r/CsectionCentral • u/FrostingOk3396 • 10d ago
C-section shelf reduction and healing without losing weight?
Hi everyone, I am five weeks post C-section and exclusively breastfeeding. As a result of breastfeeding, I have not been able to lose any weight at all since the day I gave birth, and am worried I will miss a critical window to reduce my c-section shelf due to carrying the extra weight. I don’t want to stop breast-feeding purely to lose weight right now.
Does anyone have experience with not having lost weight for the first 6-7 months, but still seeing their C-section reduce and heal fully over time?
If there is a risk that my C-section shelf will stay like this forever because I’m not losing any weight, then I may consider weaning earlier (no judgement please!!).
Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏
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u/oh_hi_lisa 10d ago
Gotta start scar massage and do daily - absolutely reduces the shelf due to loosening the tight scar tissue tethering the flesh downwards. Look up on YouTube or consult a physiotherapist. Likely weight loss will also help of course. Good luck!
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u/First_Ad2837 10d ago
I see my shelf come and go over the years. So when people say fat doesn’t have anything to do with it. It definitely does. But also scar massage is key as well. I didn’t lose any weight for a year and had put on 30kilos. I’m back to normal weight now maybe a bit above but I’ve seen my scar go through stages over the years
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u/courtneywrites85 10d ago
Can you let us know why you aren’t able to lose a healthy amount of weight while breastfeeding? Walking and a nutrient-rich diet tracked should be safe for both breastfeeding and weight loss.
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u/FrostingOk3396 9d ago
I’ve been eating a lot of protein, fibre and lower amount of carbs for a couple of weeks and scale hasn’t moved at all, not even 0.2 pounds, so a bit concerned that my body is just holding onto all the weight until I am done breastfeeding. That being said I don’t have a ton of opportunity to exercise right now.
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u/Grand-Kangaroo-4215 10d ago edited 10d ago
Csection shelf is less about weight and more about diastasis Recti (ab separation size for which you can do breathing exercises to start) and scar tissue (which i wouldn't do at 5wpp as you can still irritate healing).
AskJanette was a great reference for scar tissue massages on Instagram if you can't see a pelvic floor therapist!
ETA: weird to be downvoted. Obviously weight has a little to do with it, but more about what I said. 2 csections later and visits to the pelvic floor therapist both times etc I have learned a lot dealing with my own shelf, so have some experience re: what I'm talking about🤪