How to navigate babywearing after a caesarean section birth

Welcoming a newborn into the world through a caesarean section (C-section) birth can present unique challenges for parents, particularly when it comes to postpartum recovery and engaging in activities like babywearing. While babywearing offers numerous benefits, including bonding, convenience, and closeness, it's essential to approach it thoughtfully and cautiously following a C-section as your recovery timeline is different and healing times and process need to be catered for. Here are important considerations and guidelines to ensure safe and comfortable babywearing after a c-section delivery:

‍

Considerations and guidelines:

‍

• Consultation with your GP: First and foremost, seek guidance from your doctor before engaging in any strenuous activities, including babywearing, post a C-section. Your doctor can assess your individual recovery progress and offer personalised advice on when it's safe to start babywearing and what positions might be best for you. Healing times will vary from person to person and whilst your scar may look in good order after a couple of weeks, your internal layers of tissue are still healing. Around the 6 to 8 weeks mark you should be assessed by your doctor or physiotherapist at your postnatal checkup. 

‍

• Wait for the Right Time: Patience is key. Allow your body sufficient time to heal before you start babywearing. Typically, doctors recommend waiting at least six to eight weeks post-C-section before engaging in any strenuous activities. Listen to your body: if you experience pain or discomfort, delay babywearing until you feel more comfortable.

‍

• Choose the Right Carrier: Opt for carriers that distribute weight evenly and don't put pressure on the abdominal area. Consider soft-structured carriers (SSCs), ring slings, or wraps that allow for adjustments and provide proper support. Ensure the carrier doesn't place strain on your incision site. For most people this is very straightforward; as if your baby is high, tight and visible as they should be, then your carrier will sit well above the site of your scar.

‍

• Proper Positioning and Adjustments: Emphasise correct positioning to avoid unnecessary strain on your body. Maintain an upright posture and position your baby close to your centre of gravity to minimise discomfort. Adjust the carrier straps or fabric to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and hips. All of this is guided through the Carifit app which whether you have the Carifit+ carrier or not offers a physio led c-section recovery program and personalised babywearing support.

‍

• Start Slowly: Begin with short durations of babywearing sessions to gauge your comfort levels. Gradually increase the duration as your body becomes accustomed to the added weight and movement. Take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion. The nature of babywearing in the 4^th trimester is that babies often need feeding or changing so you will rarely babywear for extended periods of time.

‍

• Pay Attention to Your Body: Listen to any signals your body sends. If you experience discomfort, pain, or increased strain on your incision site while babywearing, stop immediately and reassess your positioning or take a break. Your wellbeing is paramount.

‍

• Supportive Undergarments: Postnatal specific clothing that doesn’t have belts or buckles near to the site of your scar and allows your carrier and clothing to sit flat and comfortable to maximise comfort.

‍

• Engage in Core Strengthening Exercises: Once your doctor gives the green light, incorporate gentle core-strengthening exercises into your routine. Strengthening your abdominal muscles can aid in better support for babywearing activities. Strengthening your body full stop can be transformational for your babywearing comfort and enjoyment. Always seek proper, qualified and postnatal specific guidance like the physio led core restore program in the Carifit app.

‍

• Seek Assistance and Support: Don't hesitate to ask for help or guidance from a babywearing educator or consultant. They can offer tailored advice and demonstrate techniques suitable for your specific post-C-section needs. This is why at Carifit we have an entire section of the app dedicated to babywearing. Remember, it is new to you so take your time, practice and stay calm as babies sense if you are stressed. 

‍

• MY TOP TIPS – practice with your carrier before you ever put your baby in it so you are confident in how it works. Feed them, change their nappy, pop them in the carrier and then get moving. Babies love movement,, it will help you both settle into some wonderful babywearing adventures.

‍

Babywearing after a C-section can be a hugely rewarding experience, fostering a deeper bond between you and your baby while allowing for hands-free mobility. However, prioritising your recovery and wellbeing is crucial. Always consult with your healthcare provider, pay attention to your body's signals, and choose babywearing options that prioritise comfort and safety. With patience, proper technique, and gradual progression, you can enjoy the benefits of babywearing while ensuring a smooth post-C-section recovery journey for both you and your baby. Expect that you will be babywearing in a regular, pain free and confident fashion by the time your baby is around 8 weeks old and you will be mirroring the experience of the vast majority of Carifit mums, and if it takes a bit longer don’t worry, babywearing is incredible for those first two years so you have plenty of time!

‍

‍