Tummy exercises post-caesarean

Hi All,

I haven't been able to find any previous discussion on what exercises are good to get your tummy back into shape after having a caesarean, so I thought I would start a new topic.

What exercises did you do? Who recomended them to you? Do you think they helped?

I had my c/s 15 days ago. While still in the hospital a physio showed me 3 types of exercises - one just pelvic floors, one to tighten your tummy muscles in by pulling your belly button up and in to your spine as much as possible, and one which involves curling the coccyx up - all done while lying on your back and knees in the air.

Since coming home my M&CH nurse said I could start doing mini-crunches if it wasn't hurting too much, so I have been doing about 40-50 of those per day too for the last 5 days or so.

I think I have lost about 8kg of the 25 or so I put on during the pregnancy.

I would love to hear about some of the exercises you did, especially for the 'lower down' parts - which are a bit more flabby and need more work in my case!

Cheerio
Pearl :D

Exercises what`s that :smt102 LOL sorry!!!!

I did my pelvic floor only when I remembered but they must have been ok as I nearly broke my OB`s finger when he tested them at my post natal appointment and as for other exercises, I was given a piece of paper and forgot about it until weeks later and as DH said to me at the time wait until your fully recovered before doing them.

Matthew is now 5 months and I haven`t done any form of exercising, I`m now down to 58kg, I was 72kg at 41 weeks so another 4kg to go before I`m back to pre pg weight, not sure how I`ve lost the weight when I eat like I do and don`t do much except for normal household chores and looking after Matthew 8-[

Sorry I`ve been no help to you at all :D

Take Care

Deeanne

I've done a lot of this sort of exercise, as I had a spinal injury previous to getting pregnant this time around, so did a lot of back and stomach work to build up the core muscles.
Rather than getting information over the net, I'd really recommend setting up a session with a physio who specialises in 'women's issues' for them to show you personally how to carry out the exercises, as there are four different levels of exercise you can do for each muscle, and you can hurt yourself doing it improperly.

There are a number of different exercises you can do lying on your back and doing leg-raises, but it's really best that you make sure you are using the muscles correctly or you're wasting the effort! Do take the time to do your research, you'll be glad of it in the long run.

Kerrie