C-Section Recovery Must-Haves

Did you know more than 30% of babies born in the United States are born via cesarean section? That is an amazing statistic given that most moms would not choose a c-section as their desired method of delivery. This c-section recovery must-haves list is important for you whether you think you’ll have a c-section or not.

I know I fell into that category! I barely researched c-sections while I was pregnant because I assumed most women deliver vaginally and I had nothing to worry about. Fast forward to labor, and the world had a different plan for me.

It’s true – some women choose to have a c-section. But the reality is that most women who have a c-section do not have a choice.

Medical Reasons to PLAN a C-Section:

• Repeat c-section
• Abnormal positioning such as breech
• Placenta previa
• Birth defects
• Health conditions of mom or baby
• Carrying multiples (in some instances)

Reasons for an EMERGENCY C-Section:

• Prolonged labor
• Failure to progress (me!)
• Fetal distress
• Placenta abruption
• Cord prolapse
• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)

Whether you will have a planned c-section or just want to be knowledgeable in case you experience an emergency c-section, this comprehensive list of c-section recovery must-haves will make sure you are both prepared and comfortable!

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C-Section Recovery Must-Haves

1. Postpartum Belly Binder

Whether you deliver vaginally or by c-section, you will appreciate the support this wrap provides your recovering body, especially your belly. Not only is it physically supportive, but it also helps get everything back to where it “should” be a little quicker. 

I had an unplanned c-section, and everything in my stomach area felt like it was just a little bit off. I appreciated the many benefits this wrap offered, like reducing swelling, supporting my abdominal muscles, helping shrink my uterus back to its normal size, and relieving back pain.

While it is one of the more expensive items on this list, it is an invaluable product for our c-section recovery must-haves! You can also reuse it each time you have a baby.

2. Laxative

The anesthetic used during a c-section is partly to blame for why it will take some extra time for you to experience your first postpartum bowel movement. I read so much about the dreaded first poop, but taking Colace really made the experience bearable. 

The BEST advantage specific to Colace is that it is safe to take while pregnant and/or nursing.

3. Water Bottle & Fiber-Rich Diet

On top of taking a laxative, you should also eat fiber-rich foods and drink lots of water to make that first postpartum bowel movement easier on your body! Keeping a water bottle close by will help you stay committed to drinking enough water throughout the day.

Tip: Pack your water bottle in your hospital bag! I was comforted being surrounded by some of my personal belongings at the hospital. It was nice to bring a feeling of “normal.”

As scared as I was for it based on everything I heard and read, I can honestly say these tips made it bearable for me.

Fruits – pears, strawberries, avocado, apples, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
Vegetables – carrots, beets, brussel sprouts, artichoke, broccoli, kale, spinach, and tomatoes
Other – lentils, kidney beans, split peas, chickpeas, oats, popcorn, almonds, chia seeds
Bonus – dark chocolate (YUM!)

4. Advil & Tylenol

When I left the hospital, I was told to alternate between Advil and Tylenol in order to manage the pain. This medication plan was enough to curb the pain for my first week home and allowed me to avoid taking prescription pain medications for a prolonged period of time.

It wasn’t too long before I didn’t need it anymore, but Advil and Tylenol were both absolute lifesavers in the first week or so.

Of course, listen to the medical advice of your doctor. I am not a health professional – just a c-section mama sharing her experience!

5. Breastfeeding Pillow/Positioner

When I say all the muscles in the middle section of your body will hurt, I mean it. You don’t realize how many muscles work together in your body to do normal things, like walk and laugh – until they don’t.

Holding your baby while breastfeeding can be extra difficult when recovering from surgery. It will be a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience for both of you if you use a breastfeeding pillow or positioner. 

The pillow absorbs the weight of supporting baby and allows you to focus on the rest!

>> This breastfeeding pillow is also my #1 recommendation for your baby registry!

6. C-Section Support Underwear or Disposable Underwear

I know, I know – who wants to wear disposable underwear?! But this is one of those times when you should just take one for the team (your body).

Not only will you likely be more comfortable, but the blood and discharge you will experience are no match for disposable underwear!

After your first week or so home, you will likely be ready to “move up” to high-waisted underwear. The bleeding will have lessened by this point and you can simply use a thicker pad in these underwear. 

Your incision will take awhile to heal, so the high-waisted underwear will help avoid the fabric or waistline rubbing the incision.

7. Tucks Witch Hazel Pads

If you could *wish* not to need these, obviously no one would ever need these pads. Unfortunately, hemorrhoids are often a reality of recovering from a c-section. These cooling pads are AMAZING!

It couldn’t be any simpler – fold and tuck a pad between your booty cheeks.

Another method for finding relief is making your own sitz bath. This is simple too, with just a few more supplies. Draw a warm bath (~6 inches of water will do it!). Pour in Epsom salts to reduce swelling and add lavender oil for soothing and healing.

Talk about something you may not have thought you’d ever need on your c-section recovery must-haves list!

8. Scar Sheets or Balm

If you are concerned about your incision spot leaving a scar, these top-rated Scar Treatment Sheets will minimize its effects. 

Personally, my scar was low enough that I did not worry too much about the effects of scarring. The incision was below my bikini line, so I knew I would at least be okay in a bathing suit. 

If you’d prefer a cream, there are many balms on the market to reduce the visibility of scarring. Earth Mama makes a top-rated balm that reduces not only scarring, but stretch marks too! 

9. Loose-Fitting Clothing

I avoided pants like the plague after my c-section. No thank you to waistbands! I practically lived in nursing nightgowns for the first few months – granted it was the Summer. 

Bonus: Not only were the nightgowns comfortable for my recovering body, but they also made it easier to nurse – especially in the middle of the night. 

Extra bonus: many nursing nightgowns could pass for a casual spring dress, so you won’t spend 24/7 looking completely frumpy! I wasn’t very concerned about my appearance in the first few months, but it was nice to not feel like a total mess. 

If nightgowns aren’t your cup of tea, you could invest in nursing tanks or make it work with your existing wardrobe. 

>> Don’t forget to pack 1 or 2 nursing nightgowns in your hospital bag! Get the full list of essentials here.

10. Comfortable Chair

When I tell you that you need a comfortable chair, I mean something both comfy AND very supportive that you can see yourself spending 90% of your time in during the first couple of weeks. 

We used my mom’s recliner, which I found comfortable enough to sit and breastfeed in, as well as recline to sleep in. 

Since my first c-section, we have acquired a power lift recliner. That’s right – the kind that 90-year-olds use. Regardless of how much it ages me, I am thrilled for the added chair support for my next c-section. 

All these c-section recovery must-haves are designed to help you have a comfortable and speedy recovery. Given the price tag, it may be useful to consider borrowing a similar chair from a friend or family member.

11. All-In-One Station

Use a 3-tier cart or basket to organize all your most important baby essentials. You will value the time and effort saved from going back and forth to baby’s room all day. 

Our main living space is on a different level of the house from the bedrooms. Not only couldn’t I do the stairs for the first two weeks, but I also just didn’t want to go up and down the stairs 100 times a day. 

Stock your organizer with things for baby, like diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and an extra outfit. 

Don’t forget things for mama too, like hand sanitizer, a granola bar to fuel your energy, a water bottle to stay hydrated while breastfeeding, nipple cream, and an extra snack for good measure!

>> These are all great items to include in your diaper bag as well. Check out our ultimate diaper bag checklist!

Are you a c-section mama? Please share your c-section recovery must-haves! If you’re a new mama, what lingering questions are you left with? We’re here to support you!

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