How To Care For Your C-Section Scar: A Comprehensive Guide to Postpartum Healing
How To Care For Your C-Section Scar: A Comprehensive Guide to Postpartum Healing
Embracing the journey of motherhood often involves learning to handle the aftermath of a C-section, where incision scars become a part of the experience. This blog post aims to empower mothers with the knowledge and tools necessary for optimal healing, ensuring a more comfortable and confident postpartum recovery.
Section 1: Immediate Care For Your C-section Scar
Caring for your C-section scar begins with addressing inflammation and preventing scar tissue build-up. To achieve this, regular icing of the incision is recommended every 2-3 hours for 10-12 minutes during the initial five weeks post-C-section. I bought frozen bags of peas and placed a clean dish drying towel/ flour sack towel over it to created a barrier between the cold and the skin. When the peas thawed out, I just tossed them back in freezer to refreeze and use again later.
The use of compression garments (my favorite is Bao Bei Body) (use code empoweryourpelvis for a discount) after birth is my favorite type of support for c-section and vaginal birthing moms. It is something I strongly suggest them purchasing PRIOR to delivery to have ready to go.
Silicone scar sheets further aids in reducing pain, swelling, and promoting normal wound healing. I do not suggest our patients use these until their doctor has told them their scar has healed. Usually around 8 weeks to 6 months is an ideal time for the silicone sheets to be used as seen in research.
Important: You should be keeping an eye out for infection within your c-section scar. Most postoperative infections are discovered 4 to 7 days after surgery. I have seen this happen to patents of ours in the clinic, so call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
Discharge (white, green, brown, or yellow fluid) Hardening of tissues
Fever
Tenderness
Redness
In my professional opinion, I would rather you be safe than sorry. It is always best to call your doc with what you are noticing than to think you will give it time.
Section 2: C-section Scar Tissue Desensitization
Many c-section moms experience sensitivity or numbness around their scar, which can cause discomfort. This happens when nerves are cut during the c-section. C-section scar tissue desensitization is a simple yet effective technique involving textures of varying softness. Fabrics like cotton, silk, felt, and even rougher materials like jeans or sandpaper are gently rubbed against the skin around the scar area. This is not to be done on top of the scar until after your doc releases you. This can be done 1-2 times a day starting a week after the C-section, helps reduce sensitivity and restore sensation. This is a gentle pressure with the fabrics across the tissue. Similar pressure as if you were petting your dog. Creating a basket of fabrics for easy access during nursing or feeding sessions is a convenient way to incorporate this into your routine. Since I was feeding my baby often throughout the day, I could easily remember to grab a piece of fabric out of the supply cart next to my recliner and touch my tissue.
Section 3: C-section Scar Mobilization
Scar tissue is like an ice berg. We can see the incision on top, just like the ice above water. But it’s hard to see what’s happening below. Scar tissue has no boundaries and will latch on to anything. Think of scar tissue like roots of a plant. Roots will shoot out and grow in all directions. Because of this, it is important to work on the scar tissue (tissue above and below the scar too) to make sure sit is moving in all directions to prevent pain, complications, and improve the scar's appearance. Scar tissue can bind to internal organs, impacting future pregnancies.
I recommend my new moms start this by setting a timer for 1-2 minutes every other day and then increasing it to 3-5 minutes if they can find the time to do so. I also like to have my patients start this around 4 weeks postpartum. Click HERE for a FREE download with pics to show you how to do it!
In conclusion, the journey to healing your C-section scar is a personal and ongoing process. Regardless of when your C-section took place, taking the time to follow these steps can significantly contribute to your well-being and recovery. Embrace the opportunity to care for yourself, and remember, it's never too late to prioritize the healing of your C-section scar. Best of luck on your recovery journey, ladies!