C-Section Recovery Guide

Harriet Blannin-Ferguson @the.breast.help is a registered midwife and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Harriet shares her insights and an overview of caesarean section recovery below.

Recovering from a Caesarean birth takes time. Here’s what to expect and how to best care for yourself in the first days, weeks and months.

Hospital Stay: First Few Days

• Typical Stay: 3–5 days in hospital

• Medications: Regular pain relief medication (dependant on your level of pain) is provided alongside blood thinning medication to prevent blood clots

• Mobility: Walking within 12–24 hours is encouraged to help prevent blood clots (You’ll also be encouraged to wear compression stockings for this same reason!)

• Catheter removed: Once mobility improves

• Bleeding: Lochia (post-birth bleeding) can last up to 4–6 weeks

• Breastfeeding: Midwives can assist with positioning to reduce wound discomfort

• Leaving hospital: You will receive pain relief advice and a planned midwife check-up at home if birthing in the public system.

First 2 Weeks: Home Recovery

Do:

• Take pain relief as needed

• Keep your wound clean and dry

• Walk gently each day

• Ask for and accept help from family or friends

Avoid:

• Lifting anything heavier than your baby

• Driving (usually not before six weeks - check with your insurer and care provider for your individual situation)

• Straining your core (no crunches, planks, or heavy lifting)

• Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, pus, fever or increasing pain around the scar.

Weeks 3 - 6: Strength & Healing

• Pain improves – Many switch to paracetamol or ibuprofen only

• Scar care – Gentle scar massage can begin after six weeks if fully healed

• Light movement – Walking and pelvic floor exercises are safe

• GP check-up at six weeks – Clears you for driving, work, and light exercise

• Now is a good time to book in with a women’s health physiotherapist for your physical aftercare if desired. 

3 - 6 Months: Feeling Stronger

• Most feel physically recovered around three months

• Core and pelvic floor rehabilitation – A women’s health physiotherapist can help (Medicare rebates may apply)

• Emotional recovery – Seek support if needed

When to Call a Doctor

• Signs of infection: fever, worsening pain, pus at the scar

• Heavy bleeding: soaking a pad in one hour or passing large clots

• Swelling: in one leg, chest pain, or breathlessness – Possible blood clot

• Emotional distress: If feeling low, anxious, or struggling with daily life, speak with a GP or support service

Support Services in Australia

• Maternal & Child Health Nurse – Free baby and maternal check-ups

• PANDA (1300 726 306) – Mental health support

• Lactation Support – IBCLC or public hospital services

• Women’s Health Physiotherapy – For pelvic floor and core recovery (GP referral recommended)

Recovery takes time. Focus on small improvements each day and seek support when needed.