You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking to save a few bucks while preparing your own c section recovery essentials kit!
I know how easy it is to spend unnecessary money on products you think you’ll need during recovery because of all the products being marketed by everyone!
I think it’s fair to say we’ve all done it!
But, the truth is, your c-section recovery kit doesn’t have to include too many items, break the bank or even be stressful!
When you are discharged from the hospital, you are given a list of do’s and don’ts and prescribed medication for pain management while recovering at home after a c-section.
By simply following those instructions, you are already heading to a smooth and possibly quick recovery!
The c section recovery essentials you’ll buy are primarily to make YOUR postpartum recovery comfortable and manageable!
Let’s get into your 8 C Section Recovery Essentials!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
What C-Section Recovery Essentials Do You Need at Home?
1. Pain Medications
As you would expect, this is the most crucial c section recovery essentials product on this list!
Nothing else matters if you’re in pain, so make sure you have pain medications!
What is the best pain relief after C-section?
In the hospital, they gave me Ibuprofen. So, I bought Advil and Motrin.
How long should I take pain meds after C-section?
Your discharge paper will indicate what pain medication your doctor recommends for you while recovering at home.
It will also say how much is too much pain or if pain proceeds longer than X time, you should contact your doctor.
I took the medication as often as instructed on the packaging for as long as I was in pain.
Post you may also like: 18 Do’s and Don’ts After C-section!
2. Belly Band
According to WebMD, the benefits of using a postpartum belly wrap, aka “belly bands” after a cesarean section, are the following:
- Lowers swelling from surgery
- It helps muscle and incisions heal
- Helps relieve pain
- Helps with posture
But of course, with everything, there are also cons, so wear as directed or as you feel comfortable.
I usually wore my belly band when I was standing and walking around because it helped relieve pressure off my lower back, and I felt less pain when I had it on.
It supported me in all the right places!
However, I could never wear the belly wrap when lying down or sitting because It would pressure or rub on my c-section incision.
Since this is a c section recovery essentials must-have, I’ve listed some great options from Amazon below so you can find the one that works best for you!
- Belly band #1 (this is one is similar to the one the hospital gave me)
- Belly band #2
- Belly Band #3
3. Gas Pill or Soda
Experiencing postpartum gas is very common after birth.
According to Healthline, some of the reasons for postpartum gas are:
- Constipation
- Pelvic floor damage or,
- Diet & Lifestyle
I experienced some painful gas during week two of my postpartum recovery. I believe it was my diet because I wasn’t constipated, and I didn’t have damage to my pelvic floor.
The gas pain I experienced was similar to those I have felt on my period (maybe some of you can relate) but more intense!
I didn’t know my simple solution was ginger ale soda!
You can also buy Gas-X.
4. Pad / Postpartum Underwear / Mesh Panty
Bleeding after birth is a normal part of c section recovery.
Postpartum bleeding usually last 2-6 weeks. So, you will be using postpartum underwear for a while.
The heaviest period will happen in the early days following your c section. As the days go by you will notice blood start to decrease in volume.
Don’t be alarm if you see blood clots, it’s part of recovery.
Post you may also like: Simple & Realistic C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist!
5. Peri Bottle
I thought peri bottles were only for moms who experienced vaginal birth because of the stitches they may have received after birth, but it helped me a lot as a c-section delivery mom.
I struggled to pee the first 24 hours after the nurse removed my catheter.
Then, after a few hours of trying (yes, hours!) my nurse recommended the peri bottle filled with warm water, finally helping me pee!
The peri bottle also made cleaning up after using the bathroom more manageable.
All you have to do is squirt some warm water down there, helping you clean postpartum bleeding, and then dab toilet paper to dry everything up.
For me, this item is a must-have in your c section recovery essentials kit!
6. Stool Softener
It’s common to experience constipation after birth since many changes have happened to your body after delivery.
Still, you should not strain your body to prevent your incisions from opening.
That includes pushing out poop, so take a stool softener if you find yourself having to push!
7. Bed Pads
Bed pads are another excellent c section recovery essential item to include in your postpartum care kit!
They’re great for keeping your bed clean on your heavier postpartum bleeding days.
You can also use them on the couch or rocking chair.
I was glad my hospital gave me many bed pads to take home, so I didn’t have to buy any!
8. Compression Socks
Wearing compression socks after a c-section is excellent for promoting blood circulation (preventing blood clots) and reducing swelling.
Your body has just gone major surgery, and yet you are expected to get moving and care for a newborn right away!
In the hospital, you don’t notice how much goes into caring for a newborn and yourself because your amazing nurses are there to help!
But, once you are home, you have to do most of it yourself, and as a result, you forget to give your body a break that it genuinely needs to heal!
The first week home from the hospital after a c-section, I experienced swelling in both feet for the first time (it was uncomfortable!) because I didn’t know how to find time to rest my body and care for my newborn as a first-time mom!
The compression socks with a few massages helped the swelling go down. This is another must-have postpartum item!
Breastfeeding Must Have’s while Recovering from C-section?
- Nursing Pillow and Positioner
- Nipple Butter
- Water Bottle
- Portable Breast Pump (If breast pumping)
If you plan to breastfeed after c-section, I highly recommend you add the items listed above to your c section recovery essentials list!
Post you may also like: How to set up the best pumping station with limited space!
How Painful is C-Section Recovery?
C-Section Recovery is painful! On a scale of 0-10, it was a 9 or 10 for me when the pain medication wore off.
But, when I took my pain medications on time, the pain was more of a 3 or 4.
(Way Better, I know!)
That’s why it’s so important to take your pain medication on time, not one second later!
(Trust me!)
How long Will My Stomach Be Swollen After C-Section?
Your stomach will experience swelling for 2-6 weeks due to the sore and healing tissues cut through during your c-section.
Try to be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal!
When Can I Walk After C-Section?
Surprisingly, you will be allowed to stand and walk within the first 24 hours after your c-section.
You won’t be walking for long periods at a time in the beginning, but as your body heals, you’ll feel more comfortable walking for longer.
Last Thoughts:
Don’t stress over having all these items at home the first day home from the hospital. Whatever c-section recovery items you still need, you can always order or send someone to buy them for you.
I hope this post was helpful!
If you are also wondering, “what do I need to bring to the hospital for your c section” check out my c-section hospital bag checklist post here.
