C-section Recovery Advice

I just joined this group and it strikes me as funny that the first request that came up on my screen was yours. I have never met anybody on line and do not belong to any groups/blogs/etc. my time on the computer is pretty limited in general however, I do happen to be a pilates instructor and also a runner. I also had a C-section 4 years ago.

In response to your questions, yes, there is hope :) It has only been one month! I will speak on behalf of many of my clients (my story is a bit more difficult). It is hard to put a specific time on it, but you will know when you are ready to start working out again. In my opinion running and Pilates is a perfect combo to get your tummy back. Yes, it typically is a bit harder and does not come as easy as it used to, but if you are willing to stick with it and work hard, you will get it back.

The only obstacles that I have seen to interfere are a lot of stretch marks, diastasis of the abdominal muscles, and rare, but possible umbilical hernias from the C-section (that is what I had).

Just relish in beauty of your new baby, and know that you will have your body back. Take your time and let your body heal.
I hope this helps.
C.

You cannot do anything active for six weeks period. And wait until your Dr okays it. I have to say I had a speedy recovery for the most part, only pain really for the first three days. My Dr had me up and walking though like five hours after the csection! I could go for walks, which is super great in helping you heal. No lifting. I did cheat and had to go up stairs so I could sleep in my own bed after week one! :)
However pilates is just too hard core on the stomach muscles to push it with all that just being cut into! Please, focus on your baby!!! Do not worry about your stomach. Part of the sacrifice is the possibilty our bodies won't completely look the same but the trade off is so very wonderful! If you were active beforehand the chances are you will look great. Just worry about being mommy right now and soak up every second of it. It is good not to sit around, however follow your Dr's instructions!

I had a c-section last Auguat and my doc gave me the ok to start exercising again at 4 weeks, but with very strict instructions to keep it light. You really need to listen to your body you will feel when you are strong enough to increase your intensity. As a couple of the moms have said below it is different for every person, some of us recover faster, but you difinitely do not want to push yourself too hard and hurt yourself. The best advise I ever heard about a post-pregnancy body was "it takes 9 months for your body to get that way so you need to give it at least that long to get it back".

M.,

I feel like we have a similar story!! I, too, am a runner and pilates lover. Mother of 3. My first was a quick and dirty emergency c-section, and I couldn't walk for about 3 weeks, due to complications. I also was horrified by my stomache. Everyone's skin is different. I was lucky not to get one stretch mark on my stomache, but the c-section made my stomache really puffy where the scar was. It honestly has taken my body about 6 months to get back to normal with every single pregnancy. You just need that much time! My bones take that long to narrow, and for sure, all the swelling and puffiness takes at least 2 mos. Just be grateful that you made it and that you can be there for your little one. Nobody prepares you for it, but there is a fourth and fifth trimester along with the 3rd.

Let yourself do what you can. Wait 2 more weeks til you get to the dr. at your 6 week post op and then, start with walking with your babe. Next, add some pilates in there or maybe some walk-runs. If that's what makes you feel good, then do it!!! You don't have to give up on what makes you feel good, because when you are in a positive mood, that is what blesses your family. If you are worried about what your husband thinks when he sees you now, just remember to act confident, like you're the hottest thing alive, and he'll think you are. Guys always respond to confidence, no matter what your actual appearance. Next, if you've been blessed with stretch marks, or wrinkly stretched out skin, rock the one-piece. There are some really great maillots, monokinis, and one-piece options that are still really flattering and young. I was surprised when I went shopping just today by how cute the one-piece bandeau styles are. Juicy had some great choices, so did gap and trina turk. Urban had some cool retro 1 piece styles. Look around. Hope this helps:)

I understand what you're saying, but don't do too much too soon. That will just set you back. I ended up with a horribly infected incision sight and almost required a second surgery to clean it up. The doctor said it was from too much house work and not enough rest. It'll happen. Just listen to how you feel now and don't push. How much you're bleeding is a good indicator at first.

Something that helped me a lot with my last one was fresh squeezed lemon juice, Grade B Maple Syrup, cayenne pepper, and water, all mixed to taste. It's pretty nutritious and a great diuretic. Everyone told me how great I looked and asked how I had done it. I just drank a lot of the "lemon-aid".

GL and congratulations on the new baby.

I think every surgery is going to be different, not just every person, so you'll have to listen to your body.
I've had two c-sections. They were unbelievably different! And so was the recovery. With my first, I thought my abs would never stop hurting, that I'd never stop doubling over in pain from coughing or sneezing, that I'd never get out of bed again without doing that rolling thing. I think it took 3 months, but it happened quite suddenly. I stopped hurting! Then Spring hit and we hit the trail with baby in tow.
My second was very different. Maybe because the pain wasn't a new experience, it didn't hurt as bad. So I was able to walk around the hospital more and I could stand up straight a lot sooner. I also had a 2 year old, so I didn't have as much time to feel sorry for myself :) I think it stopped hurting at 1 1/2 or 2 months after.
Just remember that you didn't just have a baby, you had major abdominal surgery. It's so commonplace that most people don't see it for what it is. If you'd had surgery to repair your stomach or intestines, no one would expect you go running a month or even 3 months later. Like another mom posted, you'll know when it's time. But doing too much before that will only set you back.

Dear M.,
Take your time and make sure you rest and I really mean that. You will soon be ready to do everything you used to and more. But for now just let your body get over the c-section. Rest when the baby rests. It is better to slow down and enjoy every minute than it is to do too much too fast and crash and burn. When you are ready to "bounce" back in shape,I reccomend you doing pilates and cross body sit ups.
All the best,
A.

i just had to add to what the other ladies are saying. yes it takes time, yes you can have your body back, but in some ways your body will forever be changed. i don't think your body is ever the "same " again. it may be better than before, it may be worse, but it is never the same. you have nutured a life, and it will forever change you in every possible way. because you are athletic you may recover fast but i think as women it helps to look at the changes as a badge of honor. the stretch marks,the stretched skin (that will probably be there in some capacity when you muscles and belly shrink back down) are all a physical reminder of the changes that have occurred in and through you. so don't expect to be the same, expect a new(and maybe even better) normal.

i was told to not exercise for 6 weeks after my c-section, but was allowed to walk all that i could handle as soon as i was out of the hospital. i would walk every day, not speed walk, just walk. listen to your body, and if you feel like you are over exerting yourself, then slow down! pilates will definitely get your tummy back! (unless you have considerable stretch marks, there isn't much you can do for those, short of surgery.) do give it time, though. i didn't feel normal for a year after my c-section. and it wasn't really anything that exercising fixed. it was like my uterus was swollen. my twins are about to turn 2, and i have finally got all the baby weight off, and i just bought a bikini for a trip to hawaii next month! you can do it!! just don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away, or if you body seems to not want to cooperate at first. good luck!!

Hi M., I had a c-section Aug 2006. I actually had a terrible time during the surgery with a blood transfusion and a longer recovery than the average. However, I look about the same as I did before I was pregnant and the scar is so low you cannot tell at all. I would wait before exerting yourself but listen to your body, I think it will tell you when it is ready for your old excersise habits again. Maybe another month or so. Also I would listen to your doctor/midwife's advice.
Good Luck!
K. G