Fourth Trimester

Our Top 5 Post C-Section Essentials

Article By

Sonni-Ann

Published On

26 Mar, 2025

Read Time

6 minutes

Delivering your baby via C-section is a big event, and your recovery is just as important.

We want to help make those first few weeks easier, so we’ve written this post to tell you about some key post-caesarean recovery products, and essential items to have on hand after your C-section. So you can focus on what matters most, recovering and bonding your new arrival.

What do I need at home after a C-section?

Recovering from a C-section requires specific care and comfort items. Remember to listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard during your recovery.

It's always a good idea to discuss your specific recovery needs with your doctor or midwife, as they may have other recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

1. Comfy clothes, underwear and footwear

High-waisted underwear: Having multiple pairs of underwear that come up and over your incision is key. Big knickers provide gentle support, prevent rubbing and irritation, and can help hold pads in place comfortably. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Nursing bras and comfortable tops: If you plan to breastfeed or express breast milk, invest in comfortable and supportive nursing bras that are easy to open and close with one hand. Nursing-friendly tops that provide easy access for feeding will also be a great help.
Loose, comfortable bottoms: You'll want to avoid anything tight or restrictive around your abdomen. Opt for soft, stretchy and loose-fitting clothing like high-waisted leggings or sweatpants, floaty maxi dresses or skirts.
Slip-on shoes or sandals: It’s best to choose footwear that you can slip on and off without much, if any, bending.

2. Feeding and baby-care equipment

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 bottle warmer will come in handy.
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.
XL nappy bin: The XL Twist & Click nappy bin is tall, which means you don’t need to bend down to dispose of your baby’s dirty nappy.

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3. Postpartum must-haves to keep close by

Easy-to-reach water bottle and snacks: While not strictly an "item", remember to prioritise rest and hydration. Have plenty of water (ideally in a water bottle with a straw) and healthy snacks (like granola bars, fruit, nuts, or crackers) within easy reach so you don't have to overexert yourself or get up often when you're tired and sore.
A small basket or caddy: Keep essential items like pain relievers, snacks, your phone charger, remote control, and lip balm in a small basket or caddy that you can easily move with you from the bed to the couch. This will mean less unnecessary reaching and bending.

4. Personal hygiene and pain relief

Painkillers: Managing pain is essential for a comfortable C-section recovery. You will likely experience discomfort and will be offered painkillers in the hospital and advised on what to take at home (usually paracetamol or ibuprofen while breastfeeding, but not aspirin or codeine without consulting your doctor). Make sure you have these filled and readily accessible, and take them as directed, especially in the first days and weeks.
Sanitary pads: You'll experience postpartum bleeding and discharge (lochia), similar to a vaginal birth, which will gradually lessen over several weeks.
Peri bottle: While often associated with vaginal births, a peri bottle (a squeeze bottle for rinsing after going to the loo) can also be helpful after a C-section to gently cleanse the perineal area without needing to bend over and wipe, which can be uncomfortable in the early days.

5. Support system

While not a physical item, having a strong postpartum support system of family and friends who can help with household chores, meal preparation, childcare (if you have other children), and emotional support is absolutely essential for smooth C-section recovery.

Don't hesitate to accept help when it's offered.

Important C-section recovery advice

Rest: Ensure you have help at home to allow you to rest adequately.
Stay mobile: Gentle activity helps reduce the risk of blood clots.
Avoid heavy lifting: Do not lift anything heavier than your baby in the first weeks.
Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear that won't irritate your wound.
Hygiene: Keep your wound clean and dry.
Pain relief: Take painkillers as needed and as suggested by your healthcare team.
Watch for infection: Contact your midwife or GP immediately if you notice signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or a fever.
Driving: Don't drive until your GP has confirmed it is safe to do so, usually around 6 weeks.
Contraception: You can conceive any time after birth, even if breastfeeding, so use contraception if you don't want another baby quickly.

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?

The NHS says that it takes around 6 weeks in total to recover from a C-section, which is generally longer than a vaginal birth. The recovery time after a C-section varies for each individual, but here's a general overview.

Most people can go home 1 to 2 days after a C-section if there are no complications. However, if there were complications, your stay may be extended.

You'll be encouraged to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible in the hospital to help prevent blood clots.

At home, gentle exercise like walking is encouraged, but you should avoid heavy lifting (anything heavier than your baby), strenuous activity, heavy housework (like vacuuming or ironing for long periods), and driving until you feel able to do so comfortably and safely, which may not be for around 6 weeks or until your GP advises it's safe at your postnatal check.

Full internal healing can take longer, and you should continue to listen to your body and gradually increase activity levels.

Remember that every person’s recovery is different. If you have any concerns or feel your recovery is not progressing as expected, you should always seek advice from your midwife or GP.

What is the 5 5 5 rule postpartum C-section?

The "5-5-5 rule" is a simplified guideline often shared with people who are recovering from a C-section (though it's not a formal medical guideline from the NHS). It's a way to remember what you should be aiming to do in terms of activity levels during the first stages of recovery at home.

The "5-5-5 rule" covers roughly the first two weeks. You'll still need to continue taking it easy and gradually increasing activity levels beyond these first 15 days. Avoid heavy lifting for the entire 6-week period and until your GP advises it's safe.

Here's what the "5-5-5 rule" generally refers to:

First 5 days: Aim to spend most of your time in bed. This period is crucial for first healing. Focus on resting, recovering from the surgery, and bonding with your baby. Get up for short, necessary trips to the bathroom, but otherwise, stay put.
Next 5 days (days 6-10): You can start to be around your bed more. This means you can spend some time sitting up in a chair near your bed, perhaps for short periods to eat or have visitors. You can take very short, gentle walks within one room or to another nearby room, but still prioritise rest.
Final 5 days (days 11-15): You can start to be around the house more. You can gradually increase your activity within the house, perhaps doing very light tasks for short periods. Avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing.

While this "5-5-5 rule" can be a helpful way to think about gradually increasing activity, it's important to remember that it's a guideline, not a strict medical rule. Every person recovers at their own pace. Listen to your body and don't push yourself if you're feeling pain or discomfort.

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