Postpartum recovery: Phases, timing and where icoone® fits in

After birth, the body needs time to recover. The uterus regresses, the pelvic floor regenerates, abdominal muscles and tissue slowly find their way back. Postpartum recovery is first a medical process (midwife, physiotherapy, pelvic floor training), and only then aesthetic treatments come into play. This article sets out the phases, gives the timing according to Swiss expert recommendations, and shows where icoone® microstimulation can complement.

What “recovery” means medically

After birth, a complex reshaping takes place. The uterus halves its weight within a week and reaches almost its pre-pregnancy size after about six weeks. The pelvic floor has been strongly affected (by stretching in vaginal birth, by the weight of the pregnancy itself in caesarean section). The rectus abdominis muscles have often separated (rectus diastasis). Skin and connective tissue on the abdomen are stretched, and under hormonal influence the tissue remains softer for weeks to months.

The Swiss Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SGGG), the Swiss Midwives Association (SHV) and pelvisuisse have published a joint information brochure on this (source below). Its recommendations form the basis of this article.

Phase 1: Puerperium (0 to 6 weeks)

Priority: rest, wound healing, first awareness.

In the first days and weeks after birth, recovery is the priority. Lying down often relieves the pelvic floor. Light breathing exercises and gentle tensing and relaxing of the pelvic floor are possible if there are no complications (guided by midwife or physiotherapy).

What to avoid in this phase:

• Targeted abdominal training (especially sit-ups, crunches)
• Heavy lifting
• Jogging, jumping movements
• Intensive massage or mechanical treatment on the abdomen

After a caesarean section, the focus additionally lies on healing of the scar. Physical exertion that loads the abdominal wall is avoided during this time.

Phase 2: Postnatal course (from 6 to 8 weeks)

Priority: pelvic floor, posture, breathing.

The ideal time to start a postnatal course is, according to Swiss recommendation, six to eight weeks after vaginal birth. After a caesarean section, starting eight to twelve weeks later is recommended, depending on scar healing and medical clearance.

The course focuses on:

• Awareness and activation of the pelvic floor
• Breathing and posture
• Gradual, step-by-step rebuilding of abdominal and trunk muscles
• Daily-life exercises (carrying, breastfeeding, bending)

Postnatal courses in Switzerland are typically provided by midwives or specialised physiotherapists. Mandatory basic health insurance generally does not cover the costs; some supplementary insurances contribute.

Phase 3: Body and aesthetics (from medical or midwife clearance)

Priority: tissue care, scar, skin elasticity.

Only after medical recovery is underway and wound healing is complete do aesthetic treatments come into the picture. This is not a fixed moment but an individual decision together with the gynaecologist or midwife. As a guide:

• After vaginal birth: typically from the sixth to eighth week
• After caesarean section: typically from the eighth to twelfth week, with particular attention to the scar

In this phase several topics become relevant: scar treatment after caesarean section, tightening of the abdominal skin, treatment of stretch marks, and drainage for persistent fluid retention.

Where icoone® microstimulation complements

icoone® is not a replacement for postnatal training. Pelvic floor training, posture guidance, breathing technique belong in the hands of the midwife or physiotherapist. icoone® steps in as a complement, specifically for:

Abdominal skin and stretch marks. Roboderm® technology activates microcirculation, lymphatic flow and dermal collagen and elastin turnover. On stretched abdominal skin this can support elasticity. For existing stretch marks, it works best on still reddish, fresh striae; fully matured white striae can only fade to a limited extent.

Caesarean scar. Mechanical microstimulation can mobilise superficial scar adhesions, reduce tension and numbness, and improve scar texture over multiple sessions. The manufacturer has published a dedicated clinical paper on this (“The clinical and aesthetic advantages of using Multi Micro Alveolar Stimulation during recovery from caesarean section”, icoone.com/en/science). For details of the treatment see the separate article on scar treatment after caesarean section.

Drainage and heavy legs. Fluid retention can persist after birth. Lymph-activating microstimulation helps to decongest tissue.

Body contouring. Useful only once recovery is well under way (typically from three to six months postpartum, after medical consultation). The goal is contour care, not weight reduction.

