Let me set the scene…
You’re in the living room, cradling your newborn, hair in a messy bun, running on fumes and cold coffee. Your partner’s scrolling on his phone and suddenly shares some ridiculous meme. You laugh – big mistake.

Sharp, burning pain shoots through your belly, and you immediately freeze, gripping your incision like you’re holding yourself together. Why didn’t anyone mention this?

I learned this lesson the hard way. My sister, who has a gift for making even the most mundane stories sound hilarious, had me in hysterics over the phone. One second I was laughing; the next I was curled up, pillow clutched to my stomach, begging her to please stop talking. Post-C-section laughs? Absolutely no joke.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just laughter. Sneezing, coughing, even getting out of bed too quickly can feel like you’re tearing something vital apart. It’s like your body is waving a giant red flag saying, “Too soon! We’re still in recovery mode!”

And while you won’t actually rip your stitches, it sure feels like you might.

Why Does Laughing Hurt So Much After a C-Section?

A C-section isn’t just a surface-level cut – it’s major abdominal surgery. Your muscles, nerves, and tissues were sliced open, and now they’re all in the process of knitting themselves back together. When you laugh, your abdominal muscles contract, pulling at the tender incision site.

It’s like doing crunches without meaning to – except instead of stronger abs, you’re left with soreness and regret.

How to Laugh Without (So Much) Pain

You can laugh without wanting to cry. But it takes a few tricks to get there.

Hug a Pillow Like Your Life Depends on It

This is your first line of defence. Keep a pillow within arm’s reach at all times – couch, bed, car, even the bathroom (trust me on this one). When you feel a laugh, sneeze, or cough coming, press the pillow gently but firmly against your incision.

It gives you the extra support your healing muscles need and stops that awful pulling sensation. Think of it like giving your belly a warm, reassuring hug.

Master the Art of “Breathing Through It”

Laughter bubbles up quickly, but if you catch it early, you can soften the blow. When something funny happens:

• Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.
• Exhale gently and steadily through your mouth.
• Sip some water or shift your focus to something else if you can.

It sounds simple, but redirecting your body’s reaction can ease the intensity.

Ban Funny Business (Temporarily)

I know, easier said than done – but issue a “No Joke” policy to your family and friends. I half-jokingly (ironically) told my husband he wasn’t allowed to be funny for at least two weeks. Did he listen? Absolutely not.

But the warning helped. I wasn’t blindsided as often.

Pro tip – if your partner thrives on dad jokes, threaten to make him change every nappy for a week if he makes you laugh. Desperate times.

Invest in a Medical Grade Care Suit

I can’t recommend this enough. A good postpartum support garment holds your abdomen securely, reducing the movement that causes discomfort. It’s like armour for your belly – gentle, yet effective. Plus, it helps with swelling and makes moving around easier.

I wore mine daily and noticed a huge difference, especially when I had to sneeze or get up from the couch.

Embrace the Awkwardness (It’s Part of the Journey)

Honestly, there’s something a little ridiculous about laughing so hard you need to hold yourself together – literally. But part of healing is learning to laugh through the tough stuff (pain and all).

One night, I snorted while trying not to laugh at something silly my husband said. He laughed even harder, and soon we were both in tears – me from pain, him from watching me awkwardly clutch my belly with a pillow.

In the moment, it felt absurd. But now? It’s one of those memories I look back on and smile.

Recovery isn’t glamorous, but neither is motherhood most days. You’re doing something incredible – healing from major surgery while caring for a tiny human who depends on you for everything.

So if you find yourself clutching a pillow, laughing through the discomfort, or issuing temporary joke bans – know you’re not alone. One day soon, you’ll be laughing without the pain. But until then, pillow hugs are your best friend. 

Kate 🖤

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