Cesarean Sections
Frequently Asked Questions and Information
It is important to speak with your doctor before participating in any exercise program. The following is general information for educational purposes. EveryBODY is different and your doctor will be able to guide you on what is safe and appropriate for you.
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Cesarean Section and Recovery
When you think of having a baby and your ideal birth plan, having a c-section is not on the top of most women's lists. However, this birthing method and recovery is a reality for many women.
According to the 2015 NCHS Data Brief on births in the United States, 32% of women had a cesarean section. There can be numerous reasons, both planned and emergency measures, that a cesarean section is performed.
After this major surgery, mom is sent home, often with very little guidance on post c-section care. Even once cleared by the doctor for activity at the 6 week follow up appointment, vague guidance like "ease into it" or "do what feels good to you" is frequently given. Recovering from a c-section can be very challenging! The experience is also incredibly unique to each person and pregnancy.
Let's Talk About the Scar
Let’s be honest… the scar left from the surgery can be worn as a badge of honor for some, and shame for others, depending on the experience. It is ok to be filled with emotion about your delivery, good or bad. Your emotions can play a role in your recovery and some women may need to seek outside support to help them work through their birthing experience and emotions regarding it.
At the incision point, between the layers of tissues, scar tissue forms. This scar tissue can make it more challenging for your ab muscles to function properly (and keep in mind your ab muscles are already weakened due to your pregnancy!). I encourage you to speak to your doctor about release work for your scar to see if and when it would be appropriate for you. This is something that you may be able to do on your own, or seek out a qualified professional to help you. Release work and abdominal massage can help “unstick” these layers to allow for more mobility and help your organs that shifted during pregnancy to settle back into place. ​
Post C-Section Exercise
Based on the advice from your doctor, you may be able to start gentle exercises, such as stretching and breath work, a few weeks postpartum. This gentle movement could potentially help your alignment and recovery.
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During your recovery and after being cleared for exercise, be mindful of your pelvic floor as well... it may still need strengthening.
Although you did not delivery vaginally, you did carry a baby and have had pressure down on your pelvic floor.
It is recommended that women use caution with heavy lifting and intense movements during recovery to avoid over exertion. Although it can be hard to slow down... keep in mind that you want to train with intention now so you can train with intensity later.
If you have been cleared for exercise from your doctor and would like to learn more about how we can work together to realign your body, rebuild your strength and meet your fitness goals, please reach out!