Cesarean births are more common now than ever before, with one in four births taking place by cesarean section, according to the website Parents. The process of a cesarean birth, also called a C-section, is much different than a vaginal birth as it involves cutting a long incision into the woman's belly, under anesthesia, and manually taking out the baby. Though weight loss is a major concern for most new moms, women who have cesarean sections need to pay special attention to their healing and recovery before diving fully into a weight loss regimen. Losing weight after a cesarean section is possible, but it takes a little extra attention and planning to do it safely.
Step 1
Breastfeed your baby instead of using formula--or at least in addition to using formula. Breastfeeding burns calories, so moms who choose to breastfeed lose more weight than those who don't. According to La Leche League International, women who breastfeed lose about 1.3 to 1.6 pounds each month during the first four to six months just from breastfeeding. In addition to the health benefits that breastfeeding provides for a baby, it may also speed up your weight loss after a cesarean birth.
Step 2
Wait until your doctor tells you it is safe to exercise before you begin a workout program. Cesarean births are very taxing on the body and they require extra time for a woman to heal. The website BabyCenter states that most women who have C-sections need to wait at least six to eight weeks before starting to exercise again. While you are waiting to recover, clean up your diet. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods and junk foods. They also recommend switching to low-fat dairy products instead of whole-fat dairy to save calories and reducing your overall fat intake.
Step 3
Exercise three to five days a week doing a mixture of cardiovascular and strength-training exercises once your doctor gives you the go-ahead. Find an exercise that you love to do, whether it is swimming, dancing or jogging outdoors. You can even bring your baby in the stroller on walks and jogs. When you do strengthening exercises like sit-ups or push-ups, lay your baby down on the floor for tummy time right next to you.
Step 4
Be persistent but realistic with your weight loss goals. Since everything changes when you have a baby, you may feel overwhelmed at times trying to care for your baby and lose weight. The Mayo Clinic states that it can actually take six months or longer to return to your pre-pregnancy body. If you keep that in mind while maintaining a positive outlook, you are bound to be successful. Don't give up when you have smell setbacks. Instead, continue to eat healthy and exercise often.
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