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Fourth Trimester

C-Section Recovery: Our Top 5 Essentials

Article By
Sonni-Ann
Published On
26 Mar, 2025
Read Time
7 minutes

Welcoming your baby via a C-section is a significant event, and your post-operative recovery is just as crucial.  

To help make those first postpartum weeks a bit easier, we've put together this guide highlighting key post-caesarean recovery products and essential bits and pieces to have on hand after your operation. This will allow you to focus on what truly matters: your healing and bonding with your new baby. 

What should you have ready at home after a C-section?   

Recovering from a caesarean requires particular care and comfort items to help you along. It's important to pay attention to your body and not overdo it during your post-operative healing. 

It's always a good idea to discuss your recovery with your GP or midwife, as they might have further suggestions based on your specific needs. 

Post C-section essentials: Our top 5 

Although postpartum recovery is very personal and different for every parent, these five essentials may make the process more comfortable and manageable. 

1. Comfy things to wear

  • High-waisted underwear: Having several pairs of underwear that sit comfortably above your caesarean incision is essential. These provide gentle support, minimise rubbing and irritation, and help to securely hold maternity pads. Look for soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton. 
  • Nursing bras and comfortable tops: If you intend to breastfeed or express breast milk, invest in comfortable and supportive nursing bras that offer easy one-handed access. Tops designed for nursing and button-down shirts are very handy when breastfeeding.  
  • Loose, comfortable bottoms: It's best to avoid any clothing that is tight or restrictive around your abdominal area. Opt for soft, stretchy, and loose-fitting options like high-waisted leggings or tracksuit pants, flowing maxi dresses or skirts.  
  • Slip-on shoes or sandals: Choose footwear that can be easily put on and taken off with minimal bending. 

2. Feeding and baby-care equipment   

  • Comfortable pillow: If you've had a C-section, a good nursing pillow will help position your baby comfortably while they feed, without putting pressure on your incision. Look for a firm, supportive pillow that wraps around your waist.  
  • Nappy bin: Our Twist & Click nappy bins help make disposing of dirty nappies easier and save you making multiple trips to the outside bin. 
  • Bottle prep machines: Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep® machines make formula feeds, fast, and can be a real help if you’re recovering from a C-section and formula feeding your baby. If you’re feeding your baby expressed breast milk, a breast pump and a bottle warmer will come in handy.  

Explore the Range

Newborn Essentials

3. Postpartum must-haves to keep close by 

  • Easy-to-grab water bottle and snacks: Keep water (a bottle with a straw is a good idea) and some healthy nibbles (like muesli bars, fruit, nuts, or biccies) close by so you don't have to push yourself or keep getting up when you're tired and sore. 
  • A little basket or tub: Keep your must-haves like painkillers, snacks, phone charger, the remote, and lip balm in a little basket or tub that you can easily move from your bed to the couch. This means less bending and reaching.  

4. Pain relief and personal hygiene 

  • Pain relief: Keeping on top of the pain is key to recovery after your C-section. You'll probably feel a bit sore and will be given pain relief in the hospital, and they'll tell you what to take, and when, once you are back home (usually Panadol or Nurofen if you're breastfeeding, but steer clear of aspirin or anything with codeine unless you've had a chat with your doctor).  
  • Sanitary pads: You'll experience postpartum bleeding and discharge (lochia), similar to a vaginal birth, which will gradually lessen over several weeks. 
  • Peri bottle (squirt bottle): Even though they're usually for after a vaginal birth, a squirt bottle can be pretty handy after a C-section too. It lets you gently rinse yourself after you go to the toilet without having to bend over and wipe.  

4: 5. Support system 

This isn't something you can buy, but having a good support network of family and friends after the baby arrives is crucial for a smooth recovery from your C-section. Having people who can lend a hand with bits around the house like cooking, looking after other kids (if you've got them), and just being there for you emotionally makes a massive difference.  

Remember, don't be shy about saying yes when people offer to help out. 

