Edited by Carolyn Kent – Women’s Football Hub
In this week’s episode of the Women’s Football Hub podcast, I sat down with Hannah Poulton – a specialist women’s health physiotherapist and director of HLP Therapy – to tackle a topic that’s often misunderstood and rarely spoken about in football: C-section recovery.
With over 20 years of clinical experience and currently pursuing a PhD in C-section scarring, Hannah brings depth, honesty and expertise to a conversation that every athlete, coach, and club should hear.
From Major Surgery to Match Fitness
🔍 Let’s start with the facts: A C-section is major abdominal surgery. Surgeons cut through seven layers – including muscle, fascia and uterus – to deliver a baby. Yet, as Hannah points out, society often diminishes this experience in ways we’d never do with a hip replacement or knee surgery.
“There’s shame around C-sections. That it’s the ‘easy way out’. Absolute nonsense.” – Hannah Poulton
This misconception not only hurts women emotionally, but it impacts their recovery too. Whether you’re a recreational footballer or elite athlete, the pressure to “bounce back” can clash dangerously with the body’s real healing timeline.
💡 What Every Woman Should Know About C-Section Recovery
🔄 Healing Takes Time
- A scar can take two years to mature, not six weeks.
- The first six weeks are critical for rest, hydration and nutrition.
- Hormonal shifts, pain, and fatigue are amplified by sleepless nights and round-the-clock caregiving.
🧠 Mental Health Matters
Language shapes perception. Phrases like “failed birth” or “missed out on a normal delivery” can leave lasting psychological scars.
“Words build people up or tear them down. We’ve got to be careful with what we say to new mums.” – Hannah Poulton
📌 Key Challenges in Returning to Football
Returning to sport post-C-section isn’t just about the scar. Here’s what needs to be addressed:
🔸 Abdominal Scarring
The scar can affect core movement, balance and strength—all essential for dynamic movements in football.
🔸 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Even with a C-section, pelvic floor issues can arise. Leaking, pain or pressure shouldn’t be dismissed as “normal”.
🔸 Psychological Pressure
The social comparison game, especially via social media, often causes mums to feel behind or broken.
“Everyone scars and recovers differently. No journey is the same.” – Hannah Poulton
🚀 Returning to Football: What Clubs, Coaches and Players Need to Know
Whether you’re a player or supporting one, here’s how to make the return to sport safer and more sustainable:
- Start slow. Build strength and mobility before jumping into matches, see a Physiotherapist to help guide you.
- Understand fatigue. Iron deficiency and anaemia post-surgery are common and can mask as just “tiredness”.
- Support emotionally. Encourage open conversations. Ask how players feel physically and mentally.
🏁 Final Thoughts from Hannah
“You haven’t failed. You’re exponentially more amazing than you know. Take your time, do your research, and don’t compare.”
📣 Call to Action:
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
🔗 Follow Hannah Poulton and her work at HLP Therapy
📢 Join the conversation – What more should clubs be doing to support new mums in football? Let us know in the comments.
This blog post was created with assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).
Women's Football Hub 
Leave a comment