Rectus diastasis: handled separately

In pregnancy the rectus abdominis muscles almost always separate. In many women the gap closes largely in the first weeks after birth. If a relevant diastasis remains, it belongs in the care of physiotherapy or a physician. Intensive abdominal training and deeply stimulating mechanical treatments directly on the abdomen are to be avoided in this situation. The order is clear: first diastasis-specific rehabilitation, then aesthetic treatments of the abdominal area.

A simple self-test (press your fingers into the centre of the abdomen just above the navel while lifting the head in a supine position) gives a first indication; the assessment remains a task for a qualified professional.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not a reason to avoid icoone®. The breast area itself is not treated during lactation; for the abdomen, legs, back, arms and face the usual treatment profile applies. Adequate fluid intake is important; activating the lymphatic system can briefly shift the body’s fluid balance.

Contraindications in the early postpartum phase

• Open or not fully healed scar or perineal suture
• Thrombosis or suspected thrombosis (postpartum risk is elevated)
• Puerperal fever or other acute infections
• Heavy vaginal bleeding beyond the usual lochia limits
• Pronounced rectus diastasis without prior assessment (for direct abdominal treatment)
• Surgical wounds that have not yet healed

In case of doubt the rule is: medical clearance before starting treatment.

What is customary in the Anzhelika Wyss practice

Anzhelika Wyss is an EMR-certified therapist and works with an integrative approach. That means: a treatment accompanying recovery combines, as needed, lymphatic drainage elements, targeted microstimulation on the abdominal skin and scar, and massage for tension in back, shoulders and neck (typical strains from carrying and breastfeeding). The first treatment starts with a thorough intake; birth mode, complications, prior postnatal exercises and current complaints are discussed.

The practice does not work as a substitute for midwife or physiotherapy, but as a complement in the aesthetic and tissue-care side of recovery.

Prices

Single icoone® session 60 min.: CHF 195 Recommended icoone® course (10 sessions): CHF 175.50 per session, original suit included, valid 12 months Massage 60 min.: CHF 140 Massage 90 min.: CHF 190

See icoone® treatments · Scar treatment · Book appointment · WhatsApp consultation

Sources

• SGGG / SHV / pelvisuisse: Changes in the pelvic floor during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Information brochure 2022.
• SGGG Expert Letter No 75: The pelvic floor during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Viereck V et al.
• CONCORDIA health portal: Postpartum recovery. 2025 (source reference: SGGG).
• BeBo Gesundheitstraining Schweiz: recommendations on timing and structure of postnatal exercises.
• icoone® clinical paper: The clinical and aesthetic advantages of using Multi Micro Alveolar Stimulation during recovery from caesarean section. icoone.com/en/science, 2022.

Results can vary individually. This content does not replace medical or midwife advice. The recommendations on when to start treatment are guide values; the individual timing is decided with the attending professional.

Frequently asked questions

When can I start postpartum recovery?

Gentle breathing and awareness exercises are possible in the first days after an uncomplicated birth (guided by midwife). A structured postnatal course starts, according to Swiss recommendation, typically 6 to 8 weeks after vaginal birth and 8 to 12 weeks after caesarean section.

When is icoone® possible after birth?

After wound healing is complete and medical clearance has been given, typically from the sixth to eighth week after vaginal birth, from the eighth to twelfth week after caesarean section. The individual timing is agreed with the gynaecologist or midwife.

Can I have icoone® while breastfeeding?

Yes, outside the breast area. For the abdomen, legs, back, arms and face the usual indications apply. Adequate hydration is recommended, as lymphatic activation can briefly affect fluid balance.

I have a rectus diastasis. Can icoone® still be applied to the abdomen?

With existing rectus diastasis, assessment by physiotherapy or physician comes first. Direct, more deeply stimulating mechanical treatments on the abdomen are avoided in this phase. Skin care and scar treatment remain possible depending on the findings.

Does icoone® replace the postnatal course?

No. Postnatal exercises, pelvic floor training and posture guidance remain the foundation and are accompanied by midwives or physiotherapy. icoone® complements the aesthetic and tissue-care side: abdominal skin, stretch marks, scar, drainage.

Read more

Scars after caesarean section → · Pregnancy massage, from when → · icoone® during pregnancy → · Stretch marks treatment → · Skin tightening without surgery →

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