Unpopular opinion: after you give birth you’re going to need more gear than the baby. Especially if you have a c section. You’re going to need allllllll the c section recovery resources. And gear. And lots of stuff you don’t even know you need yet. Trust me.
I’m talking giant undies, maxi pads the size of small canoes, and great resources that you can reference throughout your article.
I’ve put together a big ‘ole list of all of my all-time favorite c section recovery resources & essential items just to make your c section recovery (and life as a new mom) a little bit easier.
The Ultimate C Section Recovery Timeline
Ok, my ultimate c section recovery essential is a simple, easy to read ebook. But don’t let the word “book” intimidate you, it’s simply a few pages packed with practical advice from a mom who’s had two c sections:
me!
I put together The Ultimate C Section Recovery Timeline after I finished recovering from second c section. Because I wanted to remember when I would start feeling better and what I could do to help myself heal, just in case I ever had another c section.
Eventually I turned my scribbled notes into a much better looking book just for you!
Free c section recovery email series
In the spring of 2020 I started sending weekly emails out for moms who were interested in just c section & VBAC tips.
I call it The C Section Minute because you can read each email in about a minute. They’re short & sweet but packed with information just for your c section recovery.
This is a great way for new moms to get weekly notes of encouragement, advice, and helpful reminders along their postpartum journey.
If you’re interested, sign up below and also get your free copy of the four keys to a successful c section recovery!
C Section Recovery Facebook Group
C section moms are among the toughest when it comes to motherhood. And it’s so important for c section moms to know they aren’t alone.
It’s important for you to know you aren’t alone.
That’s why I run an intimate Facebook group just for c section moms. The group is intended to provide support and encouragement during your c section recovery.
You’ll also find some great resources for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) if that’s something that interests.
The group is private so you can feel free to comment and ask questions without everyone in your Facebook feed seeing it! Click here to request to join.
C Section Podcast
The Empowering C Sections podcast is a great resource for c section moms. The host Kimberly (a friend and fellow c section blogger) has had 2 unplanned c sections, 1 VBAC and has a ton of passion for helping c section moms.
More c section recovery articles
8 Killer tips for your C Section Recovery: my best tips to help you on the road to recovery
Breastfeeding After a C Section: there are a few tricks that can make this easier for you
C Section Recovery Kit: all of the essentials you need for your c section recovery
C Section Yeast Infection: everything you need to know about a possible yeast infection
Birth Disappointment after a C Section: it’s ok to grieve your c section
The One Thing That Completely Changed my C Section Recovery: it’s a super easy trick
The first 48 hours of C Section Recovery: a deep dive into the early hours after your c section
The C Section Recovery Blueprint: gain the confidence you need for a speedy c section recovery
Updated Summer 2020 – The C Section Recovery Timeline
the complete guide to easing the pain of c section recovery
C Section Recovery Essentials
I’m going to be straight up honest with you. There are a handful of items that will help you with your c section recovery and I highly recommend them.
I’m sure by now you’ve stocked up on the postpartum basics like maxi pads and nipple cream, but you’re going to want these c section specific items. Trust me.
Giant Underwear: believe me when I say you do not want anything rubbing your incision, it will be very tender for a while and you’ll want underwear that go well past your belly button.
I recommend sizing up one or two sizes to accommodate your belly, which will still be swollen and large after your c section.
C Section Recovery Underwear: I used to think these were some sort of marketing scam but they’re actually genius! The c section underwear help hold your tender abdominal muscles in place while protecting your incision.
I wore these after my second c section and the difference was night and day. I wasn’t as sore as long and I was able to be on my feet more. I recommend waiting to wear this until your stomach is less swollen, maybe around the 7-10 day mark.
C Section Recovery Belt: This will help to support your tender abdominal muscles, and believe me when I say you will want all the support you can get!
Here’s a pro-tip: only wear this belt when you are standing up. If you wear it sitting down you’re at risk of restricting your tummy and could cause gas to get trapped in your already delicate system. The only thing worse than your c section pain will be gas pain. So stick to wearing the belt when you’re up and about.
No-slip socks: Do NOT let yourself slip – even a little bit – on the floor while you’re walking. It will be the most surprising, worst tinge of pain you can imagine. Like, you’ll be saying curse words that would make a sailor blush, ok?!
Get yourself some no-slip socks. Yes, you’ll feel like you’re 82. But when you can walk in the kitchen without worry about slipping, you’ll thank me.
Heating Pad: A heating pad will ease your sore tummy muscles. I wouldn’t recommend a hot water bottle because of the weight of it, I’m not sure that would feel great on your incision. Stick to a heating pad, even though the cord will be annoying.
Pillows: all the pillow, everywhere. I’m not even going to link any pillows here because I know you’ve got 27 throw pillows on the bed that your husband teases you about. Use them.
Use them to nurse. Use them to sleep. Use them to press into your incision when you’re laughing. Or sneezing. Or coughing. And if you don’t have that many pillows lying around, get some! They will be your best friend. Trust me.
The C Section Recovery Blueprint: Get you a plan, ok? No more late night googling. No more crying in the shower because you’re in pain and you don’t know what to do. Get the blueprint – it has everything you need.
Are there more c section resources that could help you? Drop a comment and let me know!
