Welcoming your baby into the world through a C-section is a major life event. While you are likely focused on your new little one, it is just as important to focus on you. A C-section is a significant surgery, and your body needs time, rest, and plenty of grace to heal.
\nBy taking small, intentional steps each day, you can support your recovery and feel stronger as you begin this new chapter with your baby.
"}},"contents":{"json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{"target":{"metadata":{"tags":[],"concepts":[]},"sys":{"space":{"sys":{"type":"Link","linkType":"Space","id":"xf6mqlbz6glx","contentful_id":"xf6mqlbz6glx"}},"id":"c7q9zLtHx3xFKFHhWlq1DUp","type":"Asset","createdAt":"2026-05-20T16:20:11.669Z","updatedAt":"2026-05-20T16:20:11.669Z","environment":{"sys":{"id":"master","type":"Link","linkType":"Environment","contentful_id":"master"}},"publishedVersion":4,"revision":1,"contentful_id":"7q9zLtHx3xFKFHhWlq1DUp"},"fields":{"title":"Welcome Little One! stock photo","description":"1519373399","file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/xf6mqlbz6glx/7q9zLtHx3xFKFHhWlq1DUp/74d63bbd8013160c5caf1a1b88f884e6/iStock-1519373399.jpg","details":{"size":23301579,"image":{"width":8640,"height":5760}},"fileName":"iStock-1519373399.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-asset-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Going Home After Your C-Section","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"When you first head home, your main job is to rest and bond with your baby. You might feel sore or tired for a few weeks, which is completely normal.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Take it slow: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first six weeks. Your doctor or provider will likely provide you with dos and don'ts to follow while you are healing.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Keep things close:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Set up a recovery station on the couch or bed with your water, snacks, phone charger, and diaper supplies so you don’t have to walk or climb stairs often.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Your first few trips to the bathroom after surgery can also feel a little intimidating. Because your abdominal muscles are healing, straining can be uncomfortable.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"The “pillow trick”: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"When you need to use the bathroom, cough, or laugh, hold a firm pillow against your belly. This is called “splinting.” It supports your incision, the cut from surgery, and can make the movement more comfortable.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Use a footstool: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Placing a small stool under your feet while you are on the toilet can help your body get into a better position to pass a bowel movement without straining.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Don’t rush: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Take your time and breathe deeply. If you’re feeling constipated, don’t worry. It’s a super common part of recovering from a C-section. It happens to so many new parents, and it doesn’t mean something is wrong with your body. You can always talk to your doctor about trying a gentle stool softener to help make things much easier.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Finding the Right Breastfeeding Position","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"If you choose to breastfeed, you might find that usual positions put too much pressure on your new incision. You can try these positions to keep your baby close while protecting your belly:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"The football hold:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Tuck your baby under your arm like a football, supporting their head with your hand. This keeps their weight off your incision.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Side-lying hold:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Lie on your side with your baby facing you. This allows you to rest your body completely while your baby latches.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Managing Bleeding After Birth","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Even though you didn’t have a vaginal birth, you will still have vaginal bleeding called lochia. This is your body’s way of shedding the lining of the uterus.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"What to expect: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The bleeding will be bright red at first and will slowly get lighter in color and amount over several weeks.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Care tip: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Use maxi pads instead of tampons to reduce the risk of infection while you are healing.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Treat Your Wound With Care","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Your incision needs a little extra attention to stay clean and heal well.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Keep it dry: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"After you shower, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Watch for red flags:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Check your wound daily. Reach out to your doctor if you notice increased redness, swelling, or leaking fluid, or if you run a fever.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Wear loose clothing:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" High-waisted cotton underwear or loose pajamas can help prevent rubbing against your incision.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Exercise, Food, and Sleep","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Healing takes a lot of energy! You can fuel your recovery by listening to what your body needs.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Gentle movement:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" You don't need to work out yet. Short, gentle walks around your home can help prevent blood clots and keep your digestion moving.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Eat for healing:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Focus on high-fiber foods, like fruits and veggies, and drink plenty of water to help avoid constipation, which is common after surgery.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Sleep when you can: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"“Sleep when the baby sleeps” is easier said than done, but even a 20-minute nap can help your body repair itself.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Asking for Help From Friends and Family","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"You don’t have to do everything yourself. Letting others help is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. When people ask “What can I do?” give them a specific task. Ask them to drop off a meal, run a load of laundry, or hold the baby while you take a shower.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Remember though, it’s okay to say “not today” if you feel overwhelmed. Your focus should be on your recovery and your bond with your baby.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"You Are Doing a Great Job","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Recovery is not a race. Some days you will feel great, and other days you might feel a bit blue or physically tired. Both are okay. By caring for yourself, you are making sure you have the strength to care for your little one.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Watching Your Mental Health","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"It is very common to feel the “baby blues” in the first few days after birth. You should know that you are not alone. Many new mothers can experience these feelings. However, if your “blues” don't seem to go away, and if you feel very sad, anxious, or overwhelmed for more than two weeks, you might be experiencing ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/understanding-postpartum-depression-and-finding-resources-to-start-healing/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"postpartum depression","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Please reach out for support:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Talk to your doctor:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" They can help you find the right care.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Call or text the ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://postpartum.net/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Postpartum Support International","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":" (PSI) HelpLine:","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Call 1-800-944-4773 or text \"Help\" to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish).","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Check out our ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/understanding-postpartum-depression-and-finding-resources-to-start-healing/"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"article","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":": ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Read more about understanding postpartum depression for tips and resources.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Asking for help is a sign of strength and can be the best thing you can do for your family.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}},"author":{"name":"First 5 California","image":{"file":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/xf6mqlbz6glx/4pO9QBIn13KrsiJXdYwN16/a89042a9f8c029e5e5694d4fbdd0877f/first-5-california-logo.png"}}},"sources":{"json":{"nodeType":"document","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy/labour-birth/recovery-after-birth/after-caesarean#practical-help-after-caesarean-birth-nav-title"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Raising Children Network","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Mayo Clinic","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"hyperlink","data":{"uri":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9682-pregnancy-physical-changes-after-delivery"},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Cleveland Clinic","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]}},"bookImage":null,"bookDescription":null,"bookDownload":null,"bookLink":null,"youtubeVideoId":null,"showFeaturedVideo":null,"showFeaturedActivities":null},"sidebarContent":{"pageFeaturedDownloadLabel":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadTitle":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadImage":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadAsset":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadLink":null,"pageFeaturedDownloadCta":null,"pageFeaturedVideo":null,"pageFeaturedService":null,"pageFeaturedActivities":null,"pageFeaturedQuote":null}},"pageContext":{"id":"dafda2c0-38f8-5d87-87dd-e1db727f1c8d","contentful_id":"4gEqiclhAKI8dhlpYUGEVZ","locale":"es-MX","section":"topics"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1119012108","1697936219","179512363","179512363","179512363","2544526753","2864971689","2920524551","526850764","526850764","526850764","576933679","984081858"]}