Postpartum Essentials From A 2 (Soon-To-Be 3) Time C-Section Mom
So, you’re having a c-section. You’ve got this, mama!
When I was getting ready to have my first, I had no idea what I would need for recovery. I only had a few days to figure it out and it was pretty overwhelming!
Recovering from a surgical delivery is not exactly a cake walk, but with the right preparation you can set yourself up to be as comfortable as possible while you heal.
As expected, the postpartum “must-haves” for surgical delivery look a little different than those for a vaginal delivery.
I’m preparing to have my third soon and decided to compile a list of what I’ve found to be essential for those early days in hopes that it may help other mommas out.
If you are preparing to have a c-section, I hope this list gives you a good starting point for what to consider postpartum!
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1. A Good Belly Wrap
This one is first on the list for a reason!
A good belly wrap is a must and can be worn immediately after surgery. Core strength is non-existent after a c-section, so I love the extra support and secure feeling of having everything “held in” that this provides.
The compression also helps with swelling, which is a definite plus!
The hospital where I delivered my second (and will soon deliver my third) provided me with a belly wrap which was amazing. I delivered my first at a different hospital and they didn’t give me one – I had no idea what I was missing!
Ask your OB if the hospital you’re delivering at provides a belly wrap!
If not, you can purchase a wrap-style band here.
After having used one last time, I know it’s something I definitely can’t go without again. I like to wear mine for the first 2 weeks or so while the majority of the healing takes place.
2. Compression Wear
After the first couple of weeks, I switch to a compression belly band.
My absolute favorite, hands down, is from BaoBei Body! I’ve worn their ProBump Belly Support Band throughout all the of my pregnancies as well. They are simply the best!
I definitely still need extra support for my core until I’m healed enough to start working out and building strength back.
It looks like they don’t make my exact postpartum band anymore, but they have plenty of cute biker shorts and legging options to choose from here!
The support their products provide is amazing. They give you a “hug” of gentle but firm compression without being too tight and restrictive.
Your goal here is not to squish your insides! We’re not going for binders or shapewear, we want support, and these are total perfection.
If you want just a belly compression band and not shorts or pants, this one on Amazon is similar to the one I have!
3. Minimalistic Bassinet
This is another non-negotiable for me.
For the first couple of weeks post-c-section, I sleep on my couch because my bed is too high to climb in and out of. I need a good place to put baby for naps within arms reach.
With my first 2 I used the Fisher Price Rock n Play which worked perfectly, but it has since been recalled.
I got this one for baby number 3 and I think it will work just as well!
It’s very similar to the RnP, but lays flat instead of inclined, so it’s safe for sleeping.
I love that it’s lightweight and easy to move around the house!
It’s the perfect height for my couch, so I can easily get baby in and out of it without much effort.
It also folds up easily, so it’s great for bringing to grandparents’ house or for any naps away from home!
4. Comfy Lounge Dress
After my first was born I wore my husband’s basketball shorts and t-shirt home from the hospital. Super cute, I know.
I knew I was going to have a c-section, so I had brought some high-waisted soft yoga pants with me, but it turned out that I couldn’t stand anything being close to my incision.
I ended up wearing his shorts because at least they were baggy. To be honest, I didn’t care at that point – comfort was the only goal!
Others may feel differently and be perfectly fine in yoga pants – do whatever you’re comfortable with!
For me though, after that experience I decided a cotton lounge dress was best for those early days. After I had my second I was much better prepared for going home.
The exact dress I wore from Target is no longer available, but this one and this one are both great options and nursing friendly if that’s your plan!
During my hospital stay I just wore the gown they provided, I felt no need to put for the effort of getting changed until I had to. Again, you do you!
For going home though, a cotton dress was perfect. I wore it for the first few days until I could stand the thought of putting on shorts or pants.
5. High Waisted Underwear
Last on the list, but just as important as the rest: definitely get yourself some high-waisted underwear!
Once you’re done with the mesh ones the hospital gives you, you’re going to want some “transition” underwear that will stay above your scar until you’re fully healed.
No need to go fancy here, a good old pack of Hanes like these will get the job done. I prefer to size up one or two sizes because, again, nothing too close to the body, please.
For the first couple of days I was fine to wear the ones the hospital provides, but after that I appreciated my trusty Hanes!
One final addition:
I wouldn’t call this a “must” for the early days of recovery, but after the initial weeks of healing I’d highly recommend using some scar strips like these for helping to keep the appearance of your scar minimal. I am prone to keloid scarring and got some of these after my second baby and my scar looked noticeably better the second time around.
There you have it – a few things I simply cannot do without after having a c-section!
There are certainly other things that could certainly be added here, but I tried to keep it to the absolute musts.
If you’ve had a c-section, what else would you add to this list?
Leave a comment below so other momma’s can see and have all the helpful tips!
