Nurturing the Mother
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Hello! I'm Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist, Postpartum Doula & creator of The Cesarean Recovery Guide.
I am here to support and empower you in pregnancy, postpartum and especially post csection. Nurturing the Mother is the result of an evolution of care. Through the years I, Janelle Fontaine, have grown my practice from being a massage therapist to the general public to narrowing my skills in supporting birthing folks in pregnancy and postpartum. After the birth of my first son, I saw the need for
✨ The short answer:
Wait until your incision is fully closed and you’ve been cleared by your care provider (typically around 6–8 weeks).
Here’s why:
In the early stages of healing, your body is still closing and stabilizing the tissue.
Introducing movement too soon can irritate the area or disrupt that process.
Once healing has progressed, gentle, progressive scar work can support:
💟 improved tissue mobility
💟 reduced tightness or pulling
💟 better overall comfort through your abdomen and core
Inside my Cesarean Recovery Guide, I walk you through exactly how to approach this safely and step by step—so you’re not left guessing.
👉 Save this for later, especially if a c-section may be part of your birth story
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]
07/16/2026
If you’ve had a cesarean and you’re wondering things like…
When can I actually start touching my scar?
Why does it still feel tight or numb?
Is this normal… or did I miss something?
You’re not alone.
Most people leave the hospital with very little guidance on what to do with their scar once they’re home. So they either avoid it completely or try random things they’ve seen online.
Neither of those always feel right for everyone.
There is a way to approach this that’s clear, safe, and actually makes sense for how your body heals.
The Cesarean Recovery Guide walks you through:
• what healing typically looks like
• when scar massage is appropriate
• how to safely improve sensation and mobility
• how your core plays a role in recovery
• what’s normal and what might need more attention
Whether you’re a few weeks postpartum or a few months out, it meets you where you are.
→ You can find the guide through the l!nk in b!o
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]
Wondering when C-section scar massage is most effective?
Once the incision is fully closed and you’ve been cleared by your care provider (often around 6–8 weeks postpartum), the early healing phase can be a very responsive time for gentle scar work.
During this stage, collagen is still actively remodeling and the tissue is adapting in structure and sensitivity. In clinical practice, this is when gentle, appropriate touch may help support:
• tissue mobility
• desensitization
• local circulation
• comfort with movement
• nervous system regulation
This is not about “breaking down” scar tissue. Scar tissue cannot be broken up manually. It is about supporting how the tissue reorganizes and how the nervous system interprets touch during the remodelling phase.
That said, scar tissue continues to remodel for 12–18 months and often longer.
So if you are past that early window, it is still absolutely worthwhile to begin.
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]
07/14/2026
IIt is never too late! ⏰
Scar tissue continues to change for a long time. The surface may look healed, but the deeper layers stay active and responsive for months. Gentle massage can help with mobility, comfort, and connection at any stage.
Here are simple ways to begin, no matter how long it has been:
1. Start with light contact
Rest your fingertips on the skin and take a few slow breaths. This helps your body relax before any movement.
2. Work around the scar first
Move the skin in small circles above, below, and beside the incision. It helps the surrounding tissue soften.
3. Keep pressure gentle
Think of moving the skin, not pressing into the muscle. Slow and light is enough.
4. Pay attention to tight or sticky spots
Hold your fingers there for a few seconds and let the tissue respond.
5. Be consistent, not intense
One minute a day is far more effective than a long session once in a while.
Your body does not close the door on healing. It just needs time, awareness, and calm touch.
More guidance for cesarean recovery is at nurturingthemother.ca
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
Alright let’s normalize!
What ball are you dropping? 👇
07/12/2026
How much pressure should you use when massaging your cesarean scar? 🤔
The answer might surprise you... it’s about the same pressure you’d use to check if an avocado is ripe, NOT to make guac! 🥑
A little pressure really does go a long way when it comes to C-section scar massage. ✨
Scar massage is one of the most overlooked parts of healing, but it’s so important for improving mobility, reducing discomfort, and helping you feel more connected to your body again.
Want to learn how to massage your scar properly and safely? 💯
The Cesarean Recovery Guide has you covered with a week-by-week breakdown to support your recovery and self-massage techniques that promote healing after your cesarean.
Comment “GUIDE” to get a copy of the Cesarean Recovery Guide ❤️🩹
You deserve to heal with care, mama. 💖 You’ve got this!
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and out c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
✨ For the mother reading this: As you hold your baby close, gazing into the mirror, you may notice subtle changes—your reflection altered in ways that only matrescence, the journey of becoming a mother, can reveal.
Motherhood can reshapes us, adding layers that can feel unfamiliar but are filled with strength and resilience.
If you’re feeling lost in this transformation, remember to:
✨ Embrace Small Moments – These quiet moments holding your little one, feeling the music, are powerful reminders of the new “you” emerging.
💓Honor Each Stage – Just as your baby grows, so do you. Give yourself permission to evolve.
🫶🏼 Seek Connection – You don’t have to walk this path alone; reach out, share, and support each other.
✨You are not “finding” your lost self—you’re creating a new version of yourself, beautifully layered with each experience. 🤍
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
Did you know that cesarean scars can impact deeper layers of tissue, including internal adhesions? 🤯
These can lead to discomfort or complications if not properly addressed, making effective scar care crucial for a smooth recovery.
🔍 Why It Matters: Beyond the visible incision, internal healing plays a key role in your overall comfort and recovery. Scar massage and gentle movement are essential to prevent issues and promote optimal healing.
📖 Get the Support You Need: To navigate your recovery, check out The Cesarean Recovery Guide from us here .ca This guide provides invaluable tips on massaging your scar, enhancing recovery, and getting curious with your healing on a week-by-week basis!
👉 Don’t sleep on your recovery: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools you need for a smoother, more comfortable postpartum journey! It’s never too late.
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
07/09/2026
Every scar has a story. Some heal as fine lines. Others become raised or firm. Some stay sensitive longer than expected. All of these are variations of how the body repairs itself.
Scar tissue forms when collagen steps in to close and strengthen the incision. The pattern, texture, and colour of your scar depend on how much collagen is produced and how it organizes during healing. This is why no two scars look or feel the same.
Some scars stay flat. Some become thick or itchy. Some sections soften quickly while others take their time. Each part of a scar may need something different.
What matters most is understanding that healing continues long after the skin has closed.
Movement, gentle massage, and patience help the tissue settle over months and even years.
Your scar does not define your strength or your story. It is simply one piece of your healing.
Support and education are always available at nurturingthemother.ca
Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶
07/08/2026
Nawe! Don’t be humble.
Embrace how wonderful you are! ✨
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