Baby2Body’s Guide To Postpartum Recovery: What To Expect Post C-Section (Week 6)

Here’s the next installment of our postpartum guide for c-section mamas — that's 21% of you! There are a lot of shared symptoms of postpartum recovery but c-sections are more invasive — don’t worry, we’ve got all the info you need about week 6 of c-section recovery.

There are a lot of shared symptoms of postpartum recovery but c-sections are more invasive and entail a longer road to recovery. Don’t worry, we’ve got all the info you need about week 6 of c-section recovery below.

Before jumping in, it’s important to remember that every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and every delivery is different, so what to expect after birth varies a lot, no matter how baby was delivered. You might not get all of these symptoms & you might experience things that aren’t on this list — if that’s the case, let us know in the comments so we can share it with other mamas out there!

If you missed them, here are the other posts in this series:

Here’s what you can expect in week 6 of postpartum recovery:

The 6 week mark is often considered a big moment when it comes to postpartum recovery. Around this time, you’ll likely have a check-up with your doctor (for you and baby!) where you’ll likely get cleared for things like exercise (more on this below).

Of course, you’ll still experience some postpartum symptoms as your hormones continue to swirl around and exhaustion from looking after a little one kicks in. Don’t worry, we’re going to talk you through everything you need to know. Here are some things you can expect in week 6 of postpartum recovery:

1. Your scar is still healing

We need to keep mentioning this one so you know not to put pressure on your body’s healing — in general, a c-section scar will fade and look much better within 2 weeks, but full healing can take up to 3 months. So you may still feel some pulling and pain around the incision. You could still need some more support to lift and feed baby as you might find pulling or straining your abdomen painful as the muscles have been separated.

2. You may have a “shelf”

You might have heard the term “the shelf” if you've been doing any reading about c-sections and postpartum recovery — or if you’ve read the other posts in this series! The term refers to the skin above your c-section scar that hangs over like a “shelf”. You will notice it while your tummy returns to normal after birth (remember your uterus takes around 6 weeks to go back to pre-pregnancy size!) but some women continue to have it long after birth. The skin around the scar is often pulled much tighter than the looser skin above it which is why the shelf can occur.

3. Your menstrual cycle

If you are bottle feeding, your period may have returned already. At your 6 week check, talk to your doctor or midwife about using tampons if that’s something you want to do — they’re not usually recommended for use until at least 6 weeks as it can increase the risk of infection.

If you are breastfeeding you may not return to having normal periods until you begin to reduce your feeds and that’s because the hormone that helps your body produce milk, prolactin, also stops you from ovulating and having your period

Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, it’s common to have irregular periods for months after birth.

4. Intimacy & contraception

It’s likely that your doctor recommended you wait at least 6 weeks after you give birth to have sex — and you may be getting cleared to have sex at around this time.

While this is often an exciting step in the recovery process, clearance to have sex does not necessarily mean you will feel mentally or physically ready to get intimate in this way — and many women find their sex drive doesn’t return for much longer. If you don’t feel like having sex just yet, remember your feelings are valid. Have open conversations with your partner about how you feel & talk bout other ways you can connect and feel intimate.

If you are feeling up to it, start slow and use lubrication. Remember, sex should be enjoyable, so if you experience any pain, stop and consult your physician.

If you are not trying for another baby and even if sex is the last thing on your mind now is a good time to talk about your future plans make sure to use contraception as you can become pregnant again as soon as 3 weeks after you gave birth, even if you are breastfeeding. This is something to discuss at your 6 week postpartum check-up!

5. Your emotions

It’s common for mixed emotions to continue as your hormones are still adjusting and you’re taking care of a newborn — maybe for the first time! Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed at this stage is normal. Deeper feelings of depression, anxiety, or other emotions should be discussed with your doctor, partner, friends, and family.

6. Your body & physical activity

Women who give birth vaginally are usually cleared for exercise at their 6 week check, but c-section mamas may be advised to wait longer — and will likely be cleared at around 8 weeks depending on how you’re healing.

When do start exercising, it’s really important to start off slow, warm up and cool down properly, and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. Listen to your body & don’t push yourself at this early stage.

Pelvic floor exercises are still important at this stage whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth because they can help with issues such as incontinence, and they can improve your sex life (for whenever you’re ready!).

Have a question for us about c-section recovery? Let us know in the comments!

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