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While most expectant parents learn all about the process of labor and delivery, it’s unlikely you know everything you need to know about C-sections until you actually have one. And while your OBGYN will give you all the important post-op instructions (which you should follow!) and necessary prescriptions, you might not know there also are over-the-counter products available to ease your C-section recovery.
A Cesarean birth is major abdominal surgery, of course, and C-section recovery will take weeks, if not a couple of months. Not only will your stomach muscles be weakened and sore from the surgeon slicing through them to scoop out your new bundle of joy, but that several-inch-long incision is going to be a pretty big wound for your body to heal. You’ll later learn to love that C-section scar (like celebrity moms Amy Schumer and Alyssa Milano) and see it as a badge of honor. But in the beginning, it’s just going to be super sensitive and itchy. Plus, we’re sorry to say that swelling is yet another common post-surgical side effect.
But hold on; don’t freak out! Your body will recover, and before long, the pain and discomfort will be a distant memory. Until you get there, though, you can turn to these C-section recovery products to help you feel better, heal faster and take care of your baby easier. From belly-supporting undergarments to protective incision patches to soothing scar creams, we’ve rounded up the best items so you can focus more on your new baby and less on your post-surgery journey.
Frida Mom C-section Recovery Kit
Your post-op body deserves attention, and this kit from Frida Mom includes every essential a new mama needs for a smooth recovery after a C-section. The kit includes one upside-down peri bottle for bathroom trips, four pairs of disposable C-section postpartum underwear, one postpartum abdominal support binder, 10 “Skip the Shower” wipes, four silicone scar patches and a pair of comfy grip socks. Plus, all those necessities can be kept at the ready in the included bathroom essentials bag.
KeaBabies 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap
Made of soft and breathable polyester mesh, this 3-in-1 postpartum support recovery belt gives tummy support as new moms heal. It’s comprised of three separate belts that you can wear on their own or all together, and it provides 360-degree support. Plus, the support can help correct posture and straighten the spine.
UpSpring C-Panty for After C-Section
This three-pack of briefs from Belly Bandit gives you the extra TLC you require while recovering from a C-section. The brand’s proprietary fabric with medical-grade compression helps shrink the belly, waist and hips; adds support to the upper body during breastfeeding; comforts the midsection after a C-section; and accelerates the healing process. How? The moisture-wicking, breathable fabric gently protects your incision area, while silver-infused fibers help eliminate bacteria and odor.
Motherlove Postpartum C-section Cream
This organic herbal balm from Motherlove helps minimize scarring while nourishing the skin using soothing, antibacterial and regenerative herbs — calendula, marshmallow root, rosehips, St. John’s wort, yarrow and rosemary. Gently massage this balm onto your C-section scar after it is fully closed. You can also use it before putting on a belly band, silicone scar sheet, or C-section underwear.
Belly Bandit C-section and Postpartum Recovery Undies
These support and recovery undies from Belly Bandit will come to your postpartum c-section rescue. Dual compression zones offer targeted pressure to help reduce swelling, and silver-infused fibers help eliminate bacteria and odor. The breathable fabric panty also offers Stayput technology for a no-roll waist.
Belly Bandit C-Section Recovery Briefs 3-Pack
This three-pack of briefs from Belly Bandit gives you the extra TLC you require while recovering from a C-section. The brand’s proprietary fabric with medical-grade compression helps shrink the belly, waist and hips; adds support to the upper body during breastfeeding; comforts the midsection after a C-section, and accelerates the healing process. How? The moisture-wicking, breathable fabric gently protects your incision area, while silver-infused fibers help eliminate bacteria and odor.
Frida Mom C-section Silicone Scar Patches
These C-section scar patches from Frida Mom will improve the look and feel of your scar by keeping it hydrated and protected. Each patch is eight inches long to cover your entire incision and is made with medical-grade silicone to treat and reduce redness and discomfort. Reuse each patch for up to seven days, and store extras in the included Extra-Patch Pouch Keep-Clean Case.
Cosmonic 3-in-1 Postpartum Support Recovery Belly
This postpartum belly band from Cosmonic helps reduce swelling, support core abdominal muscles and return your uterus to its original size sooner. Its 3-in-1 design offers the flexibility to wear one, two or three belts according to your readiness and stage of recovery — you can easily readjust the tightness without taking off the band. Built-in boning also helps support the lower back and improve posture during breastfeeding.
Alessandra B High-Waist C-Section Recovery Panty with Scar Healing
The Alessandra B C-section recovery panty offers moderate compression to comfortably control swelling and features a built-in silicone panel that reduces itching and scaring, helping speed recovery. You can wear the recovery panty immediately after a Cesarean delivery. Still, if you wear it before the incision has healed, you must cover the silicone panel with a pad or panty liner.
Earth Mama Organic Skin and Scar Balm
A nurse and herbalist formulated this balm using a combination of organic herbal ingredients traditionally used to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, perfect for C-section recovery. Made with ethically sourced organic beeswax that’s been gathered in a bee-centric manner, Earth Mama’s Organic Skin & Scar Balm has been dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation and is free from petroleum, parabens and artificial fragrance.
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