How to Reduce Weight After a C-Section

Losing weight and getting toned after any pregnancy can be challenging, and having a cesarean section, or c-section, can complicate matters further. This is considered to be major surgery and there is a lengthy recovery period following a c-section where exercise is not recommended. If you are breast feeding during this time as well, reducing calories may not be a healthy option either. However, with proper nutrition and gradual exercise, it is possible to reduce weight after a c-section.

Things You'll Need

• Exercise mat
• Resistance ball optional

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Instructions

• 1

  Get approval from your doctor before beginning. Typically, there is a period of at least six to eight weeks following a c-section where exercise is not recommended. The body needs time to heal and tissues need to re-knit after the surgery. Once your doctor signs off on an exercise plan, you can begin.

• 2

  Start walking for 30 minutes a day. If the weather is nice out, you can take your baby in a stroller while you exercise. Walking is a good way to start out slow and is a good cardio exercise that increases the heart rate while not requiring excess physical exertion.

• 3

  Begin adding core workouts to your exercise regime. After a c-section, many women complain that they have a "pooch" on their stomach. This is perfectly natural and is a result of the surgery. While you may never be able to completely flatten this area after a c-section, core workouts will help build abdominal strength. Using a resistance ball to do crunches is a good way to help tone the abdomen without excess strain to the body or back.

• 4

  Reduce caloric intake. Ask your doctor how many calories you require per day, especially if you are nursing, and then stick to this amount. If you are not breastfeeding, you can reduce your calories a little more, but it is never recommended to go below 1,200 calories per day.

• 5

  Maintain your exercise plan. Having a new baby in the house can mean that your schedule revolves entirely around them. Even 10 minutes of activity can help and you can break your workout into smaller time blocks several times a day to get your 30 minutes in.