How I healed my cesarean scar

When I had my 12 week ultrasound the sonographer asked if I had had a vaginal birth, when I told her it was a cesarean she was shocked. She explained that usually she can see the scar and scar tissue in the ultrasound but she couldn't see mine at all. I was so excited, I left the ultrasound and told pretty much everyone and even messaged my physio to tell her because she was a big part of how I made that happen. 

So here are the 4 things I did which I believe contributed to my scar healing so well. 

One thing I want to point out first is that a lot of people are led to believe that once they have their 6 week check up and given the all clear that their scar is healed, but this is not the case. A cesarean is 7 layers of muscle and tissue being cut into, this results in a lot of mobility loss, a massive amount of scar tissue and interruption to the nerve signaling pathways. When someone has a knee surgery they have nowhere near as many layers cut into but are given 3-4 follow ups by the surgeon, told on numerous occasions the importance of rehab and are referred to a physio. Josh has had a knee reconstruction so I know for a fact that knee surgery is given a lot more after care than a cesarean is. 

I was adamant about resting for the first 6 weeks. 

In the past I was the one who would ‘suck it up’ and do silly things when I had an injury, which often resulted in a longer recovery period. I have since learnt that this is not the most effective way to heal from an injury and as a result when it came time for my cesarean recovery I was very strict with myself. I did not drive, I didn't go far from home, I did not lift anything heavier than Paige and I walked slowly and not for long. I remember when I was about 4 weeks postpartum, there was washing outside when it started raining and without thinking I ran to bring it in and jumped down the back stairs (only 3 stairs), I instantly felt a pull and hurt myself. From then I was determined to rest and let everything on the inside heal properly. 

I saw a physio ealry in my postpartum recovery

This was most definitely the most effective and best thing I did for my recovery. I booked in and saw my physio 7 weeks postpartum, I then continued to see her regularly until about 12 months postpartum. Not only did she work on my scar using electromagnetic acupuncture and cupping,  she also showed me how to massage the scar to reduce scar tissue and to increase blood flow to the area. I did this religiously every night for about 6 months and then once or twice a week until I was pregnant again. Not really sure why I stopped when I fell pregnant, it was just a natural occurrence.

I consumed lots of bone broth and collagen 

Collagen is essential in the formation of skin and its elasticity. A lack of collagen in the skin can cause the skin to tear and wounds not to heal properly. After I had Paige even though I knew nothing like I know now I did drink a lot of bone broth. Bone broth is rich in collagen and other nurturing nutrients and is also anti inflammatory which helps to heal and nourish the entire body.

I consumed lost of healthy fats 

I am a big nut butter person so in those early days I ate a lot of almond butter on toast and a lot of smoothies with nuts and seeds in them. The fats in nuts and seeds are some of the best fats for longevity, healing wounds and keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

I recommend that everyone see a physio during their recovery, even if you had an easy and intervention free birth, your body still needs to heal properly from all of the pressure and changes that happen during pregnancy and birth.