C section shelf

[JJtrying]

I'm almost four months post partum. Some days I get really annoyed about my c section scar. Not the scar itself but the shelf. I didn't put on much weight in pregnancy and have always been slim. But now my scar frames my belly thereby creating one. It's as though the doctor purposefully made the incision in that place to create a belly effect. And it's much higher than I expected, definitely not below the bikini line. Part of my annoyance is probably that it wasn't a planned c section and at the time I felt a bit pressurized into it by overly risk adverse doctors. Has anyone else had similar feelings? How much is the shelf likely to improve from here? I'm doing daily massage. Anyone have any tips?

Personally I think it might reduce but not go.
I'm three years on. It's just saggy reay. I find it tricky to dress as my waist is much smaller in comparison

8 years later, size 6/8 and still hanging round. Mine was a significant emergency tho so a war wound I have learnt to accept.

I feel your pain! I’m 9st, 5 years partum and still have it. Makes me so depressed about myself. Doesn’t matter how much exercise I do, it doesn’t go. I am seriously considering a tummy tuck which apparently is the only thing to get rid of it…

You are only four months post partum so be kind to yourself. I think I may have still been wearing my maternity clothes at this stage. I am 17 months post partum and back to my previous weight without trying (not a brag just trying to give some perspective). My tummy has never looked the same after having two EMCS however it has significantly reduced since the birth. I think it takes a couple of years to get back to "normality" in my experience. If you have the budget, get yourself a few new clothes that work for your new shape and just having stuff that fits better will make you feel good. I quite like A line skirts for hiding my tummy. Also remember what a difficult thing you have been through and what your body has achieved rather than what it looks like 💐

I hate mine. Was down to 8 stone 10 and pretty fit but it didn’t leave. Now around 10 stone and unfit and it’s worse. Last baby was years ago.

Well, you deserve some positive responses, so here is one.
I had 2 c-sections. My last was 13 years ago.
Initially, I felt like my body was wrecked. I also had a retained placenta, so it was an ordeal.

I did core training. Think Jillian Michaels. Also Bio Oil.
Mine is now a distant memory.

At 4 m pp if nothing else get on silicone strips. now. Today.

Part of what will cause this shelf and problems down the road is internal scarring and adhesions.

Bio oil doesn nothing much dont waste tour money.

Elastoplast xxl scar silicone or similar and a visit to a good osteophysio who specialises in womens health will help.
You need to learn to massage and release the fascia.

I had 2 sections and eas fortunate to have an amazing lady help me learn all this. If you are anywhere near north london and want her details pm and lmk.

18m pp after youngest mine is dramatically improved

'you deserve some positive responses' made me laugh, thank you. I will live in denial for a bit longer and keep at the massage 😂

Four months PP is still very early, especially after a c-section, it’s understandable to feel frustrated when your body doesn’t look or feel how you expected it to, mine still doesn't 18 months on!

The ‘shelf’ is really common, and it isn’t caused by weight as such. It’s usually a mix of how the scar is healing, deep core function and how pressure is being managed through the abdomen. Massage can help, but on its own it often isn’t enough.

What I wish I’d known earlier is that generic exercise doesn’t really address this, and sometimes makes it worse. Very gentle, specific core work that focuses on reconnecting and gradually rebuilding can make a difference over time, but it’s slow and not linear.

At four months PP there is still a lot of healing and change ahead. You’re not stuck, and it isn’t something you’ve caused or failed at. Being kind to yourself while you’re in this phase really matters.

I followed postnatal core rehab guidance that focused on deep core and pressure management rather than abs. Happy to share what I used if helpful.