Cesarean Birth Massage

Iveta Avramova, RMT

Today, nearly 1 in 3 births in Canada are Cesarean deliveries. Despite how common this procedure is, many women receive little guidance on how to safely care for their surgical scar once they return home (especially after their 6-8 week follow-up). Recovery from a C-section presents with its own unique set of challenges — not only is a woman healing from major abdominal surgery, but she’s also navigating the nonstop demands of caring for a newborn, oftentimes self-care becomes secondary to the care for the new baby. 

While recovery involves many layers of care, one often overlooked yet highly beneficial tool is massage. Here are some of the benefits of visiting an RMT who is specifically trained in providing post cesarean care:

1. Reduces Pain and Discomfort

Recovering from a C-section involves healing from major abdominal surgery. While healing, a mother's body often tends to hold itself in a forward flexed position (this is often due to perceived fear of extending upright in an effort to keep the surgical scar safe).  Pain around the incision site, tightness in the abdomen, and lower back discomfort are common. Massage therapy — especially gentle techniques tailored for post-surgical recovery — can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which often relieves pain and speeds up the healing process.

Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider before receiving massage therapy after a C-section, especially within the first 6–8 weeks postpartum. A massage session before these 6-8 weeks would be more tailored to working through other muscular discomforts that come along with caring for a newborn  (e.g., neck pain from frequent feedings and sitting)

2. Supports Scar Tissue Healing

One of the lesser-known benefits of postpartum massage is scar tissue mobilization. As your incision heals, the body forms scar tissue, which can become restricted over time. Specialized massage techniques can help with:

• Gently mobilizing areas around the abdomen that might feel tight (a scar is not only what is seen on the surface of the abdomen )

• Improve flexibility in the surrounding tissue

• Minimize long-term discomfort or tightness

• Minimize swelling around the surgical area

• Enhance the appearance of the scar

Massage therapists trained in post-surgical recovery can guide you in performing gentle self-massage techniques at home, once your incision has healed.

3. Improves Circulation and Reduces Swelling

Swelling after delivery is common. One can notice increased swelling from prolonged bed rest in the hospital as well as around the incision site. Massage therapy can stimulate lymphatic flow and boost blood circulation.

4. Eases Stress and Promotes Better Sleep

Hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, and the weight of new responsibilities can lead to heightened levels of stress in a new mother.

Massage therapy can activate the body’s parasympathetic system (our "rest and digest" part of the central nervous system) and can promote heightened levels of relaxation, calm, and better sleep.

When Is It Safe to Start Post-C-Section Massage?

You should always check with your doctor before starting massage therapy after a Cesarean birth. In general:

• Abdominal and scar massage should typically wait until the incision is fully closed and healed — usually around 6–8 weeks postpartum.

• Full body relaxation massages can be booked earlier with specific modifications such as positioning. Abdominal and scar work is not done until after your 6-week check up with your doctor.

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Your body has done something truly incredible! 

Whether your C-section was planned or unexpected, it’s important to honour the physical and emotional recovery that follows. Massage therapy offers more than just relief — it provides a safe, supportive space for healing, relaxation, and reconnection.

If you're navigating postpartum life after a C-section, consider adding massage therapy to your recovery toolkit.