C-section scar massage

[ParquetFloor]

When did you start massaging around your c-section scar area? I'm only 7 days post section so it all seems way too tender yet but I'm nervous about leaving it too long. It's my second section and I didn't do much massage last time because i had nerve damage and it was so uncomfortable, but want to do things properly now. I can't find a clear answer online and I keep forgetting to ask the midwife.

Also, when did you stop taking regular pain relief? I've finished my codeine but still taking paracetamol and ibuprofen as instructed.

Ugh. So many things to think about 😴

[Bunny2607]

Hey
i had my first section 4 months ago today. I haven’t done any scar massage because it makes me cringe to even think about it 😅 or if imm in the shower washing and i touch it by accident it makes me feel all funny haha. But to answer your question about the painkillers i took cocodamol for the first 7 days and then week 2 i just took it at night. I relied on paracetamol and ibuprofen after that, paracetamol i’d say i was off by 4/5 weeks after but i carried on with ibuprofen for a good weeks after the op as everything just felt so swollen and puffy. My back is still swollen now 4 months on where the needle went in 😭

[Bunny2607]

For a good 6 weeks after the op that should say for the ibuprofen.

[Haggisfish3]

I have never done scar massage and my last one was 10 years ago.

[Foolsrule]

@Haggisfish3 - me neither! I’ve never heard of it. Tiny scar now, almost a decade on. Don’t stress, OP. You will heal in time.

[ParquetFloor]

Thanks, all! I'm 6 weeks postpartum now and I've been off pain relief for about 3-4 weeks-ish. I can bend down and do some housework now but still carrying anything heavier than the baby or walking uphill or general walking for more than 5 mins is tough on my stomach muscles. I've not done any scar massage yet because the idea also makes me cringe 😬

[quietnightmare]

I wouldn't worry about it as the scar will become so small and minimal alone enough. Wear the scar with pride. Do you have a pouch from the c section is that what you mean or is it the actual scar line incision that's bothering you. Glad your feeling a lot better though

[ParquetFloor]

I have the pouch from last time but it doesn't bother me at all, and the scar itself seems fine and looks like it's healing well. It's just that the midwives in the hospital were going on about massaging the scar so I was a bit worried because to be honest it's just another bloody thing on the ever-expanding to-do list with a newborn!

[quietnightmare]

I wouldn't worry about it. If you have time and feel like it and it's safe to do so then there's your answer but otherwise I wouldn't worry and just focus on yourself and your child