Are there other C-Section Mommys out there???

I had an emergency C-section with my first and planned C with my second. I don't even feel like I can engage my lower abdominals when I exercise. I would be grateful for tips too. Thank you for posting this!

This is me too!

3 C's & 1 ovarian tumor (which was the largest incision) I find planks and any core exercise helps along with eating healthy, but it won't make the shelf completely disappear (in my case). After my first, 21 years ago, my tummy bounced back just fine. But after 3 more surgeries, that area just seemed to weaken. Still, I don't mind a small shelf. A pair of Spanx under my dress is a small price to pay to get awesome kiddos like mine :happy:

I had my first c-section, 3 years ago, he was 5 days over and after 13 hours of labor laying on my left side. He had a big head and couldn't get it turned right so they did an emergency c-section. With my youngest, 16 months ago, it was a planned c-section. I have the "front butt" and saggy skin. My stretch marks were so severe that the nurses said they hadn't seen them as bad as mine. In fact, my first incision had to be super low because the doctor couldn't cut through the stretch marks.
I can relate to each of you as far as the "shelf" goes and I haven't heard anything that can be done other than surgery to make it go away. I am hoping that running and different mid-section workouts will help but I don't expect it to ever go away completely. *sigh*
I have to agree with someone else though...I will gladly wear belly bands and "suck it in suits", as I call them, because I got the BEST gifts from all this disfigurement...my sons are my world and I wouldn't trade them for the world, let alone to have a flat stomach again

Hope some of you will add me!! I loved reading your stories and love having support from people I can relate to!

I had a Category 1 Crash C-Section almost two years ago due to a placental abruption.

I have a huge pouch overhanging my scar that has reduced in size as I have lost weight but is still like it is being shelved by the scar.

I need your help with motivation and support as well as things that have worked for you and exercises to do to try to increase the use of the muscles to see if I can reclaim some of this tummy that is a distant memory.

Success stories would be amazing too!!!

I do this ab workout that re-teaches the nerves to communicate with the brain. Apparently when the nerves are severed during surger (I too have a huge scar) they are no longer able to do that. This ab routine (4 exercises) works like a charm. Lost 4 inches in 6 weeks and I am noticing a change already. And I feel the change. It specifically targets the pouch. The exercises are listed on my diar on Monday Wednesdays and Fridays.

SIgh....my first was an emergency C/S then my other two were scheduled. I had 3 c-sections in less than 4 years so my stomach looks like garbage. I was 191 the day I gave birth to my youngest. I got down to 128 last summer and I still had my "fat shelf". I've gained a bit of weight back but tryin to get back in the 120's but still the shelf lives. Good luck to all you lovely ladies! Lets keep on truckin'! :flowerforyou:

I had a c section 17 years ago. And sadly still have "the shelf". I once even got down to 108 lbs, but it was still there. Someone made the comment that they never really feel their lower abs engage during workouts. I totally agree with this. Why is that/? Maybe when the muscles are cut, they just never go back to how they were. sigh

I had 2 C-sections. One almost 19 years ago, and the other was 16 years ago. Still have the pouch although it doesn't feel like it's hanging so much. think i will always have it, no matter what i do, so i'm glad u opened this topic!

Emergency C, 14 years ago~vertical incision, because I was so heavy doc said a horizontal would never heal (sigh).

Total abdominal hysterectomy on March 6, 2012. Released by my doc to work and begin exercise just one week ago today.

I have been walking and doing cardio on low impact machines and noticing a marked difference, though I have a long way to go, I will make my goal weight of 220 sometime August-ish and will continue to work toward 190 by November.

Of course, I am hoping that my pooch (actually two pooches, separated by my incision from belly button to pubes), will shrink with proper nutrition and exercise, but if it doesn't go completely away, I am okay with that. Looking good in clothes is just as satisfying to me as looking good naked would be to you younger women and I aim to look great in my jeans!

If I have to wear a one piece or tankini to swim, I will be perfectly happy to do so!!

Just remembering every day, that "something is better than nothing"! Hang in there, all of you and realize your dreams one step at a time!!

I had an emergency c-section with my daughter. She is now almost 7. I had the vertical and horizontal incisions as my girl was very stubborn and STUCK in my pelvic bone.

Zumba and Pilates has really helped out a lot. I don't know that I will ever have a flat stomach without surgery though.

I had a c-section with my son who is now 3. I've often wondered what will become of "the shelf" once I reach my goal weight. Lots of good tips here to implement!

I had two regular births and my last was an emergency c section. I have come to the conclusion that genetics plays a huge role in how quickly our bodies recover and what state we are able to get them to physically. I lost all my pregnancy weight plus more with each baby and am at my fittest in my forties than when I had my boys 17, 15 and 4 years ago. I believe that being able to get my flat tummy back is thanks to my Mom's good genes. The thighs and butt on the other hand....well I'll blame those on my father!

Keep at it ladies! You are all amazing and strong women.