Strategies for the C-Section Mom: A Complete Fitness, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Guide

by Mary Beth Knight, James Rosenthal

Whether your C-section is planned or you have one unexpectedly, you need to know about the risks, the recovery, and how to regain your fitness level postpartum--all while caring for a newborn. This book outlines exactly what a C-section entails, and offers you information, guidance, and advice on how to make your experience and recovery smooth and happy. Author Mary Beth Knight, one of the leading women’s fitness, health, and nutrition experts in the United States, has had two C-sections of her own and understands the unique physical conditioning requirements of C-section moms. The acclaimed founder of StrollerFit, Inc. has developed a program especially designed for women undergoing a C-section. She gives you the blueprint you need to be stronger, fitter, healthier, and sexier than ever, while enjoying everything that motherhood has to offer. Starting with the first day after the surgery and running through the end of the first eighteen months postpartum, this one-of-a-kind program shows you how postoperative pain successfullyCope with emotional issuesExercise safely and effectively after the surgeryFocus on exercises and stretches that can actually speed up your recoveryMaintain a balanced workout that includes upper and lower body and core exercisesUnderstand how many calories you should eatLose weight when the time is rightAdopt a nutritionally sound dietComplete with photographs that show you exactly how to perform each stretch or exercise properly (and how to include your baby when it’s safe), this guide will have you looking and feeling great--in record time!

Genres: Nonfiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2010

Reviews

[Helen Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Around 80% of the book is centered on postpartum exercise strategies. I look forward to trying them out after the baby comes out. I like the author’s very encouraging tone and relatable narratives or snippets from other mothers who went through a C-section. The author’s example of losing 50 pounds in each pregnancy is quite remarkable and inspiring. I am thankful to get my hands on this book before my surgery. I think it can really help a lot of moms who are going to have a C-section for their childbirth.

[Lisa Gusewelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly Helpful!

While the book could use some reorganization in its chapters and headings, I really found a lot of new information about health and fitness inside! I thought I knew quite a bit about the topic because I have occasionally read a diverse set of articles over the years and been part of different Reddit forums, so I was ready to hear much of the same information being repeated. Not the case here though! This was a useful learning experience.

[Vonze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpfully if you've had a C-section or are scheduled to have one. I wish I had found this book weeks ago. I had an unplanned C-section and I found the information very relatable and encouraging. Part guide, part exercise plan, I hope to refer back to the stretches and core workouts when I'm medically cleared and ready.

[Vicky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful

I appreciate the author sharing her story about her unplanned c section and the feeling of lack of control. I was also in a similar situation and yet it was hard to find books on forward thinking and while feeling vulnerable at the major stages in our life. The author has outlined plans for the reader and motivates the reader emotionally and physically!

[Blair Eleazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for planning how to train your body back to baseline post C section with some helpful (perhaps slightly outdated) nutritional suggestions postpartum. Lots of useful information though for someone like me who may have to get a C section due to placenta previa!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly wish I had found this book after I had my first c-section, but better late than never! The author provides motivation, support, structure and personal experience as she embarked on her own weight loss journey and also had two c-section births. I'm excited to get started with her fitness program as my guide!

[Brenda]

I am not going to rate this because I was only interested in the first few chapters focusing on what to expect before, during, and after the actual surgery. How is it that roughly 33% of babies are delivered by c-section and it is a struggle to find books solely on the subject? The first few chapters are great and the rest of the book looks like it would be helpful for a mom looking for a postpartum workout routine specifically for c-section deliveries.