bellee

hi all,

i dont know if this has been discussed but would like to know how soon after operation is it safe to start dancing? i am new to belly dancing but keen to start working out. i am 3 months post c-sec and am doing fine.
anyone with experience to share....?
thanks.

Aisha Azar

Dear Bellee,
I recently learned that during a C-section, the muscles of the body are not cut, but pulled aside in order to get to the uterus, in which an incision is made. Regardless, your muscles are stretched and you have incisions in skin, fat tissue, and uterus, and probably some other stuff I have no idea about since my medical knowledge is VERY limited!! You will need to discuss this with your doctor. Even if someone here is a nurse or doctor, they can only go by general guidelines without knowing your personal case. Please get in touch with your personal physician about something this important.
Regards,
A'isha

KuteNurse

That is great advice for not being a medical professional A'isha! I am a nurse and I had a c-section with my son also. As A'isha stated above, check with your physician. Remember that everyone is different and recovers at a different rate. When you do start exercising again. Start slowly and make sure you do lots of stretching beforehand. Gradually and slowly work your way back up to where you were. Mostly, enjoy your time with you precious newborn. Include the baby in your dance by playing music with baby nearby etc...Congrats to you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Farasha Hanem

I'm 46 years old, and wish that I had started bellydancing as a young girl. Both of my children were born C-section, and even though I'm not overweight, I've had a horrible "blip" in my abdomen ever since. Not really a "bump," just a "blip." But it's embarrassing enough, because the customers where I work frequently ask me if I'm pregnant. I have the vertical incision, so it looks like I have a rear end on both sides of my body; without clothes, I wouldn't know if I were coming, or going. This really is a sensitive issue to me, and I'm too embarrassed to expose my belly while dancing.

Aisha Azar

Dear Newbie,
There are so many fantastic costumes today that do not expose the stomach area. that the choices are endless! Because I am a chubby 54 year old dancer, I no longer wear the typical bra, blet, skirt, veil thing, and I still feel very appropriately costumed for my age and body type, and my movements show just fine. I do all of my own costuming and also costume for other dancers, both dresses and bra/belt sets. This is an age where there is a LOT of experimentation among Egyptian belly dancers and I think that Lebanon and Turkey will soon follow their lead.
Regards,
A'isha

Farasha Hanem

Thank you, A'isha; I hope I can find some beautiful costumes that will suit me, and give me my own personality. I can't do any on-line ordering (my husband would have a FIT), but I hope there are other avenues I can use to find suitable costumes for myself (oh, I know this is a thread about C-sections, but I thought I'd mention that I'm four feet nine...).

teela

I endorse the speak with your doctor because he/she will know you personally and know what is best for you. I actually didn't start belly dancing for almost 20 years after having the C section. Yes I have the wonderful scar running from belly button down and my doctor told me on the next C-section, they could clean things up and make it look nicer (my c-section was totally unplanned). Well I never had the second C-section as my second one was done the regular way. What I can tell you is there are moves I cannot do the same as everyone due to the scar tissue from the operation but I can do most moves. Over the years,the scars have faded and I am willing to wear regular cabaret costumes because I've decided I am beautiful and have something to flaunt. Oh I'm 51 at the moment.

Aniseteph

I had an elective C-section (one of the low down horizontal ones) in my pre-belly dance days. It all healed up just fine - got a visible scar (who cares, badge of experience!) but no uneven lumps and bumps that weren't there before. I'm sure it hasn't stopped me doing any bellydance moves, and to be honest my abdominal muscles are now in WAY better shape than they ever were pre-baby, all thanks to belly dancing.

I agree with what has been said about checking with your doctor - suspect you'll get encouragement as long as you go carefully, but do check to be safe. I think I remember being told not to drive or lift heavy things for 6 weeks, but having a few very gentle physio exercises and stretches to start getting back in shape very early on.

Farasha Hanem

I've tried looking at my scar as a "badge of honor," because if it hadn't been for the C-sections, I wouldn't have my wonderful children, now 23 and 21. But I didn't heal up very well; like I said, my abdomen looks like I have a bottom on the front side of my body. *nearly cries* I've thought of saving my money to have a tummy tuck, but that's so expensive, and I'd have to miss several weeks of work. I feel like my body is so ugly; I wish I could either get something done about it, or develop a healthier attitude towards it. I've tried for years to do the latter, but it's very hard when you wake up every morning and see what I see in the mirror.

Aniseteph

Don't nearly cry! Poor newbiedancer, that's sad. I really hope bellydancing helps you to feel better about your body and that you find some costumes to help you feel gorgeous.