C section mamas

Not sure if it’s the right advice or not but I didn’t do either. Had my little one just over 5 months ago now and haven’t had any issues x

Only need to do it if you end up with it (happens to 40% of all mums - section or vaginal birth). You can start scar massage if you want to once it’s a scar, not when it’s a wound. So after 6 weeks and being seen for your check up. They will also tell you at that appointment if you have diastatis recti as they can see/feel it. I didn’t need to do either personally as I didn’t get ab separation or develop any keloid tissue xx

@Sarah really, did your GP examine you like that and confirm either way? I don't think mine even had a look from what I can recall. I think she literally just asked if I was healing ok, and if I had any concerns. So rubbish! I don't know whether to see if the gp can check/to ask the health visitor line xx

@Isobel do you not have a c section 'shelf'? X

Yeah, I was fully examined… but it was a female obstetrician. Maybe ask for a midwife appointment. How far pp are you? Still under care? You can pay for a mummy mot or postpartum physio specialist. Some places do it with postpartum recovery massage, you can literally see and feel the abs separated from the wall so they will be able to tell you. It does heal on its own eventually though. Can’t hurt doing the exercises for it though if you suspect it xx

I'm 5.5 months pp. Am I even still entitled to a midwife appt pp? I feel like I've been told f all in all honesty 😂 yeah I just want to see someone for some reassurance. I may look into private massage, thank you xx

Have a look for a private postpartum physio. You’ll get a check out on your abs, your posture, take away some aches. I think you are past midwife care now (it’s like maybe 12 weeks after surgery) but you can always ask your health visitors too 😊 good luck xx

@Sarah also thank you for suggesting mummy mot, I've just found this online. Didn't even know it was a thing!! X

I did diasti recti (just deep abdominal exercises day after csection) we had a physio come and check in norwich hospital for the gap, and gives you instructions in person and in a pamphlet on how to preform the exercises. You could do them in bed, it's just breathing using tightening your core through your pelvic floor first. It's more about the connection of the two. I've been doing them most days for 5 months, I have no gap. For scar massage, TIKTok was very useful, but start gentle and then go hard after a few weeks. I started at 6 weeks pp as suggested by hospital. I now have no pain and no overhang