Post C Section Recovery Kit – The Essentials

Post c section recovery kit, let’s talk about what’s really needed and how to make a c-section recovery easier!

Two years ago I gave birth via cesarean section to my rainbow baby.  Well before marriage and planning for a family, I had this grand idea for a natural unmedicated birth.  My body had other plans for me.  The reason for my c section was fibroids.  C section it was, and I was totally ok with this!  Nothing mattered more to me than healthy/happy mom and baby.  

Honestly, Joakim’s birthday couldn’t have been more perfect!  From my OB provider, to my labor nurse, to the mother/baby nurse, to our photographer who documented it all for us and took beautiful c section pictures, not having to rush to the hospital and Ty making it home safely from deployment for the birth of our son.

I was able to do skin to skin immediately, and Joakim found his way to the breast and latched right on while I was still on the OR table.  They also granted my request for a gentle c section.  Clear drape, music playing and lights dim.  It was magic!  

A c section didn’t start off as a part of my plan but it became my plan and now I have a  c section scar that tells a story.

But after the surge of excitement, cheering, laughter and tears of joy from your c section birth, there’s discharge.  With discharge comes the reality of a c section recovery, having to baby a c section incision while caring for your new baby.  For some of us, like myself, the recovery wasn’t so bad, but it’s certainly not a walk in the park.  For others, the pain and healing process may be a bit more intense.

My cesarean section was scheduled, so I had plenty of time to determine where in my house I would park myself for a couple of weeks to avoid going up and down the stairs, what supplies I was going to need and where to put everything close by for our newborn baby.

C Section Recovery Kit

I thought long and hard about my fellow c section friends who may not have had the chance to prepare or just may not know exactly what they may need for their c section recovery kit.  So I came up with a list of every single thing I found essential for my recovery, the best c section recovery products to help you.  From the best underwear, the best c section scar treatment to the best belly band.

I know! I know! Here’s another blogger telling me what the best things to buy for c-section recovery are.   As a labor and delivery nurse, I am always thinking about how I can help mamas during the postpartum phase, especially now that I have been on the other side. I’ve seen firsthand what can happen to our lady parts and how difficult a c section recovery can be for some.  I also don’t want moms going out and purchasing a bunch of stuff they don’t need or may never use.  That’s where the idea of a  c section recovery kit came in, let’s stick to the essentials.   

I hope you find this list for your own c section recovery kit helpful and if there’s something you think I’ve missed, feel free to leave a comment to help another mama!

Lots of these items will be essential for both a c section and vaginal postpartum recovery kit.  Because these items are useful for both a vaginal or c section delivery, they are also great if you wanted to create a c section care package for a friend.

C Section Recovery Essentials

C Section Discomfort and Incision Care

Motrin– Follow all recommendations for medication given by your provider!  By discharge, I no longer needed strong pain medication but kept my prescription handy if needed.  Motrin was a great alternative for mild c section pain I had while home.  It’s also great to have on hand as you become more and more active at home.

Colace– Colace and a cup of coffee make everything better. Period.

Best c section scar healing treatment–  ScarAway was recommended by my doctor.   Be sure there are no open areas and your wound is in the healing phase prior to use.  These are reusable sheets applied directly to your scar.  They are also washable.  Since c section incisions are usually bikini, how you heal will help you determine whether or not you need to use these.  My scars usually keloid, so this was a must have c section recovery kit option for me.

Other best pain management options

Sometimes an attempt at a vaginal delivery can turn into a c section delivery. This can happen for a number of reasons. One example could be your baby is on the larger side. So I wanted to list some other pain management options you could add to your c section recovery kit.

Tucks pads– These are not just great for the discomfort of hemorrhoids, but they are also wonderful for vaginal swelling and discomfort from vaginal tears and lacerations.  They are very soothing with a cooling effect.

Dermoplast–  Helps relieve vaginal discomfort.  Works really well in combo with tucks and ice packs.

Ice pack– Some moms swear by continued use of ice packs well past the first 24 hours.  They are a great comfort measure for swelling, tears and lacerations.  Just add a little water to make them even cooler.

Cleansing

Best Peri Bottle– Yes, a peri bottle aka perineal irrigation bottle is not just a must have for vaginal deliveries but it is also a must for c section mamas. Reaching, grabbing and bending over can not only be slightly difficult, but in the early days it can be downright painful. Upside Down Peri Bottle for your c section recovery kit is the best option. It’s soothing, especially if you may have labored to start and it all ended in a c section later and it cleans the area very well. Also, it’s designed for upside down use and provides a steady stream of water with an angled neck.

Frida Mom Postpartum C-Section Recovery Kit

The Frida Mom Postpartum Kit is especially great for moms whose c-section was unplanned and labored for sometime.

The kit includes:

• disposable postpartum underwear

• instant ice pads

• perineal healing foam

• perineal cooling pad liners

• a storage caddy

The Frida Mom Postpartum Kit is the best kit to help your lady bits make it through those uncomfortable days.

Best Pads for Postpartum Bleeding

Honey Pot pads are glorious! Think lavender and mint with a cooling sensation.

