This 30-Second Video Shows Why C-Section Recovery Is Crucial for New Moms

C-sections are never the easy way out.

The next time someone tries to convince you otherwise, don’t waste your time explaining how they’re seriously mistaken. Just show them this video from Channel Mum instead.

The 30-second clip manages to capture what happens during the procedure and why moms need time to heal. Far from a “quick cut,” a c-section is a major abdominal surgery where doctors cut through many layers and in multiple directions.

Channel Mum illustrates all this in a way that’s not scary or gruesome to watch, but still gets the point across. The video shows someone flipping through a felt booklet where each piece of fabric represents a different layer of a women’s body. They work their way through:

1. Skin
2. Fat
3. Fascia, the dense covering on muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins and internal organs
4. Abdominal muscles
5. Peritoneum, a membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs
6. Bladder
7. Uterus
8. Amniotic sac
9. Baby!

The good news is thanks to the help of the epidural or spinal block, there usually isn’t much pain during the actual surgery. It’s the recovery, however, that can be tough. Moms feel sore, have cramping and bleed, but it’s all normal because it means the uterus is shrinking and healing. Most patients spend two to three nights in the hospital before they can go home. But once new moms are discharged, they have to adapt to a new normal with baby, and manage the pain in their c-section incision, cramping and continued bleeding.

When it comes to childbirth, there’s no easy way to have a baby. But if you have a c-section, the postpartum period may be even more of a challenge. Not only are you caring for your baby, but you’re also recovering from a major surgery. Learn what happens during the healing phase, and try to lean on those around you for help.

Remember, you will feel like your old self soon.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.