Your C-section - Stitches, Infection, Scabs

If you've recently had a C-section, we are here to help. We know you're busy looking after your baby but taking a few early steps can help with a better recovery.

Our team of Scar Therapists, Women's Health Specialists and Mummy MOT Practitioners have put this together for you and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Infections

Infection is the most common complication after a C-section. Avoiding infection can help reduce the chance of herniation and adhesions.

• The first goal is to encourage your wound to close so keeping it clean is the first step

• After you shower, pat your scar dry with a clean muslin or soft towel

• Resist the ointment urge. Most lotions and creams keep moisture on your skin which creates a perfect environment for germs to grow

• Wear loose fitting underwear, avoiding those with any trimmings or detail to prevent rubbing

Incisional Hernias

Following a c-section there’s a chance the outer layer of your abdominal wall will push through the incision site – this is called an incisional hernia. You can’t always prevent one, but there are some steps you can take to lower your risk.·

• If you need to sneeze or cough, lean forward and support your stitches with a pillow or small rolled-up towel across your stomach

• Avoid straining on the toilet

• Avoid heavy lifting - have someone else carry the car seat

• Keep your wound clean. A slow healing or infected would is more likely to herniate

In some countries such as France, belly binders and compression belts are sometimes used. Using a compression belt incorrectly can contribute to organ prolapse so it’s best to use a belt only under advice from a medical health professional. At your C-section MOT we will guide you through this.

Adhesions

Adhesions are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that prevent your internal organs gliding across each other. They come about through the surgery itself but can also be caused by wound infection. This is where scar therapy come in to play and once your wound has closed we will show you how to start getting hands-on.

Scar Massage

Don't be tempted to buy any products or do any scar massage at this stage. Everyone heals differently and how your scar heals will determine which products are best for you.

You can see from the pictures above, these scars have healed totally differently. Hypertrophic, Keloid, Contracture, Adhesive....these are all types of scar and each require a different approach to treatment. Some will respond to better to hands-on scar techniques, others to certain products. You may find you also have stretch marks, hands-on techniques and specific products can help you with this.

Things to do...

Hang on buying any products to put on your c-section scar yet. Every scar heals differently and is impacted by whether it was an emergency, infected and how other scars in your body heal. Some scars will benefit from medical-grade products, others from oil-based or emolient-based. We will guide you through this and you can WhatsApp us on 07970 807625 for bespoke, individual guidance on what to buy and what techniques to use.

Keep it clean. A clean wound can heal – an infected wound can’t. The sooner the incision can heal, the more positive the impact on the scarring and adhesions.

Don’t strain. Drink lots of water and avoid straining on the loo to reduce chance of hernia.

Limit stairs. Going up and down stairs can have a splitting effect on the joint at the front of your pelvis (pubic symphysis) so keep the stairs to a minimum particularly if you had back pain or pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy.

Send us a WhatsApp. We can help guide you with what products to get and which techniques to use based on your individual scar and situation.

As always, if you need to get in touch please Whatsapp / text on 07970 807625.

See you soon

Felicity x