8 Essential Tips for Successful Babywearing After A Cesarean!
There’s no doubt that babywearing is one of the handiest tools for new parents, especially those with young babies. But what if a mum needs to undergo a C-Section for baby’s birth? Whether you are planning a Cesarean, recently went through one, or are doing your research “just in case”, this info is for you, mama!
So, can you wear your baby after a C-Section? For most mums, the answer is YES! :-) But you might find you need to do a few things differently – after all, you are recovering from abdominal surgery. It is no small thing.
Here are some things you should be aware of:
1. Listen to Your Doctor
Health professionals are there for a reason. If you are advised to not wear your baby, it’s best to avoid doing it. If in doubt, seek a second opinion. A physio can be super important to help with your recovery and provide medical advice on what you should/shouldn’t do post-op!
2. Listen to Your Body
You are the expert on your body. Nobody except you will know what you are feeling. If you feel great, go ahead with caution and common sense. If something doesn’t feel right, take it slow, and maybe set aside your carrier for when you are more recovered.
3. High Carries Above Scar
Carriers with a waistband may bother you for awhile. Try putting the waistband up high (under your boobs) so that it does not make any contact with your scar. Fortunately, this will be the perfect height for a tiny newborn! You may also want to try a ring sling (no waistband) or a wrap (stretchy or woven) as they can mould to your shape very easily.
4. Avoid Heavy Lifting
After a Cesarean, your core needs time to heal before you lift heavy weights. With baby in the carrier, you are already adding extra weight, so be careful to not use that handsfree time to lift much else.
5. Experiment
Some carriers will be more comfy than others. If you have them on hand, try using a ring sling, a woven wrap, a stretchy wrap, structured carrier, and a meh dai. Hopefully you will find your sweet spot! Ask in your local babywearing community if you are able to borrow from their lending library or attend one of their free meet-ups, or book in with a babywearing consultant to see what works for you before you make a purchase.
6. Short Bursts
Don’t overdo it. Your baby will get amazing benefits from babywearing, but you probably have years of close cuddles ahead of you. There’s no need to rush into things early on or wear them for hours at a time. Focus on your recovery above all.
7. Give Yourself Time
If you’re not comfortable wearing your baby during the first few weeks, that’s fine and normal. Wait a few days and then try again.
8. Ask for Help
Your partner, parents, in-laws, and friends are probably all very keen to help with baby, especially while you recover. Show them how to use the carrier, and enjoy the peace, knowing that baby likely feels safe, warm, and comforted.
Best carrier options for successful babywearing after a cesarean:
1. Stretchy Wrap (Boba available): Super soft, mouldable, and forgiving. These wraps will support you and your baby in all the right places without putting pressure on any healing wounds. The long fabric may seem daunting at first, but with a tiny bit of practice, these wraps are fantastic and loved by many new parents.
2. Ring Sling (Leather Baby Co): No waistband positioning so sling shouldn't even come into contact with your scar. Your newborn will be carried upright, nice and high, slightly off-centre, and snug. A slight learning curve but you will get long term use as your newborn grows.
3. Meh Dai (Neko Slings): A meh dai has a waistband but it is made from woven wrap fabric with soft padding so will move with your body rather being ridgid. You get the best of both worlds with the easy layout of waistband, back panel, and shoulder straps, but all made from lovely soft woven fabric.
4. Woven Wrap (Ankalia available): Soft like a stretchy wrap but slightly less mouldable.
5. Structured Carrier: Very quick and easy but potential to put slight rubbing pressure on your scar if not worn high enough.
Things might seem a little crazy at first. I mean, you have a newborn AND you’re dealing with recovering from surgery. Aren’t you lucky? ;-) But hopefully before you know it, you’ll be feeling back to normal and giving baby all of the cuddles they want!
There really is nothing more perfect than newborn snuggles!
If you’re looking for a carrier, head to the shop section. I have a range of carrier types you can try out, all with AfterPay available! If you want some extra one-on-one help with choosing the right carrier post C-sec, have a chat with me. I'm a qualified babywearing consultant and can help in-person or online!
P.S. Found this info handy? Please feel free to save or share it for future reference! :-)
Copyright Brooke Maree © 2020
Being a copycat or blatantly stealing is never cool. There is a fine line between inspiration and stealing, so please be respectful, honest, and full of integrity when sharing this piece of writing or using its information. Many hours of work, planning, and editing goes into our pieces to ensure the highest quality first-hand information. Any of our work that is plagiarised will more than likely be found and brought to attention. That being said, you are ALWAYS welcome to share our content, as long as you attribute and link back to the source. xxx
{Beautiful preview image by Emma Jean Photography}
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