One in four women in the UK give birth via caesarean section, whether it was planned (elective) or due to an emergency. Considering how commonplace the baby delivery operation is, many mothers feel that they are not sufficiently prepared for a C-section, nor that they receive inadequate aftercare.

This is something skincare brand Nessa confirmed in a recent survey of more than 2,000 mothers who had caesarean sections in the last five years. It found that 85 per cent felt they were not given enough advice post-C-section, with 96 per cent saying they were given very basic, or no advice on how to care for their wound. Nearly all – 99 per cent – were given no advice on scar healing.

While every woman’s C-section recovery will read differently (just like everyone’s birth story and journey to motherhood) the scars left from the surgery will be psychological as well as physical. “We store a lot of emotions and memories in our tissues and releasing this tension can be hard,” says caesarean section massage therapist Hannah Johnson. Considering the strong mind-to-body connection, she believes that it’s important to address both aspects when healing from childbirth. “Scar recovery is as much about getting to know yourself again and showing yourself compassion as it is about physical healing.”

Both Johnson and pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Bourne recommend scar massage to aid the recovery process. But while it may seem like adding yet another thing onto a sleep-deprived new mum’s ‘should-do’ list, scar massage doesn’t have to be an unrealistic chore to try and fit into your busy life. “Just five minutes a day can be really effective,” says Johnson, “and it’s so important for preventing the build-up of scar tissue after a C-section”.

The benefits of C-section scar massage

In addition, Bourne says that C-section scar massage offers several other benefits. “A few of these are that it reduces numbness and improves sensation around your scar, [plus] it can reduce that feeling of tugging and manage swelling. It can also help to reduce muscle restriction and improve the visibility of overhang that lots of women are worried about.”

“Most importantly,” she says, “it helps you to reconnect with your body, however your journey was to caesarean and however you feel about your birth – it’s a wonderful way of getting to know your body again and helping to get that scar as happy as possible.”

When to begin C-section scar massage

Both experts recommend waiting until at least six weeks postpartum and letting a doctor or midwife confirm that your wound has healed (do speak to a medical professional sooner if you’re concerned about this). Massage is only advised once your wound no longer has a scab, or a raised appearance.

You should also consider if you’re psychologically ready. “Don’t rush into scar massage,” Johnson says, noting that it will likely trigger an emotional response. “If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of touching your scar, park the idea and come back to it when you can.”

Meanwhile, she recommends touching the skin around the scar, or touching it on top of your clothes to help you build up to direct touch. “You can also use a soft, clean make-up brush to help desensitise the area first,” she suggests. Here, it’s key to slowly get to know yourself again. “Your body is on a long journey through womanhood, and you have time to get comfortable with the way it looks and feels,” Johnson adds.

Equally, if your caesarean delivery wasn’t recent, know that “it’s never too late to work on your scars,” she adds – so don’t panic if you’re finding this advice later into your recovery. “Our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal and evolve, whether it’s been four months or four years since your C-section.”

How to massage your C-section scar

Using a light touch and an oil or balm for slip (Bourne recommends the Nessa Scar Massage Balm, which harnesses plant-derived ingredients to decrease inflammation, reduce hyperpigmentation and deeply hydrate) use sweeping, circular and zig-zag movements on and around your scar.

Watch Bourne demonstrate these techniques for early C-section scar recovery, and share her practical tips, in the video below.

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Speak to a doctor or midwife if you are at all concerned about your C-section recovery and look out for resources such as Nessa’s downloadable guide to C-section recovery, and the NHS' caesarean section recovery page for more useful advice.