Key C-section recovery tips

  1. Prioritise rest: Make sure you have adequate support at home so that you can get the rest you need.
  2. Maintain gentle movement: Light activity is recommended to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
  3. Avoid heavy lifting: You shouldn't lift anything heavier than your baby during the first few weeks.
  4. Wear comfortable clothes: Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear that won’t irritate your incision.
  5. Hygiene: Keep your surgical wound clean and dry and contact your midwife or GP if you notice any indicators of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or fever.
  6. Pain relief: Take pain medication as needed and as advised by your healthcare professional.
  7. Don't drive: Do not operate a vehicle until your GP has told you it’s safe to do so, typically around four to six weeks postpartum.
  8. Driving: Don't drive until your GP has confirmed it is safe to do so, usually around 6 weeks.
  9. Consider contraception: Fertility can return at any time following birth, even while breastfeeding, so use contraception if you're not planning another one soon.

Throughout your recovery, focus on what you can do, not what you can't.

Celebrate small steps in your recovery, and always follow the specific advice given to you by your healthcare team.

How long does it take to take to heal from a C-section?

Recovering from a C-section is a significant journey, and it's okay to take your time and be gentle with yourself. Here's a more in-depth look at what the healing process might feel like. 

First 6 weeks 

  • Those first few weeks: You might find yourself feeling quite tender around your incision. Simple movements like getting in and out of bed, taking gentle steps, or even a little laugh or cough might feel a bit sore. 
  • Around 2-4 weeks: You'll likely start to notice a gentle easing of the first pain. Moving around might feel a little less challenging, and you might not need pain relief quite as often. Remember, though, your body is still doing a lot of work internally, so it's important to continue taking things gently and avoiding any heavy lifting – your newborn is the only weight you should be carrying right now. 
  • Your 6-week check-up: This is a key milestone where your GP or obstetrician will check in on how you're doing and how your incision is healing. If things are progressing well, they might give you the go-ahead to gradually start reintroducing more of your usual activities, at a pace that feels right for you. 

Beyond 6 weeks 

  • Healing inside: While your skin might look like it's healing by 6 weeks, the deeper layers and your womb are still on their own healing journey. This internal recovery can take its own time, often a few months.  
  • Finding your rhythm: Gradually increasing what you do is key but always listen to what your body is telling you. If something feels uncomfortable or causes pain, it's a sign to ease off. Gentle walks, perhaps a swim once your incision is fully healed, and slowly building back to more energetic activities can happen over the next few months, maybe 3 to 6. Remember, there's no rush. 

Remember that throughout the postpartum period, your healthcare team is there for you. Attend all your postnatal appointments, and if you have any worries at all about your recovery – whether it's about pain, your incision, or just how you're feeling – please reach out to your GP or midwife. 

You might hear about something called the "5-5-5 rule" for getting back on your feet after a C-section. It's a simple guideline, not official medical advice, but some new parents find it helpful to remember how to ease back into things in those first couple of weeks at home. 

Keep in mind that this rule covers roughly the first fortnight. You'll still need to take it easy and slowly build up your activities after these first 15 days. Remember, no heavy lifting for the full six weeks, or until your GP gives you the all-clear. 

Here's the gist of the "5-5-5 rule": 

  • First 5 days: Think of your bed as your best friend. This time is super important for that first healing. Focus on resting, recovering from the operation, and bonding with your baby.  
  • Next 5 days (days 6-10): You might sit in a chair close by for short spells to eat or have a quick visit. Gentle, short strolls from one room to another nearby are okay, but rest is still your top priority. 
  • Final 5 days (days 11-15): You can start pottering around the house a bit more. Gradually increase your light activities inside for short bursts. Still no heavy lifting, anything too strenuous, or being on your feet for too long. 

While this "5-5-5 rule" can be a helpful way to think about slowly increasing what you're doing, remember it's just a loose guide, not a strict medical rule from your doctor or midwife.  

Everyone heals at their own pace. Listen to your body, and if you're feeling any pain or discomfort, take it easy and don't push yourself. 

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