The “mummy pouch.” You know, that frustrating little overhang of skin and fat right above your C-section scar that refuses to budge no matter how many salads you eat or crunches you attempt. (Spoiler alert: crunches won’t help!) It’s something many of us didn’t expect—because no one really warns you about it.

I remember after my first C-section, I stared at that bulge in the mirror and thought, What is this? Why won’t it go away? It didn’t just mess with how my clothes fit—it messed with my confidence. If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone. Let me walk you through why it happens and what you can do about it.

What Is the Mummy Pouch, Really?

The mummy pouch—sometimes called the C-section pouch or shelf—is that stubborn pocket of extra skin and fat that forms just above the incision scar. It’s a mix of stretched skin, fatty tissue, and sometimes scar tissue that settles in after pregnancy and surgery.

Think of it like this: your body just performed a miracle, but it went through a lot to get there. During a C-section, your abdominal muscles are separated, and your skin is stretched beyond its usual limits. Add in some weight gain, hormonal changes, and maybe even genetics, and voilà—your new little “friend” arrives along with your baby.

Why Does It Happen?

Here’s the honest truth: it’s not just about weight. After a C-section, your abdominal muscles are weakened from the surgery, making it harder for them to support your core like they used to. Hormones, like oestrogen, play a part too—they weaken connective tissues and make it harder for your skin to snap back.

For some of us, scar tissue forms a ridge under the skin, creating that “shelf” effect. For others, it’s simply loose skin and fat that feel like they’re clinging on for dear life.

I’ll never forget the first time I noticed mine. I’d been cleared to exercise, and despite losing the pregnancy weight, that stubborn pouch just wouldn’t go. It felt unfair, like I’d failed in some way. (Spoiler: I hadn’t—and neither have you.)

So, What Can You Do?

The good news? There are things you can do to help. While it won’t disappear overnight, a little care and consistency can make a big difference.

Massage Your Scar
I was terrified to touch my scar at first—it felt so foreign. But scar massage can really help. Once your doctor gives you the green light, gentle massage can break down scar tissue and reduce that “shelf” effect.

Strengthen Gently
Forget crunches for now. Start with gentle core exercises like pelvic tilts or glute bridges that focus on strengthening your deep abdominal muscles. These movements help rebuild your core without putting pressure on your incision.

Support Your Body
One thing I wish I’d known sooner? The power of a good postpartum support garment. Wearing one provides compression that helps flatten the pouch while giving your abdomen and back the support they need to heal properly.

How My Recovery Kit Can Help

Let me share something that changed everything for me: my C-Section Deluxe Recovery Kit. It’s designed with mums like us in mind—because let’s be honest, recovery is hard enough without wondering if you’re doing the right things.

⚫ The Compression Garment: It’s like a hug for your belly. It helps with swelling, supports your core, and works to prevent that stubborn pouch from forming in the first place.

⚫ Silicone Strips: These soften and flatten scars, helping them heal beautifully.

⚫ Virgin Coconut Oil: Perfect for gentle scar massage, keeping the area soft and preventing adhesions.

When I used this kit consistently after my second C-section, the difference was night and day. My pouch was smaller, my scar healed flatter, and—most importantly—I felt more like myself again.

Invest in YOU

The mummy pouch doesn’t define you—it’s just a reminder of the incredible thing your body has done. But if it’s something that’s bothering you, know that there are ways to take control of your recovery.

If you’re ready to feel more confident and supported, the CSection Deluxe Recovery Kit is here to help. It’s not just about looking good (though that’s a bonus); it’s about healing properly, feeling strong, and reclaiming your body.

Click here to shop the kit now.

Want to read more?

Mama, I know recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’ve created a FREE Postpartum Recovery Guide to help you take charge of your healing journey.

It’s filled with practical tips, gentle advice, and everything I wish I’d known after my first C-section—like the lessons I shared in My Own C-Section Recovery Journey and insights about Diastasis Recti, the condition no one warned me about but so many of us face.

Trust me, mama—you’ve got this. 💛