Losing weight after c section?

[LoveActually]

I put on about 3 stone during my pg. Was quite slim to begin with but would quite like to get back to my pre pg weight (so I don't have to buy any new clothes) but not sure if I should be dieting yet - had an emergency c-section four weeks ago and had a bit of a rough time all in all.
I think I've got about a stone and a half to lose, wondering whether I'm getting too hung up on it. After all I'm sitting on the sofa and looking after baby most of the day. I'm not going to be this inactive forever. xx

[MamaG]

I had an emergency c-sectoin 16 weeks ago tomorrow and I haven't lost my baby weight yet

You're only 4 weeks on - please put any thoughts of weight loss out of your head. Enjoy your time with baby, sit on the sofa all day and snuggle with the baby and concentrate on healing. I really struggled with not being able to do things afterwards (mentally, more than physically), found it hard to accept that no, I couldn't do normal things! I got a (very nice) telling off (or ten) on here and sat back.

When you are stronger, you'll be able to get out and about with the pram on some nice brisk walks which will shift the weight.

Congrats on the baby what did you have?

[shootfromthehip]

Don't forget that you have had 'major abdominal surgery' and should leave it at least 3 mths before you start any strenuous exercise (or so I was told anyway). I had 4 stone to lose after my DD and the section really did slow things down. I never lost any weight when breastfeeding either of my kids so go easy on yourself. Give yourself another couple of months and then try and lose some weight. It's still early days. Congrats too x

[LoveActually]

Hello MamaG, remember your sound advice from pg boards! Had a baby girl, Imogen (7lbs 14oz).
I needed someone to tell me to take it easy 9my family are nagging me about me nagging them about not being able to do the housework).
I think I'm still in a bit of denial about fact I had a c-section, knew I didn't want one, but in the end it was inevitable - she was stargazing. x

[MamaG]

Ah lovely name, well done!

I didn't hoover my stairs until BabyG was 3 months old . DH didn't do it either and they looked dreadful. I learned not to see the mess

There's a thread in childbirth tht you might find helpful - I'll dig it out and link.

Seriously, you should NOT be worrying about housework (and yes, I was worrying about it too) so make a real effort not to

[MamaG]

here

[SummerLightning]

I am 8 weeks down the line from c-section, was desperate to lose weight but found nothing would shift til I got a bit active at 5 weeks and am now slowly starting to shift the weight.

I have about 1 and a half stone left to lose, bummer.

Oh and you may have to give in and buy some big clothes if you are like me. gonna take a couple more months to shift it and i didn't want to stay in just maternity stuff.

[MrsMattie]

Take your time. I know it's hard when you're used to being slim, but you really do have to let your body settle down. You shouldn't really do anything until after your 6 wk postnatal check, and then after that, you must take any exercise completely at your own pace. My postnatal exercise teacher thinks post-section women shouldn't do anything more than a brisk walk until 12 wks post section, and should approach targeted abdominal stuff (sit ups etc) with extreme caution for the first 6 mths or so.

Fwiw, I didn't lose a single pound until 6 mths post my first section. I then started naturally to lose the weight very gradually and had lost the bulk of it by the time my baby was a year old. It came with naturally feeling better and being more active.

I am now 14 wks post my second section and have strated exercising just recently. The weight is starting to come off, but it's a slow process. I am still eating a lot as caring for a baby can be exhausting and you need your fuel. Dieting doesn't work anyway , so just eat healthily and be kind to yourself.

[MamaG]

MrsMattie I didn't know you'd had a baby! Congratulations and to you too Summer

Any details forthcoming...?!

[MrsMattie]

Yes

She's 14 wks old this week and she's a doll. 4 yr old DS not coping too well with being knocked off his perch, though .

[MamaG]

Yes it can be a tricky time can't it. My DS1 was 4 when BabyG was born (and DD was 4 when DS1 was born!)

Its quite tiring saying "oh aren't you a big boy, what a wonderful big brother you are" ever 3 minutes isn't it!!

[TheSpottedZebra]

Bumping old threads to body shame and plug your snake oil?
Not cool, abigail

[Artandco]

Walk? Easiest thing to do with a baby as they often nap also then. Can walk as slowly and short as you like and gradually increase each day until your fast walking a decent distance

[thenewaveragebear1983]

Hi op, my advice post c-section is to accept the fact that it might take you a bit longer to lose the weignt , simply due to the lack of activity post birth if nothing else. Once my scar was healed enough to wear jeans I bought a pair despite them being in a size I didn't want, a reasonable pair that actually fitted my new shape, and a couple of tops. I wore these constantly for 3 months, although I did add in other things along the way, and it meant that I always had something reasonable to wear. Sometimes the tummy shape can take longer to go back even if the weight isn't there iyswim. Be kind to yourself! (Matalan do good skinnies/jeggings for 14.00 that have a wide waistband which are quite scar friendly as well). I was never a fan of trackies and jogging bottoms, so I needed real clothes, and even though it pained me to buy such a big size, it helped me in the long run to get out more. I've only really started dieting properly in the last month or so and have already lost 1.5stone. Good luck!

[jackiespider]

I'm having the same worries. I had an emergency section 4 months ago and I feel like I'm only putting on weight since :( I just need the motivation but I feel like everything is impossible

[nareshka91]

I found your weight gain can be very related to the state of your gut and the microbiome (the bacteria there). Taking certain probiotics might boost the process and would be very good for health in general.
Have you had any tests or microbiome investigation done?