Post c section weight loss exercise dilemma

[chloeistephens]

I am mum to a nearly 10 week old baby and had an emergency c section. I have recently started doing exercises to bring my stomach muscles back together. I read online that doing crunches etc will make the stomach saggier and that exercises to bring the stomach muscles together first prevents this. My gap at the moment is about 2cm. I feel a bit flabby and ideally need to lose a couple of stone still. I eat very healthily and breastfeed but it's very slow weight loss and I know people may say to just go with it but I miss exercising I was an active person pre pregnancy and very slim. What exercise is suitable for me to do preferably cardio until my stomach muscles close then I can work on more toning. I know walking is a good option but for how long a day to see results and any other ideas? Pleaseee help!!

You should consult a Doctor before doing crunches. Cs is major abdominal surgery and it takes months for the internal layers to heal. Check out pilates for toning.

I know that was just an example of something can't do just unsure more cardio based what to do and I can't do Pilates as I'm breastfeeding and can't take the baby with me and even so that's just one hour a week of cardio

I think you need to seek advice from a specialist physio.

After I had my section I asked to see a physio and she was able to give various exercises which helped pull in the c section pouch.

What exercises and how long did it take? I've a 2/3 finger gap still and really want it closed. I've been doing a YouTube vid but idk if I'm doing it enough I do it once a day but i don't think it'll work fast really unsure

Have you looked at the Mutu System in-line? It’s exactly what you need

Sorry I mean online

Isn't that American and it's something I can't afford

No it's British and the membership is for life. You get a 12 week exercise programme to complete initially, then you get an app with workouts you can do for the rest of your life. It's worth every penny.

I really don't have that kind of money sadly

I don't like the idea of paying that much for something online based when I could use the money if I had it for postnatal Pilates classes at my local leisure centre and use YouTube or a postnatal fitness dvd from CEX for a lot cheaper

Why has your message been deleted ?

If you save and scrimp, it would be worth a single session with a women's health physio. They will know what you should and shouldn't do for the abdominal separation, which is completely different to the c-section wound. Both are serious things that can impact you for life. Exercise that's too high impact after pregnancy and birth can lead to lifelong pelvic prolapse issues. That's why no one here can recommend an at-home system. You need to speak to a professional. If possible, could your HV refer you to a women's health clinic?

Google mother and baby Pilates and postnatal Pilates to see if there's a class near you - you'll be able to take your baby and get ideas of safe exercises that you can start with

post natal yoga?

I managed to get referred to a physio and my local leisure centre does a free exercise class on the NHS who is a physiotherapist

Any decent fitness instructor will be able to check your stomach muscle separation and advise you when you can restart crunches. I was advised to wait 12 weeks after my c section with twins before going back to normal exercise. I went back to all my normal stuff at 13 weeks, the intense stomach exercises came later as I had a much bigger gap. I am not sure how fit you are or what you do but personally for me it was a good 18 months before I got my fitness back, though I was back to my pre pregnancy weight before the twins were 6 months old as breastfeeding uses loads of calories. I guess it depends why you are in such a rush?!

What video are you following?

Tbh my plan is just walking with the pushchair, it uses your core but isn't high impact.