C-Section Recovery Must Haves

Best postpartum belly band- 3 in 1 Postpartum Support provides greater support and stability than the average hospital belly band.  You won’t need to constantly readjust, therefore it will provide the support needed to help decrease discomfort and hold it all together.

High waist panties– Let me tell you, if you haven’t experienced the hospital’s Victoria Secret underwear you’re missing out!  They are the most comfortable pair of underwear I’ve ever put on.  If you’ve already had a baby vaginally or c section, you know what I’m talking about.  These high waist panties are the next best thing!

C-Section Panty– These get good reviews from moms, they were made for c section patients.  They are high waist compression underwear.

C Section Gifts For Mom

Sunflower Mother Deluxe C-Section Recovery Box

Includes:

• c-section recovery panty

• abdominal heat/cool pack

• post pregnancy panties

• stool softener

• perineal cleansing bottle

• Epsom bath soak

• witch hazel pads

• stretch mark/incision oil

• candle

A perfect post c-section care package to gift to your love one.

What To Wear After A C-Section

Best Leggings- 90 degree by Reflex leggings were great because not only are they comfortable but they give good belly support.  Things felt nice and taut.  I purchased these a size smaller for the extra snug feeling.  It’s important you don’t rush your recovery and take the time you need to heal.  It’s also important to get up and start moving around when you feel ready to help put you on the right path to recovery.  I took it slow and moved around as much as I could tolerate the night of my c section and once home.  

Best Nursing Top – If you are breastfeeding Smallshow Women’s Maternity Nursing Tops are a great comfortable option, easy access, and discreet. Great for recovery because it is a simple lift flap for breastfeeding.

C-Section Recovery With Newborn

Newborn essentials are a must to consider when preparing for postpartum home setup.  You want to make your life as easy as possible while you are trying to recover.

Best Graco Pack N Play

The Graco Pack N Play was a lifesaver!  The changing table is the best feature by far.  The level of the changing table is perfect, which is great to take into consideration when choosing the best newborn essentials.  I didn’t have to do any extended bending and fit perfectly within the space I parked myself to recover. Easy access.  It also has storage compartments for storing diapers, wipes, creams and onesies.  I used the mattress underneath to store extra supplies for baby and whatever I may have needed for myself.

• The dome is travel friendly and portable.

• The dome folds for on the go use.

• Storage compartments.

• A bag to store your playard. 

Another option is the Graco Pack N Play Newborn Seat DLX Playard.

• Has vibration in the napper and bassinet.

• Plays music and nature sounds.

• Both are easy to clean.

• Both have storage..

• Holds up to 30 lbs.

• Both have a playard.

The downside to the Graco Pack N Play for us once our son could roll, we felt less comfortable using the changing table.

I also did not purchase any additional sheets for the Graco Pack N Play.  I used the sheets we purchased for our son’s crib.  They were definitely on the bigger side, but they did what I needed them to do.

Best Baby Lounger- Snuggle Me Organic is one of my all-time favorite newborn essentials.  It’s recommended between 0-9 months.  It’s not a big bulky item that will take up much space and its lightweight. The side pads snug the newborn in close so if you need to put them down for a bit this is perfect.  Also, it’s multi-functional, great for sitting up, lounging and tummy time. 100% organic cotton.

Tip: Take your hospital water bottle home, keep it close by and stay hydrated. You may also enjoy 7 Breastfeeding Tips For First-Time Mothers.

C Section Recovery Kit FAQs

Dos and Don’ts after a C Section

Do

• Contact your doctor with any concerns you may have without hesitation.

• Take only medication prescribed and approved by your doctor.

• Start moving as soon as possible at a pace which you can tolerate.

• Stay hydrated.

• Keep as much as you can close by.

• Get help with physical needs when needed.

• Rest when baby rests.

• Splint your incision when coughing using a pillow or your hands to support your incision site.

Don’t

•  Lift nothing heavier than your newborn.

• Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends and your provider if you have feelings of sadness.  

• Don’t resume sex immediately, 6 weeks is recommended.

• Don’t be afraid to accept help

Pain Management

• Ice

• Rest

• Relaxation

• Medications prescribed by your doctor

Postpartum Bleeding

Use your pads for your bleeding, which is lochia, not tampons.

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

• Drink plenty of water

• A good diet is important.

• Walk when you can tolerate

• Use witch hazel and dermoplast as needed for discomfort.

C-Section Recovery Emotions

As a labor nurse, I’ve seen many patients have feelings of disappointment or sadness because they had to have a c section.  These are all normal feelings, especially if it was unexpected.

It’s so necessary and important to talk through these emotions with your partner and your provider.

What To Wear After C-Section

Comfortable, breathable, and the least restrictive.  The leggings mentioned above are the best!  I won’t even share with you how often I wear those leggings. Lol.

C-Section Recovery Time

Recovery time varies from person to person, but for most of us we need the full 6 weeks to heal.  Go slow and rest.

Best C Section Recovery Products

• Comfortable postpartum clothing

• High waist panties

• Belly Band

• Postpartum pads

• Peri bottle

• Scar healing

• Colace

• Motrin

Note: This post was NOT created to provide medical advice, please consult your medical provider.