Exercise after caesarean section

In the case of a caesarean birth, it is wiser to stay off exercise for at least four weeks. After this, the build-up to the previous level of activity should be slow and steady.

However, pelvic floor exercises can be resumed even before leaving hospital if one is able. However, a woman who had a caesarean section may find that the soreness from the rather fresh surgical scar limits even these.

Episiotomy and pelvic floor exercises

An episiotomy (a cut made to increase the birth passage in vaginal delivery) heals quite fast; in most cases within a week. However, lingering soreness in the area may mean that pelvic floor exercises may have to wait.

Exercise or sport and breast-feeding

Moderate exercise does not alter any of the essential ingredients of breast-milk. Nor does it have any effect on quantities produced.

Extreme exercise may alter the pH of the milk making it slightly more acidic. The effect may last for 60 to 90 minutes post-exercise.

Overall, exercise has no significant effect one way or another on breast-milk. Adequate fluid replacement remains essential for a breast-feeding exercising mother.