| Cesarean births are considerably easier on a woman's | | | | middle of the routine until they are stronger and able to |
| body today than they were thirty of forty years ago. | | | | continue for longer periods of time. |
| They are less invasive, the incisions are smaller and | | | | As long as the doctor approves, the new mother can |
| most women recover from them quicker than their | | | | start their postpartum exercises the day after |
| mothers and grandmothers did in years past. But | | | | delivering their baby. Some of the exercises are |
| postpartum exercises should still be done slowly and | | | | actually recommended for right after birth, such as |
| gently. They will help heal the abdominal muscles heal | | | | Kegel's which help strengthen the pelvic floor. |
| yet new mothers need to make sure that they do not | | | | Abdominal breathing with support of the stomach is |
| strain them or move too fast in their exercising. | | | | good for getting the muscles moving. Ankle circles are |
| Check With Your Dr. Prior To Any Postpartum | | | | designed to help the circulation in both legs and feet. All |
| Exercise: | | | | of these exercises can be done while sitting or lying |
| Before starting any postpartum exercise routine, all | | | | down without strain to the body. |
| new mothers should make sure their doctor clears | | | | Additional postpartum exercises can be added to the |
| them for the physical activity. Activity can be | | | | beginning routine as the mother sees fit. The only |
| increased as the incision heals. Always follow the | | | | requirement is that the mother does not strain herself |
| doctor's advice and any suggestions they make for | | | | while her incision is healing. Pelvic tilts can be added a |
| exercising after giving birth in order to prevent any | | | | day or two after birth only if the mother is strong |
| injuries from occurring during the healing process. New | | | | enough and not hurting. Leg slides while doing the pelvic |
| mothers should always progress at a rate that is | | | | tilt are also recommended. Walking is a good aerobic |
| comfortable for them, and they should stop | | | | exercise, but only in short intervals and distances as |
| immediately if they feel any discomfort. While | | | | the mother can tolerate it. |
| exercising they should support the incision with their | | | | The biggest difference between non-cesarean birth |
| hands or a pillow during the first few days of their | | | | and vaginal birth postpartum exercise is the intensity |
| routine. | | | | and speed in which they are done. The mother with |
| Cesarean births will cause the body to be very tender. | | | | the incision needs to be conscious at all times of the |
| All exercises should be done slowly and the mother | | | | strain on their body, but unless the doctor tells her that |
| should focus on their movements and their body. Do | | | | she cannot do certain things, she should be able to |
| not strain or push through any discomfort. Only do | | | | perform these postpartum exercises without difficulty |
| repetitions that feel comfortable. If that mean the | | | | and be on her way to strengthening her body once |
| mother can only do three, then that is fine. If the | | | | again. |
| mother needs a break it is acceptable to stop in the | | | | |