Exercise after C-Section

[Norny]

Can anyone tell me when it is safe to start tummy exercises after c- section?, in particular I want to start using slendertone!!.

Ds is approaching 6 months and I'm starting to physically fall apart. Exercise has never been my thing but now I'm getting quite depressed as my tummy is getting bigger and wobblier!

I was told to wait until after the 6 week check, and then start slowly, stopping if I had any pain at the incision.

I started after a couple of weeks - the tiny ones to firm your tummy etc and built up to normal exercise by six weeks - did exercise a lot until I had both c sections, though, as I fortunately had a v healthy pregnancy. I'd start walking, swimming, if you belong to a gym walking uphill on a treadmill and talk to the instructors there. Most fitness instructors are trained in pre and post natal exercise so I'd join a class if you can. As with anything take it slowly and build up. Pilates and Swiss/fitball work is very good for core/stomach strength but would suggest you combine this with aerobic (gentle at first) and all over toning exercise as well. Afraid I don't know what slendertone is????

I've just started to exercise that post-baby belly and DS is 20 months (just making sure it was all healed up)

Me too, iota. He's nearly 12 months, but I don't want to rush things, IYKQIM

Don't know where the Q came from - make of it what you will

I agree with Sykes about going to a class with an instructor trained to give post-natal exercise. I had a c-section in January and have been going to a class at the local sports centre for the last few weeks. It's run by an NHS physiotherapist - who is careful to make sure we don't overdo things - and involves working with a large ball. I'm an unfit 41 year-old, but it's made a huge difference to how I feel - much more supple.

I started aquarobics (good as all of your joints are supported by the water, and the wobbly bits are harder to see!) after my 6 week check. Let the instructor know that you have just had a section and they will give you advice. If they don't,avoid the instructor!

Hi Norny
I have a slendertone gymbody which is great. keep forgetting to use it, but it does mean i don't have to get into a swimming cossie which would just scare people. There are specific instructions with it which i think say after 6 months but i could be wrong, you'd probably be fine. It's a weird but nice feeling - like a backwards tens machine.
Otherwise just buy big pants and body toning tights - works for me!! Has your scar faded yet - mines still rather pink like a smiley stretchmark.

ds is just 8 months btw

Thanks everyone for all the advice.Gyms/aerobic classes and me just don't work. Spent a fortune in the past on subscriptions and then never went!! - hence the big spend on the slendertone. Also vigorously clean the house in effort to shift pounds.

Sykes - slendertone = very lazy way of trying to tone up.Machine does all the work while I get very busy watching TV! (smiley face as can't do it on this pc).

Cheers Bobsmum will take advice and start using slendertone. My scar is still very red and long, can't see it ever fading yet gyny promises it will fade over time and become similar to crease in wrist (sounds far fetched). Do you experience any cramps around pelvic area?. I do and wonder is it because I was lazy when it came to pelvic exercies - can you advise. Also, what does btw mean?

Hi again,
don't know about the cramps - it was certainly uncomfortable for months rather than weeks, but I wouldn't say i had cramps as such. btw stands for "by the way"