If you’ve got a C-section coming up, you might be thinking lots about what will happen on the day, and  of course about meeting your baby, and how it's all going to feel..

But, what about after the birth?

An often over-looked question when preparing for a C-Section is:

“How do I look after my wound properly so it heals well?”

Unfortunately the stats on infection after C-Section is around 20%.

Not great.

And in many cases, women just aren't given enough education about how to minimise their risk of infection, and take better care of their wound.

So let's not let that be you! Let’s walk through the wound care essentials that every mum should know...

1. Know What to Expect

After your C-section, your wound will be covered by a dressing for the first few days. Most hospitals use a waterproof dressing, which means you can usually shower, but always double-check with your midwife or doctor.

When the dressing comes off (usually around day 5–7), you’ll see your wound for the first time.

A thin, horizontal line just above your pubic bone.

It might look a little red, puffy, and even feel numb, but please don't panic. This is completely normal at this stage. 

It can be pretty overwhelming to look at your wound, but please - make sure you do take a look! Use a little mirror if you need to.

You need to be aware if there is

• Increasing redness,
• Increased swelling,
• Discharge or oozing, or
• A bad smell

If you notice any of these - let your care team know asap. 

These can be early signs of infection and are best treated early and quickly.

2. Keep It Clean and Dry

Simple is best in the early days! You don't need fancy washes or soaps.

• Shower daily using plain water over your wound.

• Pat the area dry (don’t rub) with a clean towel afterwards.

• If your scar sits beneath a skin fold, lift your belly, and use a hairdryer on low to dry the area, because trapped moisture can slow down your healing. Remember that your scar is likely numb, so don't use anything too hot!

Avoid putting creams, oils, or antiseptics on the wound (unless recommended by your doctor).

Your body knows what to do, it just needs a clean, dry environment to do so!

3. Support the Area When You Move

Even small movements, like coughing, or laughing, can place pressure on your wound in the early days.

To make things easier:

• When you cough or laugh, if you can, hold a small pillow over your scar for support.

• Roll to your side when getting up from lying down.

• Take your time and move mindfully.

These small adjustments protect your wound and help you feel more comfortable moving around in those early days.

4. Watch for Signs of Infection

It’s always better to be cautious. Contact your care team if you notice:

• Pain or tenderness increasing, rather than decreasing.

• Redness spreading beyond the incision (this is why you need to look at it early, and often, so you know what your 'normal' looks like).

• Pus, discharge, or a bad smell

• Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell.

5. Choose Clothes That Are Kind to Your Scar

The right clothing can make a huge difference in comfort.

Look for:

• High-waisted underwear that sits well above your incision

• Loose, breathable fabrics that don’t rub

• Postpartum recovery shorts or leggings with gentle support

Avoid tight clothes that dig in, and your scar will thank you for it later.

6. Once It’s Healed: Gentle Scar Care

When your wound is fully closed and you’ve had the all-clear from your doctor (usually around 6 weeks), you can begin gentle scar care to help your skin and tissues recover beautifully.

We'll talk about this more in our future blogs, where we'll cover 

• Scar massage to help with tightness and improve mobility,

• Silicon strips to hydrate and heal your scar, and

• Gentle core and pelvic floor exercises to restore strength and support the area

If you’re unsure where to start, or you want to make sure you’re doing it safely, we dive deeper into caring for your wound in C-Ready: Prepare For Your C-Section course.

Want to Feel More Confident About Your C-Section Recovery?

If you want to go into your birth feeling calm, informed, and confident about what comes next, my C-Ready Birth Course is the perfect place to start.

Inside C-Ready, you’ll learn:

• Exactly how to care for your wound and scar

• What to expect in the days after your surgery

• Gentle movements and positions to protect your core

• And how to support your recovery so you can feel strong and empowered after birth.

👉 Learn more about C-Ready here. 

You don’t have to figure this out alone - we’ll guide you through every step. 💛