​More than one in three babies in Australia are born via caesarean section. While C‑sections save lives, many women are discharged without adequate education, hands‑on support, or trauma‑informed care.
 

Without proper post‑caesarean support, women may experience:

• Prolonged pain and restricted movement

• Poor wound and scar healing

• Core and pelvic floor dysfunction

• Emotional distress, anxiety, or birth trauma

• Difficulty bonding or breastfeeding

• Nervous system dysregulation and exhaustion

Quality Caesarean care bridges the gap between surgery and true recovery.
 

What Is Caesarean Care?

Caesarean care is a specialised, holistic approach to recovery following a C‑section. It addresses the whole woman — physical, emotional, and neurological — rather than focusing only on the incision.

Effective Caesarean care includes:

• Education on safe movement and daily activities

• Scar and abdominal awareness (early and ongoing)

• Nervous system and emotional regulation support

• Trauma‑informed care after emergency or planned C‑sections

• Support for bonding, feeding, and confidence

• Gentle guidance for long‑term recovery and resilience
   

The Hidden Impact of Poor Caesarean Recovery

When Caesarean care is overlooked, the effects can last years — not weeks.

Many women later report:

• Chronic pain or numbness around the scar

• Ongoing fatigue or emotional overwhelm

• Fear around future pregnancies or births

• A sense of disconnection from their body

• Feeling unheard, dismissed, or unsupported

These outcomes are not inevitable. With the right care, education, and support, recovery can be empowering rather than traumatic.

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Leonie Rastas: A Leader in Caesarean Recovery Care

Leonie Rastas is widely recognised as The C‑section Recovery Whisperer®.

With over 40 years of clinical experience as a registered nurse and midwife, Leonie specialises in:

• Caesarean section recovery

• Postnatal healing and education

• Birth trauma support

• Emotional and nervous system regulation

• Trauma‑informed maternal care

Her approach combines clinical expertise, neuroscience, and compassionate care, helping mothers move from fear and anxiety to calm, confidence, and embodied recovery.
 

Trauma‑Informed Caesarean Care

Not all C‑sections are experienced the same way.

Emergency caesareans, unexpected surgical births, or experiences where consent and communication were compromised can leave lasting emotional imprints.

Trauma‑informed Caesarean care:

• Recognises emotional and psychological impacts

• Supports safe emotional processing

• Helps regulate the nervous system

• Restores a sense of agency and trust in the body

Leonie’s work gently supports women to feel safe, grounded, and empowered in their recovery.
 

Caesarean Care Is Not a Luxury — It’s Essential

Post‑caesarean care should not be optional or delayed until problems arise. Early education and support can:

• Reduce complications

• Improve healing outcomes

• Support emotional wellbeing

• Enhance bonding and confidence

• Improve long‑term maternal health

Caesarean care is preventative, protective, and profoundly transformative.
 

Support for Mothers, Families & Professionals

Leonie Rastas provides education and support for:

• Mothers recovering from C‑section birth

• Women preparing for planned Caesareans

• Mothers healing from traumatic birth experiences

• Health professionals seeking trauma‑informed care skills

Her work empowers women with knowledge, reassurance, and practical tools for recovery — at every stage of the postnatal journey.