exercise after c-section to reduce tummy?

How to Reduce Belly Fat After C-Section in Indian Mothers

Last modified on May 2021
With inputs from Dr. Pragnya Rao - General Physician

There is a common belief that getting a c-section might make it harder to reduce post-pregnancy belly fat. While a c-section does involve major surgery to the stomach area, you can still lose excess belly fat. In this article, we will take you through the c-section procedure and tips on how to reduce belly fat after c section.

We understand that during the COVID-19 pandemic you may feel unsafe to move out of your home for doctor visits or treatment and so we have included a majority of home remedies to help you reduce belly fat after c-section in an easy way. With MFine you can also
and

through instant chat and video calls from the comfort of your home.
Chapter 1: How to reduce belly fat after C section in Indian mothers: Top tips

Your body is weak after a C-section and in need of essential nutrition, so do not follow a crash diet or start exercising immediately to reduce post-pregnancy weight gain and get back in shape.

Here are some top tips to reduce belly fat after c section:

Get a Postnatal Massage:
Massages help to break up belly fat and release fluids from the lymph nodes which can greatly help in weight loss post c section delivery. Lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling by removing fluids and waste products. Body massages after a C-section boost blood flow and oxygen in your. body, ensuring recovery and improving immunity. Furthermore, a body massage releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers, as well as oxytocin, which stimulates your breast milk supply. A postnatal massage is usually recommended after two weeks or until the scar has completely healed after a caesarean section delivery.
Breastfeed
Breastfeeding has the potential to help you shed pounds immediately after having a baby. It is one of the easiest methods of losing belly fat after a C-section. Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin, which aids contractions that shrink the uterus. This helps to get your uterus back into its pre-pregnancy size, making breastfeeding one of the most useful weight loss tips after C section.

On average, breastfeeding burns anywhere from 250-500 calories a day. In fact, women who breastfeed shed weight faster than women who bottle-feed.

In order to breastfeed your body has to burn calories. This requires a lot of energy, and your body needs to work hard to produce milk.
Walk Off the Extra Weight
Walking is an easy and gentle exercise you can incorporate to lose weight after a C-section. It gets your heart rate up and your blood circulating and also does not put too much stress on your abdominal muscles and pelvic floortop of all that, walking improves your mood, and it’s always good to fill your lungs with fresh air. Try walking with friends or family to lighten your mood, or push your baby in a stroller. The weight of the stroller will help you burn even more calories without it being too hard on your body.

Bind Your Tummy
Compared to vaginal delivery, a C-section calls for shedding numerous layers of tissue and muscle. Belly binding in such cases is a useful tool during the recovery period to help get rid of a hanging belly after c section. Belly binding entails tying a muslin cloth that looks like a bandage. This band, when wrapped around tightly, supports and keeps your abdomen in place. It also ensures that your incision heals completely and is a useful way to lose belly fat after a C-section. Although previous generations used simple pieces of muslin cloth, today, belly binding materials range from traditional fabric lengths to postpartum girdles.
Take Up Yoga
Practising yoga has shown to greatly help in reducing tummy fat after C-section delivery. Some

include toning and strengthening the stomach muscles. Yoga also helps you deal with the stress of bodily and emotional changes. However, consult your doctor before taking up yoga after a C-section. Some harmless yoga poses to shed postnatal weight include:

Bhujanga Asana: The cobra pose helps to strengthen abdominal muscles.
Pranayama: The simple breathing exercise puts pressure on your abdomen and will help you to lose belly fat after a C-section.
Suryanamaskar: Suryanamaskar is a well-known complete body workout which makes it a useful tip for weight loss after C section.
Get Adequate Sleep
A minimum of 6 hours of sleep will help immensely in weight loss after a C section. New mothers can find it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule because of their newborn baby. Try to get sleep when your baby sleeps; this will also improve your emotional health.

”
Important:

“Recovering from C-section the right way is extremely important as it can have an effect on both your body and mind. To fasten the process, you can look at lifestyle and changes to your diet to reduce belly fat. However do not try crash diets or exercise immediately after C-Section because your recovery is not just important to you but also your little one.”
– Dr. Pragnya Rao, General Physician



COVID in India and guidelines for new mothers

The coronavirus disease that has claimed several hundred thousand lives in the country so far is yet to cease with the second wave still prevailing. Some of the risk groups identified are people above the age of 65, people with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and pregnant women, and much recently teenagers and kids as well. Studies by the CDC say that expecting mothers are at a heightened risk to contract the coronavirus disease and hence must take necessary precautions. Doctors advice pregnant women not to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the first 12 weeks that are extremely crucial for the development of the fetus. However, pregnant women may choose to take the vaccine before entering their third trimester at 28 weeks.

Summary
– There are a number of ways to get back into shape and reduce belly fat after c section. However, don’t forget to start with gentle exercises and then gradually move on to high-impact workouts.
– You may also wear a compression belt or a garment over your C-section scar to avoid putting pressure and hurting it.
– Your body has to heal and requires nourishment, so take plenty of rest and do not exert yourself too much.