Exercise Post-Caesarean

Jelly Belly Pilates & Training realised the need for a specialised exercise

programme that would help facilitate the recovery process for mothers who have had a caesarean birth. The latest statistics from Birth Choice UK show that nearly 1 in 3 births in the UK are now delivered via caesarean section due to higher levels of complications during labour as well as mothers electing to have this type of delivery. Physical limitations experienced as a result of this major surgery affect everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, in and out of a chair and meeting the demands of a newborn baby. Although the body needs time to heal, there are some gentle exercises that can be done to help the mother return back to normal levels of physical activity.

Pilates exercises are primarily used to encourage the transverse abdominus to engage, which is a deep postural muscle that wraps horizontally around the torso like a belt. This muscle provides support and stability to the spine allowing the rest of the body to move more freely. The pelvic floor muscles provide a platform at the base of the pelvis and co-contract with the transverse abdominus. Although the caesarean recovering mother has not had a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor has still been weakened by the weight of the baby during pregnancy and attention must be given.

By moving around and performing exercises for the core muscles early on, the gentle contraction of these muscles cause an increase in circulation promoting the incision to heal and reduced swelling. Stronger core muscles also provide greater support to the spine helping to correct postural imbalances post pregnancy, as well as creating a good foundation for increased levels of exercise later on.

Having a caesarean birth should not restrict a new mother from getting her pre-pregnancy body back. Jelly Belly aims to facilitate this recovery process by providing a training programme that increases core strength allowing greater body control and awareness, whilst limiting pain or discomfort to the incision area. As a result each mother will shape and tone their body, experience increased energy levels and see the jelly belly disappear!

We offer private training within the home, NCT group training and Pilates classes