Cesarean Delivery Recovery

Makenzie Villiva, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Rehabilitation Services of Stafford

Have you had a c-section delivery? This article is for you! During recovery from c-section delivery, it is common to develop shallow breathing patterns due to pain and to experience discomfort around your scar.

Shallow breathing patterns reduce core muscle activation. Practicing deep breathing exercises 1-2x per day can help improve core muscle strength, bring blood flow to your scar area, and gently massage your internal organs as you heal.

You can practice deep breathing laying down or seated in a supported and comfortable position. Place one hand on your stomach. Take a deep breath in, feeling your stomach expand against your hand. Slowly breathe out, gently flattening your abdomen and drawing your belly button in towards your spine.

There are ways you can begin caring for your c-section scar as soon as you return home. Post-partum weeks 0-2, you can ice your scar 2-3x per day using a clean towel around the ice. It is important to keep the incision dry! Avoid tight underwear/pants. You can also spend time lying flat every day for 2 minutes, 2-3x per day to gently elongate your abdomen as it heals.

At 6 weeks post-partum, you can begin massaging your c-section scar using simple techniques. Massage helps to improve the flexibility and appearance of your scar. You are safe to begin massage at home during an uneventful c-section recovery. If your incision is not healed after 6 weeks, you experienced an infection, or other complications over the course of your surgical healing process, consult with your doctor before trying scar massage.

Before getting started, make sure you have clean hands and use little to no lotion. Lay comfortably on your back with a pillow under your knees. Place your fingers 2-3 inches above your scar. Using very slight pressure, gently move your fingers up and down. Continue making up and down motions around the entire perimeter of the scar. You can repeat this process moving your fingers side to side and making circular motions with your fingers. Massage completely around the scar with each of these three movements 5-10 times.