Connecting with your C-Section scar (and healing from a belly birth)
My entire pregnancy, I envisioned and planned for a home birth. To have my baby born within the familiar comforts of home was something I had so passionately prepared for.
Fast forward a two-day labour and eventual hospital transfer, I found myself being prepped for a c-section. The shock of how my baby arrived into this world has taken time to heal from and for me, I feel it will always be an ongoing journey of acceptance.
Alongside the many layers of healing from a c-section birth, familiarising ourselves with our incision scar takes courage and scar massage has been a huge part of not only the physical, but also the mental and emotional healing of my belly birth.
It is not uncommon to feel disconnected to your scar, especially if you experienced an emergency c-section or traumatic birth. Our bodies hold memories deep within our tissues and for most of us it can be understandably too much to physically touch a piece of us that is connected to deep emotion or trauma.
For a long while I didn’t feel comfortable looking at my own scar and rehabilitating my incision has taken time and compassion. As a maternal health professional, I have always reminded clients of the importance of scar tissue massage and it was both humbling and confronting to find myself needing that same reminder. Understanding the impacts it has on our healing and long term health, was all the encouragement I needed to get started.
Please remember to check with your surgeon or LMC to ensure that your scar is healed (usually around 6 weeks) before beginning regular scar massage.
Lets talk scar tissue...
Scar tissue can be likened to a huge internal spider web
Beneath the layers of any visible scar is a network of scar tissue (or webbing) that can spread through the body. If this tissue is not rehabilitated, it can create pain and dysfunction over time and as postpartum mothers, this ‘network' of webbing can grow deep into our pelvic floor effecting the circulation of blood to our pelvic tissues.
How does it develop?
C-section births, vaginal tearing at birth, an episiotomy or even laparoscopic procedures on the cervix can all cause scar tissue to develop.
Scar massage can help to ensure the wellness of our internal health
The majority of c-section scars are located in an area where nerves can be entrapped and if not treated, scar tissue can spread in multiple directions along our bodies fascia (connective tissue), attaching to the pubic symphysis, the hip flexors and the vertebra & muscles of the back. It can also travel up towards the diaphragm and inhibit breathing. When scar tissue glues the fascia of tissues or organs together, fibrous bands called adhesions occur which can be more detrimental to our health and may be harder to rehabilitate.
Why is it important to massage your c-section scar?
- Frequent massage helps to reduce skin sensitivity on and around your incision.
- A variation of applied pressure helps to reduce nerve pain and numbness.
- Bringing movement through massage to your incision can help to prevent and break up adhesions in the scar tissue.
- Massage promotes circulation and the body's tissues are supported to restore into a smooth arrangement which is able to move with ease.
- Helps to improve the mobility of your torso (chest, abdomen, back) and pelvis.
- Improves the recruitment and function of the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles as well as reducing tension in these areas.
- Supports ongoing internal healing.
You may feel pulling, tenderness or a burn type sensation when you begin. This is normal for stretching in the tissues, however, if you feel sharp pain, please contact your care provider.
What does scar tissue FEEL like?
The immediate area can feel numb, like pins and needles, painful, or have a pulling or stretching sensation. Where adhesions are present, a limited range of motion is often felt. When checking for scar tissue we are feeling for areas under our fingers that feel like ropes, wires or hard pebbles. When these areas are pressed into, there is a range of sensation felt from numbness or a sharp knife-like pain.
The immediate area can feel numb, like pins and needles, painful, or have a pulling or stretching sensation. Where adhesions are present, a limited range of motion is often felt. When checking for scar tissue we are feeling for areas under our fingers that feel like ropes, wires or hard pebbles. When these areas are pressed into, there is a range of sensation felt from numbness or a sharp knife-like pain.
It can be initially confronting to feel these sensations and textures connected to your scar. Massage creates the opportunity for us to reconnect to our body and feel empowered in our healing. As you familiarise yourself with the uniqueness of your scar, you will find comfort and ease in working to break down the scar tissue under your fingertips. As we feel our scars begin to heal in this way, we will likely feel a deeper sense of healing from our birth and compassion for our scar and the story it will forever carry.
How can I break down scar tissue (and prevent adhesions)?
• Applied heat to encourage healthy circulation to the incision area and pelvis. Wheat packs are a gentle and effective option.
• Persistent physical pressure through massage while using a nourishing and penetrating oil such as ‘Viva La Vulva Belly Birth Scar Oil’.
• Castor oil waist wrapping.
• Deep abdominal breathing to encourage the internal movement and massaging of organs along with receiving the naturally cleansing cycle of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Did you know we release 70% of our bodies toxins through our exhale?
Know that it is never too late to begin supporting and exploring your c-section recovery through a regular practice of scar massage. We all have our own timeline of healing - be gentle with yourself and when you are ready, try to work on getting used to touching and gradually applying pressure to your scar.
The capabilities of our bodies are extraordinary and choosing or needing to have a c-section is just as powerful as any other way of birth. Our scars don't completely disappear but through the connection of massage, our relationship with them can help us to heal and as mothers we are able to honour this part of ourselves that birthed our baby while empowering our sacred postpartum journey.
If you would like support healing from your c-section birth or if you have further curiosity's about scar massage. Please reach out to connect with me through www.vanessawernerbirthcare.com
Vanessa x
