Why has nobody told me how to get out of bed? How to Prepare for and Recover from a C-Section Birth

Momcozy Village - Together We Grow

Each year, around 270,000 women in the UK give birth via C-section. In the U.S., it’s approximately 1 in 3. Despite how common C-sections are, there’s still a significant lack of education and support around the experience, especially when it comes to aftercare.

In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary speaks with Victoria ‘Midwife Vic’ Holyoak, founder of c-sectionUK. This organization is committed to guiding women through every stage of the C-section journey, from preparation to delivery to recovery.
Vic shares the deeply personal and heartbreaking story that led her to this work and offers practical, down-to-earth tips for post-surgery recovery. From the surprising benefits of peppermint tea for easing bowel movements to the critical role that gentle movement plays in healing, Vic delivers advice that's both realistic and reassuring, especially for first-time C-section moms.

The episode also explores the growing interest in maternal-assisted C-sections, a procedure where mothers can actively participate in the birth by reaching down and helping lift their baby out. It’s an empowering option for those who want a more connected experience during what can sometimes feel like a highly medicalized process. Vic explains what this looks like in practice and how it can help reclaim the moment of birth for C-section mothers.

Above all, Vic wants moms to know this: C-section births are every bit as real and valid as vaginal births. If a baby is born from your body, it’s a birth.

Episode Highlights

00:44 The Importance of C-Section Education

01:17 C-Section Recovery Challenges

06:04 The Story Behind c-sectionUK’s Founding

10:13 Challenges in the Healthcare System

11:28 Vital Physical Recovery Tips

19:10 C-Sections and Vagninal Bleeding

20:31 Emotional Side of C-Sections

22:27 Birth Trauma and C-Sections

27:50 Understanding and Managing Scarring

36:52 Maternal-Assisted and Gentle C-Section

About the Guest: Midwife Vic

Midwife Vic founded c-sectionuk in Spring 2023 after nearly a decade of working as a practicing midwife, antenatal educator, and hypnobirthing teacher. Witnessing a growing demand for accessible, tailored c-section education, she launched the platform to empower expectant parents with knowledge and confidence. Despite the ongoing debate around birth methods, Vic remained committed to improving the experience of c-section births through inclusive, expert-led digital resources. Her vision quickly gained national and international support, turning c-sectionuk into a trusted hub for parents seeking informed, compassionate care.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
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Lalaina Rabary
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Midwife Vic and c-sectionUK
Website | Instagram

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

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