really achy and stiff after pregnancy

[llareggub]

I had my son five months ago via emergency c-section. I've lost all the baby weight (well, nearly) but feel awful.

I'm really, really stiff and it takes a while to straighten up when I get up off the floor or bed. Weirdly, the soles of my feet hurt, like they are bruised although I think that might be my shoes!

I've always been a little overweight but havealso been very supple so really am not used to these aches.

Is this normal?

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Exactly the same thing has happened to me - 3 c-sections. DD2 is 16 weeks and I'm starting to get the really stiff back after bending over etc. It does stop, can't quite remember when but certainly before they are one. I used to get up in the morning and feel like I'd run a marathon with my 1st!

Used to do massage and saw a few clients with this problem. I always saw it that the cs cut through your ab muscles which are hugely important in maintaining your posture and balance, so everything else has to work harder to compensate. That'll include your feet (there's a tendon covering the sole of your foot which is involved with your balance).
Apart from doing what you can to help your muscles relax (hot baths, saunas, relaxation classes, massage) you should start exercising your abs. There's loads of info about as to how to go about it. If you are a little overweight it'll also help to watch what you eat and try and lose it since that'll always put extra strain on your body.

Hi there, i had this but didnt have c-section and what helped me was wearing lace up shoes ie trainers most of the time - a good make though and this seemed to help my posture.

I had exactly this for a year after ds2 was born. I asked MN about it and got some really helpful replies. Basically, it's as a result of all the hormones pumping around your body. Will see if I can find the thread.

I had this! I have found that a glucosamine-omega 3 supplement helps.

Thanks for the replies. Am glad (selfishly!) that I am not alone.

Will check out the health shop for vitamins and hope for the best.

Wow, I have this too - dd is 16 weeks (hi Castles ) and I had a section. Now I've read this thread, I do remember feeling like that after dd1 too - had forgotten. It did pass, eventually.

Am so glad you posted, llaregub, though not glad yo'ure feeling achy of course: there was me convinced it was age-related, feeling all doomy and sad because I'm an older Mum and thought my poor little dds were in for a crock-like parent already...

elibean - I thought this too!