A Caesarean section, or 'C-section', is a major surgery that can bring about a lot of emotional and physical changes for a new Mum. However, it's important to remember that a C-section is a relatively safe and common method of birthing a baby - either by choice or when birth hasn’t gone to plan leaving no option but to head for the theatre. This can be a life-saving operation but, like all surgery, it does have associated risks and the decision should never be taken lightly. Thankfully, we live in a country where we have such medical expertise and life saving treatments available when needed.
With C-section birth on the rise in developed countries it scares me to think that recovery following this major surgery is not taken seriously and women are expected to 'get on with things' whilst adjusting to life with a newborn and the flurry of emotions, work, exhaustion and visitors that comes with it.
Women who undergo this major surgery are rarely offered a care plan. Not informing women about how to care for their scar and how to manipulate the tissue to prevent further issues which can be debilitating in later life is a huge error by care providers.
There are many benefits to scar massage and we will explore them further in this post but first let’s look at mindset. Many women find themselves feeling detached from their scar. Numbness, tingling, and strange sensations can occur during the healing process and the area may take months to feel normal again. This can be off putting for some women and they find they can’t bring themselves to look or touch the area.
These are very normal feelings to have especially if birth was traumatic and if you feel your scarring or surgery is affecting your mental health in any way please seek support with this.
Introducing Jess Young
I recently caught up with Jess Young from Your Therapy - a CBT and EMDR therapist who looks after many women who have experienced trauma and suffer with anxiety.
‘’If you do feel anxiety or disgust towards your scarring then you can firstly ease yourself into touching an area on your tummy that you can tolerate. After a while, move closer to the scar when you feel ready. Then, increase the amount of time you spend in that area until you feel more comfortable. This will help you advance to massaging the scar’ when you feel ready’’. - Jess Young
How can I embrace my scar?
Your C-section scar is a physical reminder of the incredible journey you and your baby went through. It's a badge of motherhood and a symbol of the strength and resilience you possess.
Allow yourself time to heal: It's important to give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally. Don't be too hard on yourself if you're not feeling your best. Remember, healing takes time.
Connect with other mothers: Joining a support group or online community of mothers who have had C-sections can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you're going through. You'll find that you're not alone in your feelings and experiences.
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is crucial for healing and coping with the changes. This can include getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Physical therapy: this can help you regain strength and improve range of motion in the area of your scar. It can also help you regain your confidence in your body.
Be proud of your story: Every mother's journey is unique and special, and your C-section is a part of that story. Be proud of the way you brought your baby into the world and don't let anyone make you feel ashamed.
Remember, you are a strong and capable mum, and your C-section scar is a testament to the love and sacrifice you have for your children. Embrace it, and don't be afraid to ask for support if you need it. You got this, mama!
Why do I need to massage my scar?
Firstly, you need to wait until the incision has healed before attempting to massage the scar tissue but you can in the first few weeks learn how to adjust your mindset to having this scar heal from surgery.
C-section scar massage has several benefits, including:
Reducing pain and discomfort associated with the scar: Massaging the scar can help to reduce tension and discomfort in the area.
Improving range of motion: Massaging the scar can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the surrounding tissue.
Improving the appearance of the scar: Massaging the scar can help to soften and smooth the tissue, which may make the scar less visible.
Reducing scar tissue formation: Massaging the scar can help to break down and prevent the formation of excessive scar tissue, which can restrict movement and cause pain.
It's important to start massaging the scar 6-8 weeks after surgery, and it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional who has experience working with c-section scars. Although as an experienced therapist I’m on hand to massage at your postnatal appointment, it is just as important that you treat it yourself as part of your daily routine for optimal recovery.
Introducing Debra Seary
If you are unsure of how to massage the area and want to learn more, Debra Seary from Mis Fit Mammas who is a Holistic Core Restore coach & Scar Massage Therapist runs a fantastic C-Section Recovery workshop which is worth attending.
The workshop is packed full of information on how to care for your scar. You'll learn things like:
How your recovery differs from a vaginal birth recovery
Breathing and mobility to help with core recovery
Discover what scar massage and some techniques that you can use on yourself to manage your scar
Learn ways in which we can nutritionally and emotionally support our body to heal
‘’It's important that once the scar has formed e.g the wound has closed and the scab has gone, to get used to gently stroking your scar area, this may just be above and below at first. As time goes by and your scar feels less sensitive a deeper massage can be added. Receptors in the skin respond to different types of touch and may help reduce prolonged scar sensitivity and encourage lymph and blood flow. As your scar will continue to remodel and mature over the first two years, both movement and massage is helpful to encourage the scar to move and stretch and help avoid tightness, promote function and strength’’. - Debra Seary
Debra’s workshops tend to book up fast! Click here and register for her next session.
Recovering from a C-section is not an easy journey - but it is a journey that can be navigated with support, patience, and self-care. C-section mothers are strong and resilient, and they deserve to be celebrated for the beautiful and life-giving experience they have undergone.
I'd like to remind all the mothers out there that they are not alone. Reach out to your loved ones for support, trust your instincts, and be gentle with yourself. Your healing takes time, and with the right care, you will soon be back to your old self, stronger and more empowered than ever. Let us continue to support and uplift each other in our journey towards C-section recovery.
If you have any wise words of advice for new mums following their surgery, please comment below and share.
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Thanks for Reading!
Terri Irvin
Owner & Founder
Time: Bump & Beyond