Safe Babywearing After a C-Section: Guidelines and Tips
Table of Contents
- When Can You Start Babywearing After a C-Section?
- Tips for Safe Babywearing After a C-Section
- What is the Best Baby Carrier After a C-Section
Childbirth takes its toll on the body, especially if you undergo a cesarean delivery, commonly known as a C-section. While C-sections are increasingly common, it is important to understand that undergoing a C-section is a surgical procedure from which the mother requires additional healing and recovery compared to that of a natural, uncomplicated birth. The recovery timeline is very different from person to person, however, the physical recovery from a C-section should not affect your ability to bond and care for your baby.
After a C-section, you'll probably hear from your doctor that you shouldn't carry anything heavier than your baby. Using a baby carrier helps distribute your little one's weight evenly, making it easier to carry them as you heal. That said, it's incredibly important that you listen to your care provider and your own body as you start babywearing. In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about that.
When Can You Start Babywearing After a C-Section?
Assuming all goes well and you have a straightforward C-section, you'll probably be able to start babywearing immediately after leaving the hospital (albeit carefully). If your recovery is a little slower, waiting anywhere from 2-6 weeks after your c-section is also common. The healing process is different for every person, so here's how to figure it out.
Talk to Your Doctor
Make sure to ask your doctor about your physical health and recovery specifically related to you wanting to babywear. Your doctor will let you know if any complicating factors might prevent you from using a baby carrier safely. Your care provider will also explain what to look out for and provide specific aftercare guidelines that will ensure your safety as you recover. Consulting a certified baby wearing educator is a great idea to help guide you and give specific, personalized assistance as you begin your babywearing journey.
Consider How You Feel
Beyond what your doctor has to say, make sure you're also feeling well enough to baby wear. If you're still in a lot of pain, or you feel any discomfort when trying to strap on a baby carrier, wrap, or sling, those are signs to stop and wait a few more days before trying again. You should also consider your overall strength and energy levels. If you become easily fatigued, it might be best to wait a little before babywearing. Enjoy holding your baby close in your arms without having to worry about practicing a new skill!
Avoid Rubbing
Lastly, you must be physically able to wear your carrier without any rubbing against the healing incision site. As most C-section scars are quite low on the abdomen, it's easy to avoid any aggravation with most baby carriers — especially during the newborn stage, when your little one should sit quite high on your torso. Vertical C-sections, which are quite rare, might preclude you from being able to babywear for a longer period of time.
Tips for Safe Babywearing After a C-Section
There's a lot that goes into using a baby carrier, with big differences from product to product. Our video tutorials will help you visualize the techniques for each one of our carriers, and these tips will help you make the right decisions during your C-section recovery.
Prioritize your recovery: Pushing yourself too hard will actually slow down your C-section recovery. Pay attention to your body and prioritize your recovery as you ease into babywearing. It's okay to limit the amount of time you spend babywearing and to take multi-day breaks if you feel any pain or fatigue. Let others step in and help as much as possible so that you can heal quickly.
Position high: Once you do start babywearing, the most important thing to do is position your baby carrier so it sits high on your body. Take your time adjusting the shoulder straps and waist belt to find a comfortable position and fit. In the newborn phase, most carriers and wraps will be positioned and worn at or above the mothers belly button. This will prevent any contact with your C-section scar and also allow for a safer carrying position. Make sure your little one sits high and tight in the carrier, with the head close enough to kiss, the spine gently curved, and baby sitting in a deep seat, with the knees higher than the bottom, creating an M-shape.
Become familiar with the carrier: It may take you a bit of practice before you feel comfortable putting on the baby carrier. Take your time practicing without bringing baby on board as a way to gauge whether you're ready to start babywearing after your C-section.
Short carrying periods: Shorter carrying periods are perfectly acceptable as you're still recovering from your C-section. In those first weeks, take frequent breaks and don't overdo other physical activities.
Don't attempt to lift other things: Your baby is the heaviest thing you should be carrying while recovering from your C-section, so don't be tempted to lift other objects while babywearing.
Speak to a consultant: To feel more secure about your babywearing and recovery journey, speak to a babywearing consultant or educator. They'll be able to guide and assist you while taking your recovery needs into account.
What is the Best Baby Carrier After a C-Section
Every caregiver has their preferences when shopping for carriers, but there are a few important features you should look for when deciding on the best baby carrier after a C-section:
- High fit: Most baby carriers have waist belts which help to distribute your little one's weight more easily. Look for carriers that can be adjusted to have the belt sit higher on the waist, to avoid rubbing against your healing incision site. Newborns typically are worn higher up on the body, so there shouldn't be a problem in this early newborn season with the waist band rubbing against the incision site. As mentioned above, in the newborn phase, most carriers and wraps will be positioned and worn at or above the mothers belly button.
- Alternatively, you can choose a Ring Sling carrier that won't wrap around your midsection at all.
- Cross-shoulder straps: Cross-shoulder straps provide better support and weight distribution, which your body may benefit from as you recover from a C-section.
- Fits your body: Always review the suggested size and fit of the carrier you're considering, as any fit issues could compromise your comfort and healing. All WildBird Carriers are available in two size ranges, to account for the diversity of new parents' bodies.
- Key safety features: Finally, some safety factors are simply non-negotiable when shopping for carriers. Always look for carriers that adhere to local safety standards like CPSIA and ASTM, have recognition from the Hips Dysplasia Institute, and are made of safety-rated materials. Rest assured that all WildBird carriers comply with these important standards.
All WildBird carriers are suitable during your recovery, but most parents will find that the Aerial Buckle Wrap is the most comfortable baby carrier after a C-section. It's made of our CloudBlend™ fabric, so it'll keep both you and your baby comfortable and cool at all times. Designed specifically with newborns in mind, it combines the cozy, secure fit of a wrap carrier with the adjustability and security of a buckle carrier. The belt is designed to sit high on the waist, well away from where a C-section scar would normally be.
That said, as long as you prioritize your recovery and follow the tips mentioned throughout the article, we know you'll be able to babywear with confidence with any WildBird carrier, even after a C-section!
