Cesarean and recovery: why is cold your best postpartum ally?
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What if the coolness helped you heal faster?
After a cesarean section, your body goes through a real marathon of reconstruction. Pain, inflammation, intimate discomfort, not to mention physical and emotional fatigue... What if the natural solution to relieve these discomforts was found in an ancient gesture: the application of cold ?
Far from being a grandmother's fad, cold after a C-section is now recognized for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties . Discover how this gentle and effective method can support your healing with kindness 💜
❄️ Why is cold so effective after a cesarean?
When a caesarean section is performed, the abdominal area undergoes major surgery: tissue incision, local inflammation, post-operative pain, edema, etc. In this sensitive phase, the cold acts as a real soothing treatment :
- Natural analgesic effect : The cold acts on the nerve pain receptors, creating local numbness. The result? Less pain, fast relief.
- Anti-inflammatory action : the cold slows local blood flow and reduces inflammation, thus limiting swelling around the scar.
- Optimized healing : by reducing tissue tension, cold promotes better tissue regeneration.
👉 These benefits are not new: derivative baths or perineal cryotherapy have been used for centuries to help the body rebalance after childbirth.
🔬 Scientific study confirms effectiveness of cold after cesarean section
A clinical study conducted by Siripanthong et al. (2022) evaluated the impact of applying cold packs after a cesarean section. This randomized study, conducted on 34 women , compared the effect of a cold gel pack applied two hours after the procedure with standard care.
📉 Key results:
At 6 hours post-operatively, the pain score (VAS) decreased from 5.44 to 3.53 in women who received cryotherapy, a significant reduction in pain ( p = 0.005 ).
💊 Although the amount of painkillers consumed remained similar between the two groups, women who benefited from the cold reported faster and more marked relief , particularly in the critical first hours after the operation.
Discover the study in more depth right here!
💜 Perineal cryotherapy: a gentle and intimate ally in postpartum
At Maholi, we often talk about perineal cryotherapy . This practice consists of applying a cold pack to the perineal area (even after a caesarean section) to act in depth:
- Reduction of pelvic pain
- Soothing the sensation of a swollen vulva
- Prevention of hemorrhoids or pelvic varicose veins , very common even after cesarean section
- Support for perineal rehabilitation , even if the delivery was not vaginal
This technique is easy to apply and completely autonomously thanks to Maholi cold packs , like those included in the Menstrual Comfort Kit , composed of:
- a small cold pack , perfectly suited to postpartum
- an absorbent cotton cover , ideal in case of lochia
- a classic cover , for cozy moments
💡 Please note: perineal cryotherapy remains relevant after a cesarean section because the entire body, and particularly the pelvis, remains in use during childbirth, pregnancy and beyond.
To learn more about this practice, see our article: 👉 Perineal cryotherapy in perinatality
🧊 Instructions: how to use cold properly after a cesarean section?
Here's how to easily adopt this practice into your post-op routine:
🌿 In practice:
- Place the Maholi ice pack in the freezer for 2 hours
- Place it in its soft (or absorbent) Oeko-Tex certified cotton cover
- Place it at the perineum or lower abdomen , depending on your pain.
- Use it for 20 to 30 minutes (or more if you feel the need) , several times a day.
If it feels too cold at first, leave the bag at room temperature for a few minutes. The goal is to achieve a gentle, never harsh, coolness.
⚠️ Avoid applying the cold pack immediately after a meal, or when extremely tired. If in doubt, always ask your midwife for advice. Never apply the cold pack without the provided cover!
What about digestive or hemorrhoidal pain after a cesarean?
After a cesarean section, you may have to deal with hemorrhoids or digestive discomfort related to bed rest or hormonal surges. Here again, the cold can:
- decongest the anal area
- relieve itching
- improve transit thanks to better circulation in the small pelvis
Don't hesitate to also read our article 👉 Hemorrhoids before childbirth: what to do?
Because even after that, they can persist for a few weeks!
Conclusion: an icy sweetness for a gentle rebirth
Incorporating cold into your postpartum routine can actually relieve various labor-related pains and make the postpartum period easier.
❓ FAQ: Cold after a C-section – answers to your questions
Does cold slow down healing?
No, on the contrary! By reducing inflammation and tension, it promotes better tissue regeneration.
Can I apply cold directly to my scar?
Not directly on the skin: always use a cover or intermediate fabric to avoid cold burns.
How many times a day can I use a cold pack?
Up to 3 to 4 times a day in the acute phase (the first few weeks), then depending on how you feel.
Is cryotherapy compatible with breastfeeding?
Absolutely. It poses no danger to the baby, even if you are breastfeeding.
