My back went out.
Well, not all the way out, since I’m still able to move and sit upright. But I can tell I’m one false move from being flat on the floor.
I knew this day was coming. For one, I’ve always had a pretty bad back. I was amazed it didn’t present more problems during pregnancy than it did. But the last few days I could feel it brewing. I knew 2 months of lifting increasingly heavy babies (and their carseats), bending over to pick up, smooch, swaddle, or otherwise interact was going to catch up with me.
Crap.
So, a plea to you moms out there, especially those with two or those who have had a c-section… how on earth do you start getting your core strength back? I mean, I know I should be more careful about lifting with my legs and not my back, etc etc…. but how do I start getting some muscle tone back? Not that I ever approached six-pack abs (pony keg abs was more like it), but now I’m not sure I could manage a single sit-up.
So? Particular exercises I should start with? A DVD I should buy? I have a gym membership, but I don’t think I’m going to be getting there regularly for another couple of months. Help, help!
I am so sorry about your back. I had similiar difficulties post twins and c-section. The first day I was able to sit up in bed was a miracle. Honestly, I would lay on the floor sometimes, and gently try to lift one leg a few inches off the ground, while the other leg was stretched out straight. Otherwise, bend one knee and raise the other leg if the first exercise it too tough. I did very simple, very gentle things like this. Also, walking/pushing the stroller really helped my abs, (especially up hills) although it trashed my shoulder. Now I am wearing wrist braces because my joints are taking such a beating from my giant babies. Good luck! Really enjoy your posts!
I still can’t do even 10 sit-ups. I’ve got major diastasis! (like most MOTs, I bet!). I’ve started to do the Pilates plank every other day—now I’m up to 1 1/2 minutes, but I started at just 15 seconds. It’s helped a ton and I can actually see my ab muscles again. The plank works both back and abs…my back had been hurting because my abs were so weak from the whole pregnancy thing. I also sit on a stability ball at work…I sat on that thing all the way up to when I went on maternity leave (all-day!), but I only manage about an hour or two now. It’s getting better though. I’d go with the “plank” and some other yoga or pilates exercises. My PT told me NOT to do traditional crunches until the diastasis is somewhat better.
Good luck and I hope it doesn’t go completely out! Yikes! (My husbands back when completely out when the boys were three months old. NOT FUN!
Hang in there, Carrie
Twin pregnancy is so hard on the body! I found that a combination of chiropractic adjustments, massage, and gentle yoga to be the key to get my back, neck, and shoulder strong and pain free.
Stay positive!
Juliet – (yes, my hands are full)
My back has been giving me fits periodically since pregnancy, too. I’ve found that swimming and Pilates help, but mostly just holding babies less! (which is hard when they’re little, but now that my boys are toddlers I just tell them “no” when they want to be held – not always, but more than I’d prefer!)
Pilates. Buy a DVD and just do it. It really helped me get my core strength back.