How to reduce your c-section scar by massaging the sh!t out of it!

I learned a lot about scars once I had one. The lovely c-section scar that luckily sits below my waistband line is “hidden” by many stretch marks.

I learned many new things including: the art of massaging a scar and the frequency needed of massage; the miraculous nature of castor oil and why they call it the “palm of Christ”; and lastly, that your c-section scar could affect your pelvic floor! My mind was blown!

When can you massage C-section scar?

It’s best to wait 6 weeks before you start to massage the area. I started massaging the c-section scar about 6 weeks postpartum. I was hesitant to do anything before I received my OB’s go-ahead. If you get the go-ahead you can do it sooner if the scar is considered well-healed.  I suggest speaking to your doctor, or midwife about c-section care.

If you know you are going to have a c-section, ask them then: Ask them any questions or concerns you have about the scaring process.  I wish I asked the questions. When the twins were born I was just trying to make it through to the next feeding.

After the recommended 6 weeks start with gentle touching of the area. I would gently tap and touch the sensitive area without touching the scar itself. You may find your nerves around the c-section feel a little sensitive or even non-existent. It’s kind of wild! No hard pressing you must remember that there are a lot of layers of scar tissue. You may have to wait up to 8 weeks if you have had any complications in the healing process.

How to Massage C-Section Scar

The art of the c-section massage. I found 2 techniques that worked great for the healing and reduction of my scar. Frequency is important to the healing process. Finding time with a newborn can be hard. Do what you can with the time you have.

I massaged the c-section scar twice a day. Once in the morning after the first feed and the twin’s first nap.  The second time in the evening when I was getting in my pyjamas before bed. It became a ritual where I gave myself a little TLC.

C-Section Massage Technique #1
Use a circular motion along the length of the scar. A good amount of pressure on the scar using your middle and index finder. I would go back and forth 4 to 6 times. It depends on how much time you have.

C-Section Massage Technique #2
Start just below the scar, rubbing upwards with your index and middle finger, all the way along the scar. I would then do the same thing but along the top part of the scar, rubbing downwards along the scar. I would repeat the process focusing on areas where I could feel the scar was harder and needed more effort to break it up. I would repeat this process 4 to 6 times.

Using Castor Oil For C Section Scar

What exactly is castor oil? Well, it’s cold-pressed seeds of the Ricinus communis, also known as the “castor oil plant.”

The plant is found in the Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa and India. It was coined the “Palm of Christ” because of the shape of the plant’s leaves (and probably because of its natural healing power). It has been used for centuries by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks as their fountain of youth!

It is believed to rejuvenate skin, eyes, and hair. In the Mediterranean Basin and India, it’s used for digestion - it really gets the bowels moving. Warning: do not ingest when pregnant! It can induce labour. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Nowadays castor oil is viewed as an all-around world-class healing, revitalizing, and rejuvenating oil.

Someone described the use of castor oil for massaging and healing scar tissue in this way: Imagine your scar is a tight fist and every time you massage it with castor oil that fist loosens just a little bit. That’s why you must massage frequently!

Castor oil is also sticky and can stain, and that’s why they sell a band that has soft flannel on one side and water repellent fabric on the other. They don’t want you to stain your clothing.

ThE CONNECTION BETWEEN C-SECTION & PELVIC FLOOR

I had no idea that my c-section scar could actually affect my pelvic floor. Because they cut through so many layers to get to your baby, it’s not surprising some of that deep scar tissue may be causing some discomfort.

I found going to a pelvic floor physiotherapist quite helpful. I didn’t have a vaginal birth but my pelvic floor was still affected. I found intercourse extremely painful for almost a year after the twins were born. (I definitely shouldn’t have waited that long.)

Incontinence can also be an issue for c-section mamas (like me). I had a lot of weight on my pelvic floor and it really affected my ability (or inability) to hold my bladder!  Once I did a few sessions and kept up with the exercises I found it made a world of difference!  

If you are in the Toronto area, Amanda Homen is wonderful. If you’re in Durham Region check out Durham Pelvic Health.

C-section scar massage before and after

 I wish I had taken pictures of my scar. I don’t know why I didn’t I couldn't see the scar, my belly was still so big I looked 6 months pregnant my first few days and weeks postpartum.

Once the general pain of being cut open was over I found I had sensitivity around the scar. It didn’t hurt but was numb, and that’s due to all the nerves being cut ducting the c-section. But not to worry they regrow! It will take several months or longer. Mine have never fully regrown. When I touch the area around the scar, I still have numbness.

A picture of me a few days postpartum. The belly made it hard to see any scar.

If you’re interested in hearing the story of what it’s like to breastfeed twins, click here to read the blog post.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR C-SECTION SCAR

When it comes to c-section scarring it’s always important to talk to your doctor about when you can start to massage the area. You want to make sure you are well-healed before you dive in! I’m also a strong believer in finding a great pelvic floor physiotherapist. If you have a good one, let me know!

Worried about a C-section shelf or a C-section pooch?

The funny thing about the c-section shelf or pooch is that I’m pretty sure I had it before I had my c-section. I have never been extremely skinny. I would consider myself Rubenesque. I have always had a little belly! Saying that I do not have a “cliff” of flap that folds over my scar.

When talking to a physiotherapist they brought up the early studies that have shown that loose underwear can help prevent the shelf/cliff from occurring. As for the pooch. I put myself in the “mom cat” category… Loose skin and fat….. that will never go away!  

Best c-section underwear

The best c-section underwear is one that feels like you are not wearing underwear. The last thing you want is pressure on the incision. Underwear with lots of stretch and is breathable is best.

That’s why Moon Mama postpartum underwear works so well. It’s very stretchy so you have no pressure on your incision. It also shrinks with your body, keeping its shape so you are not rushing out to buy the between sizes of underwear. The mesh allows airflow for healing, allowing you to recover comfortably.

Moon Mama underwear is a great option for your postpartum recovery journey, as our underwear is seamless and stretchy so it does not irritate your c-section incision.

Check out the Moon Mama shop here 

Have fun massaging!