confused about shape recovery post EMCS

[_Nell]

I had an EMCS 2 weeks ago after suddenly developing eclampsia.

I'm a bit confused about how best to aid my shape/figure recovery post the op and have been given virtually no advice (UK NHS).

I'm still very sore and know it's way too soon for exercises but i've been reading about c-section paunch.....is this inevitable? is there anything i can do to help prevent this?

I read about c section support belts and purchased a medical one with good reviews, it makes me feel supported standing up but seems uncomfortable in a seated or bent position, sort of pulls up rather than in....i haven't worn it since because i now worry it could do more harm than good.

I'm curious what advice others have been given or if there's anything i could or should be doing now to help my body heal in a good, less paunchy way

 

[Olivermsmummy]

I had an elcs 31st May, pp I had put on 1 stone and my body shape had changed (2nd child) I was in maternity clothes until LO was 8 weeks old when I joined slimming world, I've lost the stone and am now nearly another stone lighter but I am exercising a couple of times a week (wait until at least 12 weeks pp to exercis even if you feel ok!) doing kettlebells and walking and I have no overhang at all. I also had other abdominal surgery this time last year at 13 weeks to remove an ovarian cyst and the scars run parallel about 1 inch apart so I probably really should have an overhang!?
Just give it time and you will be fine

 

[_Nell]

Thanks oliversmummy, that's really reassuring- everything else i've read has seemed so negative really.

I hadn't realised i should wait 12 weeks either, assumed 6 would be fine but happy to take it gently.
I know figure isn't everything but i had an effortlesly flat stomach my whole life and i know even a slight overhang
is going to mean i don't feel quite myself really

 

[LDC]

I'm the same about the worry factor, I was extra stretched when pregnant (I was a uk size 8-10 and baby was born 10lb 1oz).

I've got back into my pre pregnancy jeans now but my stomach is still rounded, which obviously it will be as its only been a week and a half!!, but my skin feels quite loose around my belly.

I'm not so worried about the weight loss as I can manage this after the recovery time and I know that I can control my diet etc and there is no rush to lose the weight (especially with christmas coming up!) but I'm more worried about whether the loose skin will go back to how it was

Xx

 

[j1405]

i've heard the belly band really works the best to get rid of the post pregnancy pouch.. but you have to be committed in wearing it all day and night for at least a month..

what you can maybe try as well is compression pants that goes all the way up your boobs.. it tones your legs, bum and tummy and surely worth a shot if you are not fond of a belly band. i would try wearing this every day as well because the trick is in the constand 'pressure' on the tummy area to flatten the skin etc..

don't worry though, if you've never had a problem with a flat tummy, yours should be back in shape in no time. a friend of mine had the same - nice flat tummy and she did not breastfeed long or exercise at all after the birth and her tummy returned to normal after a month or 2...

 

[_Nell]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DELUXE-POS...1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354879022&sr=8-1-fkmr1

This is what i have - similar to a bellybandit, but it sort of pulls and is uncomfortable in the seated position - maybe i tried wearing it too tightly and should try it again?

 

[j1405]

yes, maybe you just put it on too tightly... give it another try! as long as there's some compression around your belly, it should work fine. don't think it needs to be really tight.. or you could always try the bellybandit... i've heard great things about that product and that its really comfy!!

 

[Kimmi82]

Yup its 12 weeks for a section, take it REAL easy, uv got all the time in the world to get back into shape! Im a fitness instructor and had an emc, my bosses wouldnt let me near the building no.matter how much i moaned!