April might be all about chocolate eggs and school holidays… but it’s also C-Section Awareness Month – and here at Maia Mum, we’re giving a big virtual cuddle (and possibly a peri bottle) to every mum who’s delivered their baby via Caesarean.
Because whether your C-section was planned, a surprise twist in your birth story, or somewhere in between – it’s still a birth, it’s still valid, and it definitely still deserves a standing ovation. Or at least a seat with extra cushioning.
So, what is a C-section?
For the uninitiated (or anyone who was too sleep-deprived to Google), a Caesarean section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. In New Zealand, roughly 1 in 3 births are now by C-section – so if you’ve had one, you’re in great company.
C-sections can be planned (elective) or unplanned (emergency), and they can happen for a whole host of reasons: baby’s position, placenta issues, multiple births, stalled labour – or just good old-fashioned “this baby needs to come out safely now.”
And yes, it’s major surgery. But it’s also majorly powerful.
Let’s bust some myths, shall we?
“You didn’t really give birth.”
Erm, excuse me? Try saying that to someone who just had abdominal surgery while wide awake and then immediately had to care for a tiny human. Spoiler: C-section mums absolutely gave birth. There’s no medal for how your baby arrived – just the lifelong job of raising them. (Fun!)
“You’ll bounce back in no time.”
Look, some mums do feel pretty sprightly after a C-section. But many others are dealing with pain, fatigue, mobility challenges, and the emotional recovery from a birth that maybe didn’t go to plan. There’s no one-size-fits-all. And please – don’t feel bad if your “bounce” feels more like a slow shuffle.
“It’s the easy way out.”
Yeah, no. There’s nothing easy about being stitched up while cradling a baby on your chest and trying not to sneeze for two weeks straight.
Healing after a C-section – what your midwife forgot to mention
- The wound is real. You’ve got a surgical incision to take care of – and whether it’s neat and tiny or a bit longer than expected, it deserves TLC. Keep it clean, dry, and give it the love it needs to heal.
- Support garments are a game-changer. Say hello to belly wraps and high-waisted knickers. They’re like a warm hug for your core when everything feels a bit… wobbly.
- Silicone scar strips can help. They’re not just for looks – they can reduce redness, thickness and itchiness while your scar matures.
- Rest is not optional. You’ve just had a baby and major surgery. Let people help. Nap when you can. And for the love of pelvic floors – don’t lift the washing basket.
At Maia Mum, we’ve got your back (and your belly)
Because we know how intense C-section recovery can be, we’ve created a range of products to help you heal, soothe and feel human again:
- 🧼 Peri Bottles – because bending to wipe is a no-go.
- ❄️ Cold Therapy Packs – for when your wound area is crying out for relief.
- 🩹 C-section Silicone Tape – for smooth, supported scar healing.
- 🌿 Revive-It Scar Cream – your scar’s new best friend.
- 🤗 Support-Me Belly Wraps – for gentle compression and core support.
- 🩲 High-Waisted Postpartum Undies – soft, stretchy, and no digging in.
However your baby arrived, you are incredible
C-Section Awareness Month is here to remind us that all births are worthy, all scars tell a story, and all mums deserve care, compassion, and some really good snacks.
So, to all the C-section mamas out there – we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re here to help you heal.
And if you’re prepping for birth and want to be ready just in case, check out our full C-Section Recovery Range – because it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and be stuck Googling “what’s that weird tugging feeling?” at 2am.
