C section shelf - how to rid myself of it!

[Nosleepingclub]

Hello everyone!

New to this part of the forum so apologies if this has been asked before but has anyone been able to reduce their c section ‘shelf’ without surgery?

I’m seeing online people did Pilates but not specifying what exercises? I’ve read certain foods can help but I’m at a loss!

I’m 8 months postpartum and I’m slowly getting back to my old body shape but it’s this damn c section shelf I can’t seem to do anything about!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I wore a c section corset type belt with another part that pressed across the scar. Used the silicone sheets too. It’s not amazing, I wasn’t toned to start with really but in somewhere and pants you can’t see a ridge. So to me that’s a result! Took about 12 months to fully recover.

Take a look at the Every Mother App. You do have to pay but the exercises are all targeted to your core. My stomach's so much flatter since I've been doing the exercises

Do they help toning and strength @Tryingtogetitright?

I don’t have a shelf from mine, the scar is hip to hip and for some reason hasn’t given me a bulge either side, but I need to sort my core out and while the shape is okay i could use less wobble. I tried some exercises on a Pilates roll I have last week and was laughably useless

OP, how’s your scar? I used silicon strips and it made more difference than I can tell you. Got them off amazon when it was itchy and either numb or oversensitive and getting quite bumpy on one side and within a couple of months it was mostly smooth and the sensation was completely normal. I was amazed.

You might find your body continues changing for a while. I list an inch in my ribs end of last year when DD was 18 months despite not losing any weight. It takes everything time to settle back down.

Yes they do, it's all about regaining core function, and the strength and toning seems to come naturally as a result. I find the app really easy to follow and do the specified exercises every day. I've lost almost all my wobble!

@Nosleepingclub when you say a “shelf” what do you mean? I had a c section with my third child in 2019 and it’s left me with an overhang over my scar that no matter how much weight I’ve lost (I actually don’t want to lose any more weight now) is still there. I don’t know whether that’s just as good as it’s going to get or whether to invest in a personal trainer?
It can be noticeable in certain jeans or swimwear. Has anyone successfully got rid of this using specific exercises/diet or a combination of both? I’m watching with interest!!!

tommyspud I have one like you've described as well and my last c section was 21 years ago. However it was my 3rd section and all 3 babies were 10.5lbs so my skin was very stretched.

Like you mine is visible through close fitting clothing, underwear etc and its definitely got bigger over the last 6 months when i've gained weight (thanks lockdown ) .

Nosleepingclub the only way I will get rid of mine is by surgery as it's scar tissue and excess skin and I had 3 babies in 4 years! As an old lady I would advise that you try not to stress about it, focus on your baby, the amazing thing that your body did and ignore the pics of celebs with their super flat stomachs etc.