Are you a delighted new mom? We recognize the demanding journey you’ve navigated through pregnancy and emerged from it with admirable grace. Congratulations! However, if your delivery involves a C-section or cesarean section, the task of shedding excess weight and achieving a slimmer belly can be particularly daunting. While overcoming the post-C-section pouch and sculpting your abdominal area poses challenges, it is certainly achievable. You’ll witness gradual but effective results by following the tips for attaining a flat tummy after a C-section. Take a look: (1) (2)
How To Get A Flat Tummy After C-Section?
The low-hanging belly shelf developed after a C-section surgery basically comprises puffy, unevenly-healed scar tissue, which is also known as ‘C-Shelf’ or ‘C-Section pouch’ or ‘kangaroo pouch’.
1. Be Patient
Never push yourself too hard to get a flat stomach right after undergoing the c-section. It will do nothing but worsen the situation by delaying your recovery. Instead, be patient and give your body the required time to heal. You’ve just had major surgery, and you definitely can’t ignore it. Can you?
2. Stay Positive
Just because you can’t practice the standard abdominal exercises for some days after a c-section doesn’t mean that you can never get into shape. It would be best if you did not give up while keeping your patience. Having a positive outlook is of utmost importance for getting your flat stomach back once again.
Also Read – How to Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy?
3. Act Early
You can’t perform regular workouts and must be patient during this phase. But make sure that you try other ways to flatten your stomach, and that too within the first six months of your surgery. This is when your body keeps secreting the pregnancy hormones, and the fat remains loose enough to shake off. If the secretion of pregnancy hormones stops and the fat gets set due to solidification, your task will turn ten times tougher.
Also Read – How to Get Back Into the Shape After Pregnancy?
4. Have a High-Carb, Low-Fat Diet
Carbohydrates are essential for new moms as they make the procedure of lactation easier by providing added energy. Including proteins, vitamins, and minerals in your diet is also crucial. But avoid consuming raw fats, especially butter, clarified butter (ghee), and sweets.
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5. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water during the post-c-section phase is not only helpful for maintaining the fluid balance of the physical system, but it also plays a crucial role in melting away excess body fat.
A sizeable c-shelf developed immediately after the surgery may also go away on its own as the scar tissue becomes softer and the bulging becomes smaller in size with the passage of time.
6. Keep Breastfeeding Your Baby
Make sure that you breastfeed your newborn at least for the first six months after going through the c-section. It is known to be one of the most effective ways to get rid of additional belly fat.
7. Practice Yoga Asanas
Start practicing yoga asanas, especially pranayama, in place of intense workouts. These will make your abdominal muscles firmer and help them tuck in your stomach in a more natural-looking way.
8. Opt for Lipid Bursting Massages
In case you find it challenging to practice Yoga after the cesarean section, go for lipid-bursting massages. These are Ayurvedic therapies that help in toning up muscles, thereby accelerating the process of fat loss.
9. Get an Abdominal Belt
Last but not least, get an abdominal belt for yourself. You must always wear it except when having meals, sleeping, or going to the washroom. It might sound not very pleasant, but you will get the result.
10. Sleep Well
With the newborn in place, getting 8 hours of sound uninterrupted sleep will be difficult. However, prioritize this, as deprived sleep can induce hormonal imbalance, leading to weight gain.
11. Detoxify Your Body
Consume fiber-rich minerals (fruits and vegetables) to regulate your digestive system. Drink detox drinks to flush out harmful toxins from your body.
When to Diet and Exercise after C Section?
It is recommended that you don’t get hooked to a diet and exercise plan immediately after a C section. Wait for atleast 5-6 weeks before you start doing light exercise.
12. Exercises After a C-Section
According to experts, you should wait for six weeks after a C-section before you start any exercise. Any deviation can lead to the opening of the incision and other complex medical problems. After six weeks, start with simple exercises and don’t stretch beyond 30 minutes. You can increase the duration of your physical activity gradually. Refrain from doing heavy physical activities like push-ups, sit-ups, lifting heavy objects, etc.
13. Drink Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water is a sure-shot way to address your problem. Add lemon juice and honey to a glass of lukewarm water. Drink this wonder detox drink once a day. It melts down the excess fat from your body.
Summary
Achieving a flat tummy post-C-section demands patience; wait six months before regular workouts. Maintain a high-carb, low-fat diet, stay hydrated, breastfeed, practice yoga, and consider lipid-bursting massages. Utilize an abdominal belt, prioritize sleep, and detoxify with lemon water. Commence light exercises after six weeks, gradually increasing duration. It’s crucial to consult experts before embarking on any post-C-section regimen for a safe and effective journey to a toned abdomen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I strengthen my stomach after a section?
To fortify your abdominal muscles post-C-section, consider incorporating into your routine exercises such as pelvic tilts, inverted rows, and Yoga. It’s crucial to avoid engaging in heavy exercises immediately after a C-section. It’s advisable to wait for at least six months, allowing ample time for the incision to heal fully.
What is the best exercise after a section?
For effective post-C-section exercise, experts recommend belly breathing and wall sit exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles and facilitate the elimination of excess belly fat.
How long does it take to heal from a C-section?
The typical healing period for a C-section is around six weeks. During this time, a scar on the stomach will form, gradually fading over time.
When can I start running after the C section?
For safety reasons, waiting at least six weeks before resuming running and engaging in vigorous exercise post-C-section is recommended. This allows your body adequate time to recover and reduces the risk of complications.
