How do I make sure my scar heals well after baby (for cesarean or vaginal delivery)?
It’s a common story. Pregnant person arrives at hospital to deliver their baby. A cesarean delivery occurs, maybe it is planned, maybe it is an emergency, maybe it is due to the pregnant person having a small pelvis, or maybe it is because the medical staff intervenes too much. Whatever leads to the cesarean delivery it happens. After the baby is born, the medical staff stitches up the incision, eventually the scar heals. Months later the scar is bumpy, does not move well, tender and uncomfortable to the touch, and feels foreign. . . . .
Wait, that last part doesn't sound so great. Not only does it not sound great, it shouldn’t happen. All scars benefit from scar massage to smooth out the tissue, reduce sensitivity, and improve tissue movement internally and externally. Fortunately, you can do a lot of superficial scar mobilization yourself, but leave the deeper stuff to the pros. I can free up tissue through your whole pelvis and abdomen, but it requires hands on/in person treatment. Check out the video to learn some self care techniques:
Now a different story. You arrive at your birthing location of choice. The delivery goes mostly as planned, but you experience a perineal tear. The midwife or physician stitches you back up, but you have tearing to the opening of your vagina. If it is grade I, then it will probably loosen up on its own, but all scars benefit from some gentle mobilization. If it is grade II, then your muscles have been torn. The scar runs deeper. Many people heal up without continued pain, but others would have really benefited from gentle treatment. Grade III and IV are deep tears toward the anus and affect a lot of muscle. It is very, important that you perform regular scar mobilization to make sure your scar heals well. You will likely require mobilizations by yourself and a physical therapist to really make sure the scar heals well and does not cause future pain.
I would love to know what you think. Were you told to do scar massage after your delivery? Were you taught how to perform scar massage? What was your experience? Let me know in the comments.