Healing After Cesarean Birth: The Benefits of Postpartum Massage

A mother holds a baby above her belly, showing a C-section scar. The white text reads "Louisville Prenatal Massage" on the bottom right.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month,

a time to acknowledge and support individuals who have given birth via Cesarean. With Cesarean births making up a significant portion of births, it is essential to highlight the importance of postpartum recovery.

Whether planned or unplanned, a Cesarean birth is a major experience that requires thoughtful recovery. Postpartum massage is a powerful tool for healing after a C-section, supporting both physical recovery and emotional well-being. Whether you’re receiving professional postpartum massage or practicing self-massage techniques, incorporating this into your recovery can make a meaningful difference.

Cesarean birth rates

In the United States, Cesarean births are common, with approximately one in three births occurring this way. Specifically, the national C-section rate increased in 2023 to 32.4%, according to provisional CDC numbers. In Kentucky, the rate is slightly higher, with 34.5% of live births being Cesarean births in 2022, and primary Cesareans (first births) being 23.2%. These figures exceed the World Health Organization's recommended Cesarean rate of 10% to 15%. Given how prevalent Cesarean births are, prioritizing postpartum recovery strategies, such as massage, can make a significant difference in overall maternal health and well-being.

The Benefits of Postpartum Massage After a Cesarean

Postpartum massage offers numerous benefits for those healing from a C-section, including:

Scar Tissue Mobilization & Healing – Gentle massage techniques can improve circulation around the incision site, reducing scar tissue adhesions and promoting flexibility and improved sensation and nerve healing in the surrounding tissues.
Pain Relief & Reduced Swelling – Lymphatic drainage techniques help decrease post-surgical swelling and discomfort by encouraging fluid movement and reducing inflammation.
Hormonal Balance & Nervous System Regulation – Massage promotes oxytocin release, which supports relaxation, stress relief, and emotional well-being during postpartum recovery.
Improved Posture & Core Recovery – After a Cesarean, the core muscles often feel weak and imbalanced. Massage can help realign the body, release tension in compensating muscles, and support a gradual return to strength and stability.

Self-Massage for C-Section Recovery

While professional postpartum massage offers incredible benefits, self-massage is a simple yet effective way to support healing at home. Here are a few techniques to incorporate into your recovery routine:

Gentle Scar Massage (Once Cleared by Your Provider) – Lightly massaging the scar area can help prevent excessive adhesions and improve tissue mobility. Using a soft touch and oil, start with light strokes around the incision before gradually working closer as comfort allows.
Desensitization with a Soft Brush – For those who feel discomfort, numbness, or emotional resistance when touching their scar, using a clean, soft makeup brush can help introduce sensation in a gentle way. Lightly brushing over the scar and surrounding area can help desensitize nerve endings, making direct touch or massage feel less overwhelming over time.
Breathwork & Belly Connection – Engaging in deep, diaphragmatic breathing while placing your hands on your abdomen can help reconnect you to your core and support gentle healing.
Abdominal Massage for Digestion & Comfort – C-sections can slow digestion and cause discomfort. Gentle, clockwise circular motions on the abdomen help encourage movement and alleviate bloating.

Massage & Birth Story Processing

Beyond physical healing, postpartum massage can be a powerful way to process and integrate your birth experience. The body holds memories of labor and birth, and massage provides an opportunity to engage in embodied healing. Many clients find that as they receive nurturing touch and reconnect with their bodies, they are able to process emotions surrounding their Cesarean experience with greater ease and compassion.

With Cesarean birth rates at an all-time high, creating space for postpartum recovery is more crucial than ever. Whether your birth went as planned or took unexpected turns, massage can serve as a supportive space to acknowledge and honor your journey, helping you feel more connected, grounded, and whole in the postpartum period.

Supporting Your Postpartum Healing Journey

Recovering from a C-section takes time, and postpartum massage, whether professional or self-applied, can be a valuable part of your healing process. If you’re navigating Cesarean recovery and looking for ways to support your body and mind, incorporating postpartum massage can offer both physical relief and emotional restoration.