Objective To investigate the application of transverse abdominis plane block (TAPB) combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in postpartum women after cesarean section. Methods A total of 92 cases of cesarean section in Xuchang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into PCIA group (n=46) and TAPB group (n=46) by throwing coins. The PCIA group received postoperative PCIA, while the TAPB group received TAPB on top of the PCIA group. The analgesic effect, postoperative recovery, lactation, and analgesic satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results The VAS scores of the TAPB group were lower than those of the PCIA group at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.05). The anal exhaust time, first time of getting out of bed, and first time of eating in the TAPB group were ealier than those in the PCIA group (P<0.05). The PRL levels in both groups increased at 24 and 48 hours after surgery compared to 0.5 hours before surgery, with the TAPB group being higher than the PCIA group; the initial lactation time of the TAPB group was ealier than that of the PCIA group (P<0.05). The satisfaction rate of analgesia in the TAPB group was 91.30% (42/46), higher than that in the PCIA group, which was 73.91% (34/46) (P<0.05). Conclusion TAPB combined with PCIA can improve lactation in postpartum women after cesarean section, promote postoperative recovery, improve analgesic efficacy, and increase analgesic satisfaction.