16 tips on how to 'feel more human' after a caesarean

One in four babies are delivered by caesarean section - that's a lot of mummies who need recovering.

Having a caesarean is often necessary to avoid medical complications, and while some might see it as an easy alternative to vaginal birth, in fact, it's far tougher to recover from. Giving birth doesn't always go to plan, so whether a caesarean is emergency or elective, it's an extraordinary procedure that can save lives. However, the time it takes for your scar to heal is often underestimated and mums feel deflated and bed-ridden in the weeks following - wondering if they'll ever get back to their usual active selves.

All it takes is a lot of rest, more rest than you could have ever imagined giving yourself. So, the mums from Mother&Baby's Facebook group #mumtribe gave their expert advice on ways to cope post-C-section and how to feel 'human' again.

From tying a scarf to the end of the bed, to sleeping with ten pillows underneath you, this is all the advice you will need. These mums have been there themselves and their advice is invaluable.

1. Lisa Thompson

"My biggest bit of advice is rest! Forget housework, forget visitors and just stay in your bubble with your baby, everything else can wait. Your body has been through a lot and it needs time to recoup. Take it slow and listen to your body."

2. Tina Strong

"If you intend to breastfeed I found the rugby hold, supported by lots of cushions, a life saver as anything else was just too painful. Enjoy all the snuggles!"

3. Naomi-Marie Pridding

"Let people do things for you - rest up but do move a little every now and then. If it hurts to sleep lying down, get comfy in a chair - I slept in a chair for weeks and it actually allowed me to sleep!"

4. Lisa Thompson

"Move a little each day but don't overdo it. Also keep your scar nice and dry, use a hairdryer on a low low heat after a shower to dry it out and give it air when you can."

5. Lori Wise

"Drink lots of water, eat healthy, take help whenever it's offered and don't be afraid to ask for help either. Also, wear the TED (compression) stockings."

6. Naomi-Marie Pridding

"THE P WORD 💩 - don’t be afraid to ask for meds from your midwife! You don’t have to suffer!"

7. Rebecca Louise

"Rest as you may end up doing yourself more damage. I pulled myself a few times 🙈 I took arnica tablets and had lavender baths...(Not sure if this actually did anything but it's relaxing!) You will probably find in a weeks time you will be moving alot more!

8. Lisa Thompson

"I slept reclined with about ten pillows alone in bed for a few weeks and that helped."

9. Emma Gray

"Use big fat maternity pads over your scar to stop getting sweaty there. My midwife helpfully pointed out that I did not want to get all sweaty under my overhang!"

10. Natasha Lee Bellamy

"Very important to delegate if you have help around you! Any other siblings or hubby perhaps - also good for them to bond with baby."

11. Emma Gray

"Rest as much as you can, but make sure to move about a little bit. I made a conscious effort to walk properly (upright rather than bent over protecting my tummy) and think that helped."

12. Gayle Lui

"Don’t lift anything heavy and listen to your body. You’ll be fine but it’s major surgery so make sure you are kind to yourself (I’ve had 2). Also I used tea tree oil in the bath to help scar."

13. Emma Gray

"Keep on top of taking paracetamol and ibuprofen for a couple of weeks. And get medication to help with bowels if it's needed."

14. Lainey Nosworthy

"The only thing I found most painful was getting up out of bed. A friend of mine recommended tying a scarf at the end of the bed to use to help getting up and that helped."