The 14 Best C-Section Recovery Items Every New Mom Needs

Trust me, you’ll want to make sure you have pain relief like ibuprofen — which is considered safe if you’re breastfeeding — within reach following a C-section delivery, and not just for your incision site. Even if you deliver by C-section, your uterus will continue to cramp until it shrinks back down to its pre-pregnancy size. 

If your doctor gives you the go ahead to take ibuprofen, I'd stock up on Advil Liqui-Gels. It's the pain reliever of choice of plenty of What to Expect parents, aincuding me, and it's FSA/HSA eligible with most retailers. The coated liquid capsules are easy to swallow and work more quickly (typically within 30 minutes), absorbing faster than traditional tablets, reducing pain for four to six hours. Just remember to take any medication (even OTC painkillers like these) on schedule as prescribed by your doctor. It’s better to treat your pain ahead of time than to let it get so bad that you end up stuck in bed. And always be sure to take a pain reliever with food to reduce the risk of upsetting your stomach or dealing with ulcers.

TMI: That first postpartum bowel movement can be truly terrifying, even more so if you’ve just undergone major abdominal surgery. Experts recommend checking with your practitioner about taking a stool softener like Colace for the first few days afterwards. This tried-and-true product (recommended by many WTE moms during and after pregnancy!) works wonders. As one WTE mom put it: “Colace is the hero of the postpartum bathroom story!”

Colace adds water to your stool to soften it, making it much easier to pass. Not only will this make your trips to the restroom a bit more tolerable, but it will also prevent straining that could irritate your incision even more. This is especially important if you’ve been prescribed opioid painkillers, since they can increase the chances of constipation. 

My core strength was pretty much non-existent after both of my C-sections, and I relied heavily on the Boppy to get in a good position for feeding without having to move around too much. It kept the pressure and weight off of my tender tummy without minimal effort, thanks to its simple C-shape. 

What sets this nursing pillow apart from others is just how high it sits around your waist, providing baby with a safe place rest while feeding. It's also a fan-favorite among all new parents (C-section or not!) for its cushy feel and removable cover that’s can be tossed in the washing machine without worry. Not to mention, the strapless design makes it easy to take on and off — after a C-section, you'll want to reduce as much strain potential as possible. Even better, the pillow’s seam-free panel also ensures that nothing uncomfortable will rub on your incision site.

Also worth noting: You can use this later on for tummy time and sitting support when baby gets older. Just never have your baby sit on it unsupervised, and they should never sleep in it.

These medical-grade silicone sheets by Nuvadermis create a breathable, protective barrier over your C-section scar to help soften, flatten, and fade it over time. The flexible design moves with your body, so you can wear them under clothes without irritation. My C-section scar was tender and sensitive for months, but applying silicone sheets like these regularly helped protect it and really promoted the healing process. These particular sheets are great because you can trim each sheet for a perfect fit over your incision, and each sheet can be used for up to a week at a time.

Tested by Tika Fender, mom of one and Senior Art Director at What to Expect:

"My scars tend to heal a bit thick, so the scar sheets really helped minimize the appearance of such a large scar. I noticed a huge difference between my C-section scar and my appendectomy scar, where I had open surgery and didn’t use any preventative scar treatments."

For some moms, silicone sheets may be more irritating than helpful (and, to be honest, those patches weren't even really a thing after my own deliveries!). Creams and gels with silicone have also been proven to work just as well. It's really up to your personal preference. For instance, What to Expect's Shopping Director, Liz Buxton, first tried similar scar trips that her OB had recommended, but found that they didn't do much. She also hated pulling them off her still-tender incision. A friend swore by Skinuva post-op, so she gave it a shot and never looked back. 

Tested by Liz Buxton, mom of one who had an unexpected C-section:

"It’s a cooling silicone gel that feels super soothing and easy to apply twice a day (I do it when I wake up and before bed). Bonus: It got me into the habit of massaging the scar, which I wasn’t doing enough with the strips. It also has SPF to help prevent discoloration. Pricey, yes — but totally worth it. My scar is noticeably smoother, flatter, and less red." 

Doctor's Note: 

Hold off on using until your incision site has completely healed. 

After a C-section, having the core support of a good belly binder can make moving, standing, and even laughing much less painful. The best binder after cesarean is one that helps stabilize your midsection while your abdominal muscles and incision heal. The KeaBabies Revive is an adjustable wrap system that has three separate bands to support your belly, waist, and hips. You can use one, two, or all three bands, depending on how much compression you need and where. Plus, you can loosen it easily when you need to sit or nurse.

Tested by Tika Fender, mom of one and Senior Art Director at What to Expect:

"I really liked this binder because it comes with a pelvic belt that provides extra support to the lower abdomen.”

Doctor's Note from Sheeta Dedania, M.D.:

“I advise wearing the band low around the hips where it covers the incision. High placement makes it more uncomfortable and restrictive, especially for deep breaths. The belly bands help with comfort, especially when coughing, laughing, and sneezing.”

Specifically designed for postpartum bodies, The All-In Panty by Bodily stretches where you need it but stays in place when you’re moving around. The high waist is perfect for keeping your scar area covered and comfortable during those first sensitive weeks. These high-waisted panties are made from ultra-soft, breathable cotton with light compression to gently support your midsection. The wide waistband sits well above your incision, so there’s absolutely no rubbing or digging.

Tested by Liz Buxton, mom of one and Shopping Director at What to Expect: 

"I’m usually a commando girly, but postpartum called for a little more support. These were the only undies I could tolerate near my healing incision — insanely soft, buttery, and stretchy in all the right ways. They held up great in the wash (no pilling!) and somehow still look cute, not like grandma panties. I’m nearly a year out and still wear them to bed. That’s how comfy they are."

