Whether planned or unexpected, if you give birth by Cesarean section (C-section), you may not feel your best in the immediate aftermath.
A C-section, in case you’re not familiar, is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the belly and uterus. As it is a surgical procedure, physical and emotional recovery typically takes longer than it does after a vaginal birth. You can expect to spend around three to four days in the hospital, and it will take at least four to six weeks at home before you’ll feel back to normal.
Your doctor will tell you to take it easy and scale back any activity. Make sure to follow your doctor's advice so that you don’t put undue strain on your incision — which takes time to heal — and your energy levels.
Listening to your doctor’s advice and having some essentials on hand can also help make your recovery smoother. Here are the best products for care and recovery after having a C-section, along with important information to know about having the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from a C-section?
As with most things, it really depends. Your abdominal incision will be sore for the first few days, and you can expect to be in the hospital for two to four days, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Some women recover quickly from a C-section, while others take more time. “It depends on if you had any complications or medical problems but, generally after six to eight weeks, a woman will feel better,” says Christine Greves, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Infection or incision issues might push that timeline back a bit, says women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D.
“On paper, recovery takes at least six weeks, although most people feel close to normal after only a few weeks,” adds Matthew Carroll, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine. “In truth, though, 100 percent recovery can take up to three months, and after a pregnancy and any delivery, your body is going to be different than it was before.”
What do you put in a hospital bag for C-section?
If you have a planned C-section, it’s understandable to wonder what you should put in your bag. Dr. Wider recommends packing what you would “for any type of delivery,” noting that it’s “very important” to pack loose pajama pants or a nightgown so there is no pressure on your abdominal scar. High-waisted underwear is also a good idea for the same reason, she says.
Dr. Carroll suggests that you bring whatever you can to make you feel comfortable. “It’s important to make your hospital room feel as close to home as is reasonable,” he says. “This means bringing toiletries and sleep clothes that will make you feel good while recovering.” (He points out that the hospital should have things like shampoo, toothpaste and a gown to wear while you're recovering, in case you forget anything.) “However, if you're going to be with us in the hospital for a few days, the creature comforts of home can go a long way,” he says.
Do you still need a peri bottle after C-section?
A peri bottle (aka a perineal rinse bottle) is a small bottle that typically has a long neck that is designed to help you rinse off when you use the bathroom.
While peri bottles are usually linked with vaginal births, Dr. Greves says they can be helpful after a C-section because you will still have lochia, or vaginal discharge, for up to six weeks after your birth. “For patients who had to push before ultimately having a cesarean, a peri bottle might be a comfort for that area as well,” Dr. Carroll adds.
How we chose the best C-section recovery items
- We consulted with three OB-GYNs to help shape our list of the best products for C-section recovery based on safety and efficacy.
- We combed through several scientific studies, and cross-referenced official ACOG recommendations for postpartum pain management and recovery, to ensure we only recommend items that won’t harm you as you heal from your C-section.
- We turned to the millions of parents in the What to Expect community (along with WTE staff) to determine which products truly passed the test based on personal experience.
C-section recovery product factors to consider
There are a few factors you may want to consider when searching for C-section recovery products. Those can include:
- Type of relief provided: There are a range of products that can help you feel better after a C-section, and each does something different. Some products (like ibuprofen) might help reduce pain and swelling, while others might help you address common postpartum complaints (like constipation or abdominal discomfort). Consider the kind of side effects the product addresses, and how it may be helpful.
- Multiple purposes: If you are short on space or budget, you may want to consider products that can be used for a variety of purposes, not explicitly just C-section recovery.
- Fit: The way items fit after a C-section is crucial. In general, you want things that are either loose or high-waisted to avoid putting direct pressure on your C-section scar, which takes time to heal.
- Wound-specific items: Some items are especially designed to help with your C-section scar by making it less painful or helping it heal faster.
With that, these are the best products for C-section recovery: