A caesarean section is a major abdominal operation, and like any surgery, your body needs time and care to recover. Add the demands of a new born, disrupted sleep, and physical strain, and it’s even more important to prioritise your own healing.
Moving Safely After Surgery
Doctors recommend gentle movement, such as walking, as soon as you feel able often within a few hours after birth. Always do so with the guidance of a medical professional or physiotherapist. Gradual movement promotes circulation and supports your recovery.
Looking After Your Body Post-C-Section
In the early weeks after your operation, your body is under considerable stress. Lack of sleep, physical discomfort, hormonal changes, and the demands of feeding your baby can take a toll. Despite this, beginning gentle pelvic floor exercises, as soon as your doctor permits, can greatly aid your long-term recovery. Strong pelvic floor muscles help maintain bladder control and reduce the risk of prolapse later on.
Upon discharge, you’ll receive simple at-home exercises to support your healing.
Essential Do’s and Don’ts for the First Few Weeks
✔️ Do:
- Walk regularly, as much as you comfortably can
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to avoid constipation
- Perform pelvic floor exercises when you feel able
- Massage your scar gently with oil once healed to reduce tightness and numbness
- Take pain relief as advised — don’t wait for discomfort to build
- Join a baby group if possible — connecting with others can be uplifting
❌ Don’t:
- Lift anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks
- Rush back into strenuous activity or high-impact exercise
- Ignore persistent pain or discomfort — speak to your healthcare provider
When to Return to Exercise
After your six-week postnatal check and with your doctor’s approval, you can gradually reintroduce low-impact activities like Pilates, yoga, swimming, or light gym sessions. Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting until at least 12 weeks postpartum before resuming high-impact sports such as running or weight training.
How Physiotherapy Supports Your Recovery
Working with a specialist physiotherapist can greatly accelerate your healing. Physiotherapy helps:
- Improve core strength and posture
- Reduce scar tissue tightness through soft tissue mobilisation
- Address muscle imbalances and postural changes
- Develop a tailored exercise programme suited to your recovery timeline
At Home Physio Group, our experienced team is specially trained in postnatal rehabilitation. We work with you in the comfort of your home, creating a personalised plan to restore strength, mobility, and confidence.
Why Choose Home Physio Group?
- CSP and HCPC-registered physiotherapists with years of experience
- All therapists are DBS-checked
- Flexible home visits at times that suit you — no waiting lists
- Evening and weekend appointments available
- Ongoing care with the same physiotherapist
- Fixed, transparent pricing provided in writing
- Personalised treatment programmes designed around you
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Contact us today on 0330 335 1016 to speak with one of our friendly case managers and discover how we can support your postnatal recovery, alternatively, please fill in our online form and we will get back to you!