C-section

I think maybe you’re messing with it a bit much, we probably all have overhanging stomachs right now. I was told to shower, pat dry and then do some air drying time, not to touch it or clean it specifically. That said, it’s totally normal for it to have some slight leaking/oozing from plasma, as long as it’s not bright red or infected ooze.

Hiya I'm 11 days pp with section wound and the same. My wound gets quite sweaty with my overhang. It's recommended to air dry when at home, so lie on the bed for a bit and pull the apron up so the air can get to it. The mw also said can use a clean handkerchief as a bandana to apply to the wound with the fold right into the fold too, to absorb any sweat etc. My wound also seems to be leaking a little (I had a negative pressure dressing on for the first week) but it's not red or swollen so I'm just keeping an eye on it for now. I can feel the stitches pulling sometimes, but it's not painful. I've managed to cut down my pain relief too, to twice a day for paracetamol and ibuprofen. I use the little reusable wipes squares to clean with a little baby head to toe wash and pat dry, then use the cold setting on the hair dryer and then air dry for a bit too. It's so hard with a newborn to get round to doing it, so I only mange it twice a day. Hth x

I was told by the hospital when I was discharged that I needed to clean it every day multiple times with my hand to get any gunk out, but then when I bled for the first time after I knocked the scab off I was told it should be doing it morning and night, Everytime I ask I feel like the answer changes

I've been told not to put anything on it and just let it air dry, I'm just so paranoid about getting an infection because that's all the hospital mentioned to me, I feel like they drilled it into my head and now it's all I can think about

I’m a plus size girl, I only rinsed it with the shower and pat it dry for the first couple of weeks! In the day Id fold a sanitary towel lengthways and put it under my overhang to stop the moisture or sweat causing an infection. Hope this helps xx

I've been told not to put anything on it such as a pad because when I bled for the first time I asked them xx

As someone who currently have an infection and let me tell you it is horrible! The pain is worse than actually having the c-section. I’m a plus size mum and shower twice a day to keep it dry! My midwife said it’s because I literally haven’t had time to rest and from day 2 was walking around the hospital as little one was in Nicu for a week. Just rest take it easy and don’t twist too suddenly, I pulled it a lot my suddenly sitting up to change him on the bed etc! I would honestly show you guys a picture but it is nasty on so many levels and looks like I’m being pulled open! 😂

how strange, with all 3 of my c sections I’ve done this! Xx

Hi I’m 5 weeks pp with an emergency c section and I had a severe infection with mine (still infected now) I also have an over hang message me if you like I’m happy to talk you through absolutely anything your worried about xx

you have to make sure it hasn’t got the absorbent lines (always have is a big no no) has to be 100% cotton 🥰xx

I wasn’t advised to clean mine though so I would say you are messing with it a bit too much. I hope it gets better but I would say leave it to heal naturally

Hey, I was advised not to clean my wound and only when showering let water run over but not to use soap etc. was also encouraged to let air get to it, but I did find that difficult having to wear big big panties to make sure you didn’t leak too😂😫😅. Mine did get infected and apparently it is really common and hard to avoid because of where the wound is. If it’s any reassurance, I’ve been given antibiotics that are breastfeeding friendly and it isn’t really painful or noticeable. Of course I understand your reason for wanting to avoid!!! X

I left mine and kept it dry as much as I could but mine still got infected, due to start my antibiotics tonight!! Mine looked as though I popped a stitch on one side and it was bleeding and then a little bit of pus, but there’s no need to be concerned if you can’t see any pus x

I too have a belly overhang and was so so worried about infection.

I cleaned my wound every morning and night with damp cotton pads, jusst dabbing water along it, dabbing it dry again and placed gause/pads etc whatever i had on hand (i found breast pads comfortable) between my wound and belly to keep the wound clean and dry - naturally under the belly would be a little moist.

I did this from day 7 when my dressing was removed, my would oozed slightly and had a few gaps in it aswell.
Im now almost 5 weeks PP and my wound is healing really well and i never got an infection🤍

I'm so going to try this! Mine is starting to smell ever so slightly, but it's not red or oozy or sore or inflamed. I checked with maternity services and they said just to clean with plain water and keep air drying as much as possible. Can also put kitchen towel or cotton handkerchief in the fold so it's not skin on skin. I have spare disposable breast pads so will try that x

I am currently 5 weeks pp and this has been such an anxiety of mine.. I have been back to triage and my draw multiple times to have it checked and swabbed. I am now the lucky owner of an overhand and my wound gets seriously sweaty.. I was advised to shower and let the sooay water run down.. then use a separate towel to the one I’m drying with to pay dry and then air dry where possible.. I am currently not infected thankfully but I have a little weeping and the area is all read from the overhang rubbing.. I also have the smell it’s so hard because you get so many contradicting advices but by not touching it I have managed to avoid infection so I would say don’t wash too much avoid soaps and let it get a little sweaty just air dry where possible. All the best mumma I have my fingers crossed for you that you can avoid infection ♥️