Having a caesarean birth doesn’t just change your recovery, it also affects how you care for your newborn in the first days and weeks. From feeding to handling, there are gentle ways to protect your healing body while giving your baby the best start.
First Feeds: Timing and Positions That Protect Your Abdomen
After a C-section, the first feeds can feel tricky. Your abdomen is sore, and lying flat can be uncomfortable.
Timing:
- Feed when both you and your baby are ready; there’s no strict “within the first hour” rule if you’re recovering from surgery.
- Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial, even if you need help getting comfortable in bed or a chair.
Positions That Reduce Abdominal Pressure:
- Football Hold / Clutch Hold: Baby tucked under your arm, like a football, keeps pressure off your abdomen.
- Side-Lying Position: Lie on your side with baby facing you, perfect for night feeds and giving your incision a rest.
- Laid-Back / Reclined Position: Lean back with baby on your chest; gravity does the work, and your tummy stays relaxed.
Use pillows or rolled towels to support your baby and arms; even small adjustments make feeding more comfortable.
Microbiome Considerations: Supporting Your Baby’s Early Health
Babies born via C-section miss exposure to some of the beneficial bacteria in the birth canal. While this is normal and usually not harmful, there are ways to support a healthy gut microbiome:
- Breastfeeding: Breastmilk is packed with good bacteria that helps your baby’s immune system develop.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Transfers some of your own microbiome to your baby while promoting bonding and regulating their temperature and heart rate.
- Gentle environmental exposure: Spending time with siblings and family in a clean, natural home environment helps diversify your baby’s microbiome exposure safely.
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Only take antibiotics when prescribed, as they can affect both your and your baby’s microbiome.
A strong microbiome helps with digestion, immunity, and long-term health, and supporting it doesn’t need to be complicated. The basics of feeding, bonding, and gentle exposure go a long way.
Nappy Care and Handling
Your abdomen may still be tender, so handling your baby carefully is important.
Nappy Changes:
- Keep baby on a soft, stable surface close to your body so you don’t have to lean forward excessively.
- Use a rolled towel or cushion behind your back for support if changing on a low bed.
Safe Handling:
- Always support your baby’s head and neck.
- Use the “tummy-to-tummy” hold when picking up from a flat surface.
- Ask for help moving the baby in and out of cribs, car seats, or cots, especially in the first few weeks.
Leaning on Family, Friends, and Your Partner
C-section recovery is physically demanding, even small tasks like getting out of bed, carrying your baby, or standing for nappy changes can be challenging. Accepting help isn’t a weakness it’s essential.
- Household chores: Let someone else handle laundry, dishes, cooking, or tidying for the first few weeks.
- Older siblings: Ask family or friends to help entertain older children while you rest or feed your baby.
- Partner support: Encourage your partner to take on practical tasks, from lifting the baby to bringing water, snacks, or medications.
- Visitors: Set boundaries, only invite visitors who can offer support, not stress.
Even small daily acts of support allow your body to focus on healing while ensuring your baby receives consistent, attentive care.
A Gentle Midwife Reminder
Recovering from a C-section while caring for a newborn is a big ask, physically and emotionally.
- There’s no perfect timing for feeds or nappy changes, do what works for you and your baby.
- Lean on your support network, let family, friends, and your partner help with meals, chores, and older children or pets.
- Take moments to rest, hydrate, cuddle your baby and move gently; your healing matters as much as your baby’s care.
Every gentle touch, feed, and cuddle helps your baby thrive and supports your body as it continues to heal.
