Here’s a little known fact: 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.
I’m talking giant undies, maxi pads the size of small canoes, and all the c section help you can get.
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
The 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 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!
The C Section Recovery Program
a week-by-week guide to help you overcome the fear of your c section recovery
C Section Recovery Facebook SUPPORT 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, as well as postpartum mental health support from Kimberly of BearfootMama.
The group is private so you can feel free to comment and ask questions without everyone in your Facebook feed seeing it!
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 you have them on hand as soon as you get home from the hospital.
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.
Linked below is the c section panty I used. One feature I liked about the Upspring C Section Panty is the silicon patch that lays against your incision. It’s cooling and soothing without bothering your tender incision.
I recommend waiting to wear this until your stomach is less swollen, maybe around the 7-10 day mark.
C Section Recovery Belt: A c section recovery belt 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. I’ve linked the c section recovery belt that I have personally tested and recommend:
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.
For the complete list of all the c section recovery must-have items to have in your house, drop your email below and grab you FREE copy of The C Section Recovery checklist.
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
