I should start by saying that I had my second C-Section a few weeks ago and my DD is doing great which is a blessing. I am recovering well, which is also a blessing.

Perhaps this is shallow of me, but I can't help but be discouraged by the sagging belly when I look in the mirror. It's not just a pot belly, but a drooping belly if you know what I mean. It looks like the muscles can no longer support the "pouch" so it just hangs. This happened after my first C-Section too and I couldn't get rid of the droopy belly no matter what I tried.

For those of you that have had a C-Section, have you experienced this? And is there anything that can be done (besides a tummy tuck)?

Originally Posted by hanana

I should start by saying that I had my second C-Section a few weeks ago and my DD is doing great which is a blessing. I am recovering well, which is also a blessing. Perhaps this is shallow of me, but I can't help but be discouraged by the sagging belly when I look in the mirror. It's not just a pot belly, but a drooping belly if you know what I mean. It looks like the muscles can no longer support the "pouch" so it just hangs. This happened after my first C-Section too and I couldn't get rid of the droopy belly no matter what I tried. For those of you that have had a C-Section, have you experienced this? And is there anything that can be done (besides a tummy tuck)?

I think it depends on genes and your activity level. This was me for the first 8 weeks then it slowly began to improve. I did cardio 5 days a week and began ab exercises as soon as I was given clearance. It has been 7 months and my tummy is nearly flat.

Sorry you're feeling a bit down about your belly!! I didn't have a C-Section but my belly sure was floppy after giving birth.

I am a fan of balance exercises that help train the small, deep muscles. The exercises not only helped my back (I have back problems) but also helped firm up my stomach. I like to use a balance pad (mine is from airex) and do different exercises on it (very slowly).

Originally Posted by fashion16

I think it depends on genes and your activity level. This was me for the first 8 weeks then it slowly began to improve. I did cardio 5 days a week and began ab exercises as soon as I was given clearance. It has been 7 months and my tummy is nearly flat.

I'm so glad to hear that you were able to achieve a flat tummy, gives me hope!

What kind of ab exercises did you do?

Originally Posted by Sternchen

Sorry you're feeling a bit down about your belly!! I didn't have a C-Section but my belly sure was floppy after giving birth. I am a fan of balance exercises that help train the small, deep muscles. The exercises not only helped my back (I have back problems) but also helped firm up my stomach. I like to use a balance pad (mine is from airex) and do different exercises on it (very slowly).

Thanks for the tip about the balance pad. I will look it up. I have a herniated disc in my lower back so I can certainly benefit from strengthening the back too.

Your avatar is hilarious by the way.

I use have a very toned and taut stomach b4 my c-section but now my stomach (which use to be my favorite body part) is def different. It's flat bc I work hard on it but not as toned as I would like-softer even. And if I bend over I want to cry bc I have ripples. :(

Genetics plays a huge role as you may already know. My BFF is a serious runner so you can't even see her "shelf" let alone think she ever had a c-section. My scar is very low and small but now I can honestly say, I'm not fond of my stomach. Crazy how in my 20s I loved the summer...now not so much.

Pilates and core training helps me a lot as well as a low sodium and low carb diet.

Pilates might help because it focuses on the core. My Pilates instructor was great because she pinpointed exactly where my muscles were weak because of previous c-sections. Word of advise go to an actual Pilates studio and if possible start with private sessions one on one. And do not take Pilates at a local gym - totally not the same.

It really depends. If it's extra/sagging skin that you are dealing with, then a tummy tuck really is the only answer. If, however, some of it is fat, you'll need to burn that off first (by doing major cardio) and then work on abdominal (or core) exercises that tone the muscles.

Originally Posted by coachtags

Pilates might help because it focuses on the core. My Pilates instructor was great because she pinpointed exactly where my muscles were weak because of previous c-sections. Word of advise go to an actual Pilates studio and if possible start with private sessions one on one. And do not take Pilates at a local gym - totally not the same.

Thanks for the advice, I will look into Pilates. I did do them for a while a long time ago and remember how much they helped my core and back pain. Makes total sense to do it now to tone my post C-section belly.

Originally Posted by meluvs2shop

I use have a very toned and taut stomach b4 my c-section but now my stomach (which use to be my favorite body part) is def different. It's flat bc I work hard on it but not as toned as I would like-softer even. And if I bend over I want to cry bc I have ripples. :( Genetics plays a huge role as you may already know. My BFF is a serious runner so you can't even see her "shelf" let alone think she ever had a c-section. My scar is very low and small but now I can honestly say, I'm not fond of my stomach. Crazy how in my 20s I loved the summer...now not so much. Pilates and core training helps me a lot as well as a low sodium and low carb diet.

I totally know how you feel. Sometimes I feel like crying too!
But I'm so encouraged to hear that your stomach is flat again.
I'm going to try Pilates, thanks for suggesting.

Originally Posted by vhdos

It really depends. If it's extra/sagging skin that you are dealing with, then a tummy tuck really is the only answer. If, however, some of it is fat, you'll need to burn that off first (by doing major cardio) and then work on abdominal (or core) exercises that tone the muscles.

I have just started working out a week ago so hopefully will burn off the excess fat in time. I'm planning to start Pilates soon too. After a few months, I'll reassess the sagging skin situation.

Thanks everyone for your feedback, I really really appreciate it!

Google tupler technique. Am post 2nd c section too and am currently trying that out. It helps!

almost 8 months postpartum, i can say my tummy is back to what it was before i got pregnant, even though i didn't do any dieting or any real exercising. thats not to say its flat now, since my tunny was always my trouble spot. its still a little flabby, but i hope once i stop BF then i can diet more and hopefully flatten it out some more.