The Postpartum Recovery Tip I Wish I Knew Sooner🙀

“Recovery isn’t linear—some days will be tough, but you’re tougher.”

Read time: 5 minutes

Hey Mama,

You made it through another week—C-section scar, baby snuggles, and all! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into some game-changing recovery tips, plus a little encouragement (because you deserve it). Let’s get into it! Here’s what’s cooking today (besides dinner):

• 🔎 The Sitting Struggle

• 🥁 The Unsung Hero of Postpartum Recovery

• 🤰🏻 Why do I Still Look Pregnant?

• 🍼 For Baby

The Sitting Struggle: How to Get Up & Down Without Pain

Why Does This Hurt So Much?

After a C-section, even the simplest movements—sitting, standing, and getting out of bed—can feel like a full-body workout. Your abdominal muscles just went through major surgery, and now, every move reminds you of it. But don’t worry, mama! With the right techniques, you can protect your incision, reduce discomfort, and move around more confidently.

The Log Roll Method:

Getting out of bed the usual way (sitting straight up) is a no-go for now. Instead, try the log roll method:

1️⃣ Roll onto your side first.
2️⃣ Use your arms to push yourself up while swinging your legs over the edge.
3️⃣ Keep your core engaged and move slowly.

This technique minimizes strain on your incision and makes getting up way easier.

Here’s a video of how to do it: Log Roll Method 

Sitting & Standing Without the Ouch

• Use arm support – Push off from a chair or bed using your arms, not your core.

• Go slow – No sudden movements! Take your time.

• Hold a pillow – Hugging a pillow against your incision can add support.

• Engage your legs – Rely on your leg muscles instead of your abs to lift yourself up.

Bonus Tip: Use a Higher Chair

Getting up from a low couch or deep chair = instant regret. Stick to firm, higher seats so you don’t have to struggle as much.

💡 Remember: Every movement will get easier with time! Be patient, go easy on yourself, and know that this phase won’t last forever.

Your Pelvic Floor: The Unsung Hero of Postpartum Recovery

Even after a C-section, your pelvic floor has been through a lot! Pregnancy alone puts pressure on these muscles, which support your bladder, bowel, and uterus. If you’re dealing with leakage, pressure, or a “heavy” feeling down there—you’re not imagining it.

How to Start Healing:

✔️ Deep Breathing: Engage your core and reconnect with your pelvic floor. Try slow inhales through your nose and deep belly exhales.
✔️ Gentle Kegels: If cleared by your doctor, practice slow contractions to rebuild strength.
✔️ Posture Check: Slouching can add strain—engage your core and sit tall.
✔️ Pelvic Floor Therapy: Seeing a specialist can work wonders for recovery!

Check out this video⬇️

Diaphragmatic breath and pelvic floor contraction

Reminder: Even if you didn’t push, your pelvic floor still needs love.

The Swollen Belly Mystery: Why You Still Look Pregnant & What Helps

Wait… Why Do I Still Look Pregnant?

You’ve delivered your baby, but your belly still looks like you’re a few months along—what gives? First, this is 100% normal (and no, you’re not alone in this). After a C-section, your body holds onto extra fluid, your uterus is still shrinking, and your core muscles need time to recover. That swollen, squishy belly isn’t forever, but understanding why it happens can help you feel more at peace with the process.

Uterus 101:

During pregnancy, your uterus expands significantly to accommodate your growing baby.

• Pre-pregnancy size: About the size of a small pear or fist.

• By the third trimester: It can stretch up to 500 times its original size!

• At full term: It's roughly the size of a watermelon and can weigh around 2 pounds (compared to about 2 ounces pre-pregnancy).

What’s Causing the Swelling?

🔹 Fluid Retention: Your body held onto a ton of fluids during pregnancy, and post-surgery inflammation makes it even worse.
🔹 Uterus Shrinking: It takes 6-8 weeks for your uterus to return to its normal size.
🔹 Gas & Bloating: Yep, your digestive system slows down after surgery, leading to trapped gas and swelling.
🔹 Surgical Healing: Your abdominal tissues are recovering, which can make everything feel and look puffy.

What Helps?

✅ Hydrate Like a Boss – Drinking more water actually reduces swelling by flushing out excess fluids.
✅ Move When You Can – Gentle walking helps circulation, digestion, and fluid balance.
✅ Support Your Core – A postpartum belly wrap can offer light compression and help your body feel more stable.
✅ Eat Bloat-Friendly Foods – Think fiber, probiotics, and low-sodium meals to prevent extra puffiness.
✅ Rest & Be Patient – Your body is healing. Give it grace, give it time.

💡 The Truth? That belly will go down, mama! It won’t happen overnight, but small, consistent habits will make all the difference.

👶 Newborn Tip: Diaper Change = Midnight Wake-Up Hack

Changing a diaper in the middle of the night can fully wake up your baby if you’re not careful. Try this to keep things calm and sleepy:

✔️ Change before feeding so they drift back to sleep afterward.
✔️ Keep the lights dim—a soft nightlight is all you need.
✔️ Use warm wipes to avoid the “cold shock” wake-up.
✔️ Skip unnecessary changes—if it’s just pee and not leaking, let them sleep!

Less fuss = faster return to dreamland for both of you! 😴💙

Diaper change essentials - Amazon finds:

Diaper Changing Pads Ducky Days

Hiccapop Wipe Warmers

Anico Baby Night Light

Mom Art of the Week:

That’s a Wrap for This Week! 💙

Mama, you’re doing an amazing job—yes, even on the days when you feel like a mess (we’ve all been there!). Recovery takes time, and every small step you take is a win. Be kind to yourself, rest when you can, and remember—you’re not alone in this.

Got a question or a topic you want covered next week? Hit reply and let me know! 💌

Until next Monday, take care of yourself, and snuggle that sweet baby extra tight. 💕

Want More Shortcuts? Stay tuned for our next issue.

With love and support,
Paola
Founder, Shortcut to Motherhood

P.S. Got a funny or inspiring C-section story? Hit reply—I’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue!