C-Section Recovery
JRM Physiotherapist Esther Gallick gave birth to her son by c-section in 2023. Here she talks about the surgery and recovery process.
Why might a c-section be used for your birth?
Common reasons why medical professionals and mums may consider c-sections over a vaginal birth are listed below:
- mum’s medical health
- position of baby
- shape of uterus / position of placenta
- lack of progression during a vaginal birth
- change in circumstances causing risk to baby or mum
There are many reasons why women end up having an emergency C-section or opt for an elective C-section. For me it was a combination of medical recommendation and personal choice over how I wanted the birth to go. Every method of birth has its own recovery pathway, no two births are the same and no two mummies have the same expectations and goals for their post-partum recovery.
It’s important that you move at your own pace. Your family and friends will advise what they think you should and shouldn’t be doing but remember: you know your body best. Common advice often given to mummies post C-section is “don’t lift anything heavier than your baby for 6 weeks” this is so generic and raises more questions than it answers.
What if I have another young child/toddler that needs tending to? How do you explain to them that mummy can’t pick them up?
What happens when your significant other goes back to work?
What happens to housework like laundry if you’re a single parent or you don’t have a support network?
As soon as you put your baby in a car seat or pram your baby is heavier than your baby!
So it’s important to know your limits and how to move and lift safely in order to maximise your recovery and keep your sanity. Having an appointment with physiotherapist before giving birth can help by discussing practical advice and exercises that you can start after giving birth. When you are ready, a Mummy MOT appointment can assess and identify any issues that may impede your recovery, as well as provide a tailored rehabilitation plan to maximise your recovery and return to normal activities and exercise.
Here’s a useful video on C-Section Scar massage that we posted on our social media channels (opens Instagram video).
