fitness after csection

I had my son on April 4, so I'm just about through my 6-week recovery period. Does anyone have any advice or resources for getting back in shape after a c-section? What are some easy exercises to start with, to build strength? I know I'll probably be a bit sore still, and I'll need to take my time. Are there any exercises that I should do to start that don't cause pain in the abdominal area? Is anyone else in the same situation? Does anyone remember what they did immediately after their c-section for fitness?

I'd like to lose about 40 pounds, and I definitely need some serious toning in my tummy area. I gained 60 pounds while I was pregnant! I am so ready to get my body back.

I had my son at the beginning of October via c-section (second c-section) and I still get sore if I overdo it. I didn't start doing any tummy exercises until about a month ago so I'm not sure what to offer for advice.

In all honesty, I would concentrate on the weight loss first and then tone up after you lose the weight. That will give you some more time for your incision to heal. Remember, they have to dissect your ab muscles during a c-section so it will take a lot of work to get them back to where they were.

I did a lot of walking after my c-section. As soon as it started to hurt, I would call it quits. I actually walked as much as I could before my six-week checkup despite my doctor's advice. Since this was my second, I knew what to expect. I just tried to be as active as possible by playing with my older daughter and I avoided just sitting around the house all day.

If you feel you are ready to start working on your abs, I'd recommend a prenatal yoga/pilates DVD that way you're easing back into it. There are also some great postnatal workout DVDs (I like Leisa Hart's Fit Mama). I have a Wii Fit and do the hula-hooping for my ab workout.

Good for you for wanting to get started! The key is to listen to your body and don't overdo it. I had baby #4 2 years ago. She was my 2nd c-section. 5 weeks after I had her, I set a goal to do a triathlon when she was 11 weeks old. It was a very short triathlon and I didn't do it to win it, but it helped to set a goal. I would swim/bike/jog each day of the week. I just would do a different one each day. I didn't start trying to tone my body till  she was 4 or 5 months old. I just stuck to the calorie counting and cardio stuff.

Baby #5 was born by c-section 3 weeks ago and I'm starting to get the itch to get my body back! I am still way too tired and sore to do much, but at least I have the desire. I just have to be patient. I am just getting started with the calorie counting now and then I will start jogging as soon as the doctor says I can. My goal this time is to do a half marathon in October. I am not a runner at all, but discovered after my last baby that it is the most effective excercise for me. I did this same half marathon 13 weeks pregnant so it will be fun to do again. I also have to make sure I'm eating enough calories and drinking enough water so I can breastfeed successfully.

Good luck. I hope any of that advice helps. The key is to get moving and listen to your healing body!