Below are C-section facts and how C-section belly bands such as the Sienna by Body After Baby can help speed the healing process and reduce the pain associated with a C-section recovery.

How common are cesarean sections?
Nearly one-third of the 3.95 million births in the United States were delivered via cesarean section. While this represents a slight decrease from 32.7% in 2013 compared to 32.8% in 2012, the overall rate of C-sections has been on the rise since 1990.

How long will it take to heal from a C-section?
Most women go home 3 to 5 days after a C-section, but it may take 6 weeks or longer to fully recover. By contrast, women who deliver vaginally usually go home in a day or two and are back to their normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks.

Is there anything I can do to speed up a C-section recovery?
After you leave the hospital, you will be faced with healing from a major surgery and taking care of a newborn. Like any major surgery, the incision will be sore and painful at first, but within the first two weeks, you will be on the road to recovery.

The following are tips from Body After Baby moms that have helped them speed up the recovery process or at least make them as comfortable.

• Drink plenty of water and consider using a stool softener to avoid constipation. Any bearing down, excessive sneezing or laughing can be very painful to your incision. In addition, studies have shown that staying hydrated during the healing period from surgery or trauma greatly increases the condition and quality of your incision and new scar tissue. During recovery, your body demands more fluids and staying hydrated actually reduces swelling which decreases pain and discomfort.
  
• Get help from friends and family. In the days following delivery there are many things a new mother is responsible for like nursing, bathing, laundry, shopping, errands, housekeeping, follow up doctor visits, and so on. When healing from a C-section delivery this can be quite overwhelming. Lean on your friends and family for help with the daily task and make this time completely about you and your baby.

Try not to lift anything heavier than your baby.
Get plenty of rest, but be mindful of your circulation. While healing occurs most during rest, circulation is also equally important to the recovery process. Taking short walks, moving comfortably about and using a C-section belly band such as the Sienna from Body After Baby all increase circulation.

Be sure to ask your doctor for pain medications (safe for baby of course if you are breast feeding) or to recommend a safe over the counter medication.

Compression is a C-section mom’s best friend. The hospital will likely offer you some sort of binder, but also consider C-section recovery garments. Direct seams over the wound site are a big no-no. Also look for breathable materials to ensure airflow to your incision. Not only do cesarean recovery garments reduce swelling and pain, but they also help your incision heal more effectively, which aids in scar reduction. Of course, C-section recovery is the main goal, but why not kill two birds with one stones by getting a C-section support garment such as the Sienna that also supports the many body parts impacted by your pregnancy including the abs, back, hips, buttocks and thighs [Buy Now button].

The last and final tip is to cut yourself some slack. Healing from a major surgery takes time and energy, and is particularly challenging when trying to care for a newborn. Do your best, and before you know it, you will be feeling better, and be able to focus on enjoying your baby.

How do C-section belly bands help in the recovery process?
Specifically designed C-section belly bands use compression to provide support, stability and comfort during the healing period. When comparing C-section belly bands, panties and related products, a few features to look for include no direct seams over the wound site. Also look for breathable materials to ensure airflow to your incision. Not only do cesarean recovery garments reduce swelling and pain, but they also help your incision heal more effectively, which aids in scar reduction. Of course, C-section recovery is the main goal, but why not kill two birds with one stones by getting a C-section support garment such as the Sienna that also supports the many body parts impacted by your pregnancy including the abs, back, hips, buttocks and thighs.

How big will my C-section scar be?
Most scars are about 4 to 6 inches long. Initially, the incision site will be about 1/8” wide, but it will shrink somewhat after healing. 

How should I care for my C-section scar?
During post pregnancy recovery, it is critical to keep the wound clean and dry. You’ll also need to monitor it for redness or swelling, which could indicate an infection.

Many women use a silicone gel or sheeting type to promote healing and reduce the intensity of their scars. In addition, it is very important to choose your clothing wisely, making sure there is plenty of circulation and comfort so healing is not compromised.

A more recent addition used to aid in scar reduction is the use of a post C-section belly band such as Body After Baby’s Sienna. C-section belly bands such as The Sienna by Body After Baby are designed specifically for C-section recovery. Using a seamless support panel over the incision and breathable material decreases the incidence of fluid collections at the incision site and minimizes swelling that can cause tension across the incision – both of which have a negative impact on healing. Most moms also experience decreased post-operative pain while wearing compressive garments. Lastly, these garments can also be used to hold silicone sheeting in place, which has clearly been shown to diminish the occurrence of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.