Having a cesarean section isn’t something to be ashamed of, but it is something to be cautious of when it comes to your weight loss goals. After undergoing such a surgery, it’s normal for the patient to experience some discomfort, especially with regards to exercise. But just because you had a cesarean section doesn’t mean you have to lose all hope of being the perfect mommy you were born to be! There are ways you can still achieve your desired weight, and we’re going to tell you exactly what they are.
Exercise Independently
One of the first things your doctor will encourage you to do after having a cesarean section is to get back out there and start exercising again. That’s a good thing, because studies have shown that exercise after childbirth reduces the odds of breast cancer recurrence by 43%. So even if you didn’t want to have children in the first place, you’re now being given a gift: the ability to have the parent/child bond with your baby without worrying about your figure. This opportunity should not be ignored, and you should definitely take it advantage of!
Unfortunately, getting back into shape after having a cesarean section is not easy, and it requires a bit of independence. Most hospitals will have plenty of information for you about how to get back in shape, but not all of them will have the information you need, especially if you’re doing it on your own. For example, if you need to follow a strict diet to get your weight under control, you’ll need to follow certain foods and avoid others. If you’re using exercise equipment at home, you’ll need to learn how to use it properly or risk hurting yourself.
Avoid Food Stereotypes
When you have a cesarean section, you’re given a brand new diet to follow, and it’s one that’s meant to be rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates. While it’s essential to follow the instructions your doctor gives you, it’s also important not to beat yourself up about eating the “wrong” foods because they’re rich in calories. There is no wrong diet when you’re trying to lose weight after having a cesarean section, and it’s okay to eat what you need to in order to be the best mom you can be. So don’t feel bad if, for example, rice and beans sound like an unusual combination but they make a surprisingly good “purée” when mashed together.
Change The Way You Look At Food
You might find it really hard to look at food in the same way after having a cesarean section. That’s natural, because for a while, your body image will be completely distorted. While you’ll eventually get back to your old self, you’re still going to feel a little rusty when it comes to accepting your body. This is why it’s so important not to compare yourself to unrealistic standards. Comparing your body to something that doesn’t feel familiar to you is guaranteed to upset you.
There are plenty of diets out there meant to help people lose weight after having a cesarean section, but instead of focusing on the surgery itself, these diets will teach you how to eat in order to lose weight. For instance, the cabbage soup diet has been known to help people lose up to 10 pounds in just 7 days. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this is the one for you. It’s extremely low in calories and has a decent amount of fiber, so it’s perfect for anyone who’s had a cesarean section. Plus, it’s all based on plants and natural foods, so it’s good for your digestive system.
Find A Workout Routine
Having a cesarean section doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting fit. It just means you have to find a way to fit it into your life. This is easier said than done, but you’ll eventually figure it out. And the great thing is, once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy your time working out without feeling guilty about it. So instead of feeling bad about eating sweets and having fun during the week, try to enjoy it while you’re at the gym!
There are plenty of ways you can work out at home, too. If you have a treadmill, you can use it to get in some good old fashioned cardio. You can also take a walk, do some running, or do a mix of the two. Find something that you enjoy and stick with it. And if you want to get some more exercise, visit your local park and join a softball team or go for a hike with your dog. You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors and get some good old fashioned exercise while your body gets back into shape.
Consult With A Physician
If you’re in decent shape before you have the surgery but decide to go ahead with it anyway, you might also want to consult with a physician. This is particularly important if you’re carrying extra weight and have any underlying health issues. Your doctor will be able to give you advice about the diet and exercise routine you should follow after having a cesarean section. Also, some medications come with warnings about using them while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re taking any medication, you should definitely consult with your physician about the safest and best way to manage your treatment after having a baby.
Get Supportive Friends
If you’re not used to being on your own, getting back in shape after having a cesarean section can be tough, especially since you’ll be needing support from friends and family. It’s normal for you to feel nervous about exercising after giving birth, and they’re always going to have their own opinions about whether or not you should be heading back out there. But that’s what makes this time so important. You’re going to be building a brand new you, and you need the help of people who fully support you in doing so.
The first people you should be telling are your doctors. They’ll know the best course of action and be able to give you resources to follow. Then, you should be meeting with your parents or guardians and getting their support as well. This is going to be a big change for all of you, and it’s going to take some time to get used to.
Once you’ve started to lose weight and feel better, the joy of becoming a parent will be enough to keep you motivated!