Doctor's Note from Sheeta Dedania, M.D.:

“Mesh underwear, especially the disposable kind, is helpful in the immediate post-c-section timeframe. After that, I generally recommend underwear that will either be below or above the incision, and that does not sit right on the incision, to be the most comfortable.”

Not only are Lululemon’s famed Align leggings a big hit with moms-to-be, they're also beloved by those of us who have been through a C-section. The leggings boast a buttery soft fabric and a high waistband that helps support your midsection without irritating your scar. 

Truth be told, these are the exact leggings I wish I had invested in during my C-section recovery because now I wear them regularly and know firsthand just how comfortable they truly are. While these leggings are admittedly an investment, one pair has lasted me years. 

But the stretchy fit isn't the only reason you should buy them. An invisible pocket in the waistband holds your phone or credit card when you venture out, and they work nicely as workout leggings or just for lounging with your newborn. And with many sizes and three different inseams available, it’s easy to find your perfect fit.

Tested by Olivia DeLong, mom of one and Senior Health Editor at What to Expect: 

“I loved them post-C-section because they were super comfortable with regards to compression (rather than super tight) and I felt they helped hold things in around my tummy area. I sized up during pregnancy, but found that after birth, I was able to wear both sizes, which I loved since I truly got the most use out of everything I purchased.”

Comfort is key during C-section recovery, and that goes double when it’s time for bed. This loose-fitting nightshirt from mom-approved brand Kindred Bravely won’t put pressure on your scar, allowing you to feel cozy at night or in between feedings. It also unbuttons quickly for easy nursing access if you’re breastfeeding. Hidden pockets at the sides are the right size for holding your phone, binkies and other essentials when your hands are otherwise occupied.

Tested by Olivia DeLong, mom of one and Senior Health Editor at What to Expect: 

“I loved this shirt because it was sooo soft and cozy — and honestly, I felt somewhat put together when I wore it (a hard feeling to come by as a new mom recovering). I was in the hospital for a few weeks prior to giving birth, and I purchased this while there and wore it pre- and post-birth.”

Per the ACOG, using a heating pad may be helpful for incision scar pain relief after a C-section. This heating pad from Pure Enrichment is oversized to cover your entire pelvis, bringing soothing heat to all your sore areas. (WTE moms report using heating pads on their incision scars, lower back, and shoulders to relieve trapped gas — yes, that’s a real thing! I genuinely thought something was wrong until my doctor explained that gas can more easily become trapped after birth and cause sharp pains.) 

Pro tip: I also loved sitting on my heating pad to help calm the pain in my tailbone where I got my epidural.

This one from Pure Enrichment warms up fast, with six different settings to allow you to get the right temperature for your needs. The soft microplush fabric cover won’t irritate your skin, and it can be tossed in the wash when you’re done. A nine-foot cord gives you a little room, so you’re not stuck right next to an outlet. It also shuts off automatically after two hours for extra peace of mind.

Heads up: It usually takes a day or so before you’re cleared to shower after a C-section. Then, between having major surgery and caring for a newborn, you may not feel like showering at all — and that’s okay. These body wipes will help you get clean without the hassel of getting undressed, stepping into a tub, and scrubbing. I know all too well the desire to not move much at all post-op. 

No rinsing is needed with Nature Valley's generously-sized, 9-by-9-inch wipes.  Just pull one out, wipe yourself down, and go about your day. These deodorize thanks to Chamomille extract, while the addition of aloe vera and vitamin E leaves your skin feeling moisturized.

Staying hydrated is important, both for your recovery from surgery and breastfeeding. This Nalgene water bottle holds up to 32 ounces and has a wide mouth for easy drinking. The bottle is BPA-free and has a screw cap that connects to the bottle with a loop you can hook around your diaper bag strap for quick access. Clear metrics on the side help you keep track of how much water you’ve had. 

Other perks of the classic water bottle, according to a WTE mom superfan: "They are cheap, absurdly sturdy (like, you buy one and it'll hold you for your entire natural life) and come in an absolute plethora of colors and lots of different themes.” The only downside is that they don’t come with a straw and might be too wide to fit in some cupholders.

Even if you didn’t have a vaginal delivery, a peri bottle — which sprays clean water over your nether regions to cleanse — can be incredibly useful when recovering from a C-section. You’ll still bleed postpartum, so a peri bottle can keep you feeling fresh without needing to bend and reach to clean yourself (which can be so hard right after surgery).

While hospitals often give new moms a peri bottle to use, WTE community moms swear by the more upscale Frida Mom version. A few tweaks on the classic design, like an upside-down nozzle for easier handling and a large canister to hold 10 ounces of water, make it much more user-friendly than your typical peri bottle. It also comes with a carrying case to bring with you to the hospital or on the go. 

For something a bit fancier and far more luxurious, many moms swear by bidets, like those from Tushy. 

Doctor's Note from Matthew Carrol, M.D.:

“For patients who had to push before ultimately having a cesarean, a peri bottle might be a comfort for that area as well.”  

I didn’t realize I would need compression socks after my first C-section, but I made sure they were in my hospital bag before I had my second. Post-surgery swelling in your legs and feet is common after a C-section — especially since you’ll be lying down a lot. Compression socks can help reduce that puffiness and keep your blood moving, which is especially important after surgery. 

These graduated compression socks apply gentle pressure from your ankles up to your calves to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it when putting them on right after surgery if you’re not feeling up to bending and reaching quite yet.

Tested by Tika Fender, mom of one and Senior Art Director at What to Expect:

"I didn’t realize foot swelling was normal after a C-section. It was so uncomfortable to walk or put any pressure on my feet, but the compression socks really helped reduce the swelling and made walking more manageable."