baby latches, it’s a good idea to call a lactation consultant to make sure nothing more serious is going on.

SHOP

Bodily

C-Kit

•

$90

Another option? Leave it to the pros. The C-Kit from Bodily has all the things you’ll need to care for your body after birth. From postpartum bleeding to incision care, it’s filled with expert-approved essentials including their belly band, incision-friendly postpartum underwear, maxi pads, mesh undies (a life saver!) and even some educational materials to guide you through the early days and weeks.

SHOP

Water bottle

$30

Staying hydrated is going to help almost every aspect of your postpartum healing, especially when it comes to pooping. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and eating foods with fiber so you don’t have to strain when you go to the bathroom (that makes hemorrhoids worse). If you are taking iron for anemia, know that it can cause some constipation, so ask your doctor for a stool softener to go along with it.

SHOP

Pads

$12.99

Plan on wearing pads for weeks after you give birth. It’s a smart idea to stock up on different sizes so that you are prepared as your bleeding tapers off. Since you’ll be wearing them for a while, you may want to consider investing in organic pads that feel extra gentle.

SHOP

Disposable underwear

$14.99

Sometimes a pad can bunch up and be uncomfortable, but these disposable undies don’t! Frida Mom totally gets it and made the perfect stretchy boy shorts that you can use with confidence—and then throw away.

SHOP

Oversized underwear

$32

Comfortable underwear is key. It can be hard to find underwear that doesn’t rub your incision. Thankfully, these lovely undies exist and are a favorite of C-section mamas! They are high-wasted so nothing rubs your incision.

SHOP

Breast pad gels

$7.98

As your breasts adjust to having your milk come in, they may be a bit uncomfortable. Cooling pads can provide a ton of relief in between nursing sessions. But remember, if your breasts hurt, call a lactation consultant. And if you also have a fever, call you midwife or OB—it could be mastitis.

SHOP

Witch hazel pads

$6.98

Tucks pads are my absolute favorite for pregnancy and birth induced hemorrhoids. Fold a pad in half and tuck it in between your butt cheeks for instant relief.

SHOP

Related Stories

Health & Wellness

Yes, you need ‘Butt Stuff’ by Megababe—your hemorrhoids will thank you

Postpartum Products

As a second-time mama, these are the 21 items I have for my postpartum recovery

Postpartum Products

14 nursing shirts that feel anything but frumpy

After navigating the intense experience of giving birth, especially through a Cesarean section, your recovery comfort becomes a top priority. While your body heals and adjusts, having the right essentials can make a world of difference. Consider putting together a C-section recovery kit with all the must-have items to support your healing journey. From soothing creams and comfortable clothing to aids for breastfeeding and managing discomfort, assembling a comprehensive kit ensures you have everything you need within reach. Explore our recommendations for C-section essentials that can ease your recovery process and promote comfort and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions about C-Section Recovery

How long will I bleed after a C-section?

Bleeding after a C-section typically lasts for about six weeks. This bleeding, known as lochia, is a normal part of the postpartum recovery process for both vaginal and cesarean births. It starts off heavy and gradually decreases over time as your body sheds the uterine lining. It’s essential to use postpartum pads during this time and to monitor the bleeding to ensure it remains within normal limits.

Why do I still look pregnant after my C-section?

It’s common for individuals who have undergone a C-section to retain a “pregnant” appearance for several weeks after giving birth. This is primarily due to the gradual process of the uterus contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size. Additionally, factors such as postpartum swelling and the redistribution of abdominal fat can contribute to the continued protrusion of the abdomen. It’s important to give your body time to heal and recover, and wearing supportive postpartum garments can help provide comfort and gentle compression as your body adjusts.

Does recovering from a C-section hurt?

Recovery from a C-section involves some degree of discomfort, but the level of pain varies among individuals. Common sources of discomfort during C-section recovery include cramping, sore breasts, incision pain, and hemorrhoids. However, it’s essential to note that excessive pain should not be ignored. If you experience severe or persistent pain, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and support. They can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate interventions to manage your discomfort effectively.

What symptoms should I look out for during C-section recovery?

While most individuals recover from a C-section without complications, it’s essential to be aware of potential warning signs that may indicate a problem. Symptoms to watch for include heavy vaginal bleeding, lower belly tenderness, redness or drainage at the incision site, fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sharp pain in the leg, breast pain, and significant mood changes such as feeling very sad or anxious. If you experience any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and treatment.