Why Moms Deserve More Support After a C-Section
Did you know that a cesarean section (C-section) is the most common surgery performed in the United States? In fact, over 1 million women have this surgery every year in the United States. Yet, despite how common it is, many new moms are sent home with little to no guidance about how to recover and care for themselves while also caring for their newborn.
If you had hip surgery, in most cases, you’d automatically receive home health therapy to help you heal. But after a C-section—a major abdominal surgery—you’re often left to figure things out alone. This gap in care is part of why our country is facing a maternal health crisis.
As an occupational therapist specializing in women’s health, I believe mothers deserve better. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting women during the vulnerable weeks after a C-section—when recovery, newborn care, and emotional well-being all collide.
Why Recovery After a C-Section Is So Challenging
The early postpartum weeks are a time of big changes. Physically, your body is healing from surgery, dealing with pain, and adjusting to hormonal shifts. Emotionally, you’re stepping into (or back into) motherhood, often on little sleep, and possibly without enough support.
Common challenges after a C-section include:
Pain and difficulty moving (especially with stairs, getting out of bed, bending, or lifting).
Trouble caring for your baby comfortably—feeding, lifting, soothing.
Fatigue and sleep struggles.
Feeling overwhelmed by the physical, mental, and emotional demands.
Increased risk for postpartum depression or anxiety.
It’s no wonder so many mothers feel unprepared and unsupported during this stage.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapy (OT) is uniquely positioned to support moms after a C-section. Unlike physical therapy, which often focuses mainly on exercise and mobility, OT looks at the whole picture of your daily life—your body, your environment, and the meaningful activities (occupations) that make up your day.
That means we don’t just help you heal physically—we help you find ways to:
Care for yourself and your baby safely, even with movement restrictions.
Set up your home environment for easier recovery and baby care.
Learn safe body mechanics for feeding, lifting, and everyday tasks.
Manage pain, stress, and energy so you can recover without burning out.
Build routines that support rest, bonding, and emotional well-being.
OT brings together rehabilitation + maternal mental health + real-life function—so you can heal and thrive, not just “get by.”
A Call for Change in Postpartum Care
Right now, it’s not standard practice for OB/GYNs to order home health therapy for women after C-sections. That needs to change. Every mom deserves support during those fragile first 6 to 8 weeks of recovery.
My mission with Magnolia Women’s Wellness is to help close this gap in care. Through in-home visits (for Northern Virginia families) and virtual support, I work with mothers to make recovery safer, smoother, and more supported.
Because your healing matters just as much as your baby’s care. 💜
✨If you’d like to learn more, read my published journal article or listen to my featured podcasts on The C-Section Experience Podcast (Part 1 & Part 2)!
✨ If you or someone you know is preparing for or recovering from a C-section, I’d love to help. Reach out to learn more about how occupational therapy can support you in your recovery journey.