Janette's Thoughts

C-section mom doing exercise

Why Some Bellies Bulge After C-Section and What You Can Do

c-section shelf cesarean recovery cesarean recovery program cesarean recovery tips core retraining Sep 02, 2025

 Let’s start with something that might surprise you about C-section recovery.

Take a look at these two photos below. Both moms are 7 weeks post-Cesarean, but their bellies look completely different.

🤯 Can you believe both moms are 7 weeks post C-section?

“Why do they look so different?”

“How come the belly on the right is so bulged?”

“I look like Mom #2! Is there anything I can do about it?!” 

One moment! Pause. Breathe. If you feel suddenly anxious, there’s something you can do. 💜

Let me answer all these questions.

1. These moms look different, even though they’re both 7 weeks after C-section, because Mom #1 started doing her core retraining exercises while still pregnant. That’s right, she PREPARED for her surgery - just like someone would prepare for any other orthopedic surgery (like a hip replacement, for example).

2. The belly on the right is so “bulgy” because she hadn’t started any core retraining exercises yet. But she went back to the gym without learning them, and now her superficial core muscles (i.e. Rectus Abdominis/ “6-pack”) are strong, but her deep core isn’t.

3. YES, there’s something you can do if you have bulging abs due to a weak core.

✅ Start with belly breathing.
✅ Then learn to stay zipped up (i.e. keep the transverse abdominis on) while breathing into your lower ribs. I call this the Athletic Breath.
✅ Then apply the Athletic Breath to your current workout.

Sound simple?

It is!

BUT it’s not easy - because there are some ‘bad habits’ to break in order for the deep core to get strong again.

SO... the best time to retrain the core is on Day 1.

Not Week 7, or Month 7, or years out...

...but hear this, it’s never not too late 💜

 

Rebuild Your Core Safely After C-Section

 

💪 If you’re PREGNANT, [Click here] to learn about the “Cesarean Prep: Stage 1” program

💪 If you’re 3-6 weeks postpartum, [Click here] for a special monthly rate on the “Stage 1” program

💪 ...and if you’re 2-18 months postpartum, [Click here] to learn about the “Cesarean Recovery Stage 2” program

Wanting the appearance of your belly to improve isn’t vanity.

Not if it’s because of weak muscles. Let’s change that together.