Scar Care, Smart Sitting & One-Handed Mom Moves You Need 🙌

"You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process." 

Rupi Kaur 🦋

Hey Mama,

C-section recovery is a full-time job, and just when you think you’ve figured it out—boom—another weird sensation pops up. If you’ve been feeling a pulling sensation near your scar, struggling to get up without wincing, or juggling life one-handed while holding your baby, this week’s newsletter is for you!

On this week’s agenda:

💡Scar Care 101 - Scare Massage

💺 Sitting and Standing Without Straining Your Core

🧠 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Worrying

🙌 The One-Handed Mom

PS. If you havent downloaded your C-Section Recovery Guide, you can find it below:

😣 Why You Might Feel a “Pulling” Sensation Near Your Scar

That strange tightness or pulling feeling near your scar? Totally normal! Your body is forming internal scar tissue as it heals, which can create a tugging sensation when you move. Here’s what helps:

✔ Scar massage (once cleared by your doctor) – Lightly massaging the area helps improve flexibility and prevents adhesions. You can find the scar massage video my physio recommended here - How to Massage Your C-Section Scar

✔ Gentle stretching – Try standing tall and reaching your arms overhead to lightly stretch your abdomen.

✔ Avoid sudden twisting or bending – These movements can aggravate tightness. Move slow and controlled instead.

💡 When to check in with your doctor: If the pulling turns into sharp pain, burning, or swelling, have it looked at to rule out complications.

💺 How to Sit & Stand Without Straining Your Core

Getting up from the couch shouldn’t feel like an Olympic sport, but here we are. The trick? Minimizing strain on your core and incision.

🚶 Standing Up the Right Way:
1️⃣ Scoot to the edge of the seat.
2️⃣ Engage your legs, not your abs.
3️⃣ Use your arms to push up while keeping your back straight.

🛏️ Getting Out of Bed Without the “Ouch” Factor:
1️⃣ Roll to your side first (instead of sitting straight up).
2️⃣ Use your arms to push yourself up, letting your legs swing over the edge.
3️⃣ Go slow! Your core is still healing—don’t rush it.

These small changes will reduce incision strain and back pain while making movement easier!

Postpartum Anxiety vs. Normal Worrying—How to Tell the Difference & When to Get Help

Motherhood comes with its fair share of worries—"Is my baby eating enough?" "Why is she making that noise?" "Am I doing this right?" These thoughts are completely normal. But when worrying turns into constant anxiety, racing thoughts, or an overwhelming sense of dread, it could be a sign of postpartum anxiety (PPA).

Let’s break down the difference between normal postpartum worries and when it might be time to seek extra support.

🧠 Normal Worrying vs. Postpartum Anxiety

✅ Normal Postpartum Worrying:

• You worry about specific things but can eventually reassure yourself.

• The thoughts come and go without taking over your day.

• You can distract yourself or calm down with reassurance.

• You’re able to sleep when your baby sleeps (even if you wake up to check on them occasionally).

• You feel stressed but can still enjoy moments with your baby.

⚠️ Postpartum Anxiety (PPA):

• You feel constantly on edge, like something bad is about to happen.

• Your worries feel out of control and keep spiraling.

• You struggle to sleep even when your baby is sleeping because your mind won’t shut off.

• You replay worst-case scenarios in your head (e.g., imagining your baby getting sick or hurt).

• Physical symptoms like racing heart, nausea, or restlessness accompany your thoughts.

• Your anxiety interferes with daily life—making it hard to eat, sleep, or function normally.

🆘 When to Seek Help

If your anxiety feels constant, overwhelming, or paralyzing, it’s time to reach out for help. Postpartum anxiety is very common and completely treatable! Here’s what can help:

✔ Talk to your doctor – They can assess your symptoms and suggest therapy, medication, or other treatments.
✔ Lean on support groups – Connecting with other moms who understand what you’re going through can be life-changing.
✔ Prioritize sleep & self-care – Lack of rest can make anxiety worse. Even short moments of calm can help.
✔ Practice grounding techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can help slow racing thoughts.

💡 A Final Reminder: You’re Not Alone

Many new moms experience postpartum anxiety, but it often goes unspoken. If you’re feeling this way, please know: You are not failing. You are not broken. And you do not have to go through this alone. 💕

If any of this resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor, therapist, or support group. You deserve to feel better.

🙌 The “One-Handed Mom” Trick: How to Do Everything While Holding Baby

Your baby doesn’t always want to be put down (of course not!), but you still need to eat, send texts, or just sip your coffee while it’s warm. Here are some genius one-handed mom hacks:

✔ Use a wrap or carrier – Frees up both hands while keeping baby close.
✔ Pre-cut snacks & meals – Easy-to-grab, bite-sized foods are your new best friend.
✔ Voice commands for everything – Ask Alexa or Siri to set timers, send texts, or play white noise.
✔ One-handed diaper changes – Keep wipes pre-pulled and diapers within arm’s reach to avoid struggling mid-change.

With a little creativity, you’ll be a multitasking pro in no time!

Mom Art of The Week:

✨ You’re Doing Amazing, Mama!

C-section recovery isn’t just about healing—it’s about adapting, growing, and giving yourself grace. Every small adjustment, every mindful movement, every time you recognize you need support—that’s progress.

If today feels tough, take a deep breath and remind yourself: You are healing. You are learning. You are strong. 💕

See you next Monday!

With love,
Paola
Shortcut to Motherhood

P.S. Got a recovery win or a struggle you want to talk about? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you! 💬