When I had my first C-section, I was completely unprepared for how much my body—and emotions—would change in the weeks that followed. While I’d heard about the “hormone storm” after birth, no one explained how those shifts might impact healing. If you’re preparing for or recovering from a C-section, let’s explore how your hormones affect your recovery and how to support your body through this transformative time.

The Postpartum Hormonal Rollercoaster

After giving birth, your body undergoes a major hormonal upheaval. This is true for all mothers, but with a C-section, the changes can feel different. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Estrogen and Progesterone Drop
As soon as your baby and placenta are delivered, these pregnancy hormones plummet. This sharp decline can leave you feeling emotionally fragile—think baby blues, mood swings, or moments of overwhelm.

Oxytocin Surge
Often called the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin floods your system during skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding. This hormone strengthens your bond with your baby while promoting uterine contractions, which aid healing.

Prolactin for Milk Production
If you’re breastfeeding, prolactin takes over to stimulate milk production. While this hormone helps nourish your baby, it also suppresses ovulation, delaying your menstrual cycle and potentially making you feel “off” for a while.

Cortisol and Stress Response
Sleep deprivation, feeding routines, and adjusting to life with a newborn can raise cortisol levels. Elevated stress hormones can interfere with healing and impact your energy levels.

How C-Section Births Affect Hormonal Shifts

After my emergency C-section, I noticed that some hormonal changes felt delayed compared to what my friends described. With a surgical birth, especially if labour didn’t occur, your body might not experience the same natural triggers, leading to:

• Delayed onset of baby blues (usually between days 5–7, rather than days 3–5).
• Subtle initial changes that intensify as exhaustion sets in.

If you’re feeling emotionally steady in the early days and wondering if the “crash” will come, know that everyone’s experience is unique. It’s completely normal to feel out of sync with what others describe.

How Hormones Affect C-Section Healing

Hormones don’t just shape emotions—they directly impact how your body heals:

Slower Scar Healing: Low oestrogen levels can slow tissue repair, making scar healing less efficient. Supporting your body with nutrient-rich foods can help.

Energy Depletion: A dip in progesterone and high cortisol levels can leave you feeling utterly drained. Prioritising rest and recovery is key.

Increased Inflammation: Stress-related hormones can heighten inflammation, which may make your incision site tender. Gentle massage (once approved by your doctor) can help alleviate discomfort.

Tips for Supporting Hormonal Recovery After a C-Section

Here are practical ways to work with your hormones to promote healing:

Prioritise Rest and Support: 

Rest might feel impossible with a newborn—believe me, I’ve been there. Between feeds, nappy changes, and trying to figure out a sleep routine, it can feel like there’s no time to focus on yourself. But every moment of rest counts, and your body truly needs it to heal.
One thing that really helped me was wearing a postpartum compression garment. It made moving around so much easier, reduced swelling, and provided the support my incision and abdomen needed to feel secure. Even on the busiest days, it gave me the confidence to move without fear of straining myself.
So, give yourself permission to rest. Take those moments whenever you can, even if it’s just lying down for five minutes while your baby naps. Your healing matters, and little steps add up.

Maximise Oxytocin: 

Skin-to-skin time with your baby isn’t just about bonding—it’s pure magic. The warmth of their tiny body pressed against yours, the way their little fingers curl as they settle, and the sound of their soft breathing… it’s a moment that stops the world. For me, it was like everything else faded away—no sleepless nights, no aches, just this incredible connection. Not only does it flood your body with oxytocin to help you heal and lift your mood, but it also reminds you why every tough moment is worth it. Those cuddles? They’re everything.

Eat to Heal: 

When I was recovering from my C-section, I quickly learned how important it was to fuel my body with the right foods. Trust me, I get it—sometimes the idea of cooking feels impossible when you’re juggling a newborn and barely keeping your eyes open. But even small changes can make a big difference. Try adding foods rich in vitamin C and zinc—like berries, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds—to help your body repair. And don’t shy away from healthy fats like avocados or salmon; they’re so good for healing and energy. On those exhausting days, I’d grab a handful of nuts or whip up a quick smoothie. It’s not about being perfect, just doing what you can to nourish yourself.

Start Gentle Movement:

I remember being terrified to move after my C-section—it felt like every step would hurt forever. But once my doctor gave me the green light, I started with tiny walks around the house. It wasn’t much, but it felt empowering to take control of my recovery, one step at a time. Movement improves circulation, which helps with healing, and it gave me a little boost mentally too.
Sarah Mahmood—a brilliant obstetrician who’s performed hundreds of C-sections and experienced one herself—shared with me how important it is to start moving as early as possible. As she put it, “Going from doctor to patient gave me a whole new perspective, and I cannot emphasise enough how much early movement aids recovery.” 
Curious about Sarah’s journey and her top recovery tips? Check out our blog post, From Doctor to Patient, to hear her powerful story and advice for new mums. 🖤

Monitor Your Emotions: 

The baby blues hit me hard, and I wasn’t ready for how emotional I’d feel in those first couple of weeks. Some days, I’d cry over the smallest things—like not being able to find a clean onesie. I kept reminding myself it was normal and that these feelings would pass. If you’re in that place, know it’s okay to feel all the things, but it’s also okay to ask for help. Talk to your GP or health visitor if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or if the sadness lingers beyond two weeks. You’re not failing, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Healing Is a Journey

Hormonal recovery after a C-section is deeply personal and can feel unpredictable. Be patient with your body, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. Whether it’s taking small steps like starting scar massage, wearing a compression garment, or simply allowing yourself to rest, every effort helps.

Your body has done something extraordinary—it deserves care and compassion. How have hormones impacted your postpartum recovery? Let’s share our stories and remind each other that no mum has to do this alone. 🖤

Want to read more? I’ve shared my own story of navigating C-section recovery, including the lessons I learned between my first and second births. Read about my C-section recovery journey here.