Fit Mothers Recover from Cesarean  

Sometimes, even the most fit mothers will have to have an emergency Cesarean birth. The good thing for these mothers is that the recovery from the Cesarean is much smoother than for non-exercising moms. Just ask Riann Edson.

Edson began exercising in college to loose weight and increase her energy and confidence levels. She carried her healthy habits into adulthood and pregnancy. She continued weight training through her first trimester and transitioned into walking and swimming during the remainder of her pregnancy. She would even go square dancing two times per week. She felt very strong and was happy to remain active through this stage of her life.

Her baby girl was delivered through an emergency Cesarean. The good news: she has a healthy baby girl and recovered quite quickly. “I definitely think being active aided in recovery. I was up and walking as soon as they would let me. and I stayed active.” Edson was feeling good four weeks after giving birth and was cleared to exercise six weeks post-partum.

Now, this Altoona, Pennsylvania native continues to stay active by going on walks with her daughter three days a week around her neighborhood and attends MamaStroll classes twice a week at Springfield Mall. MamaStroll workouts consist of running, walking, strength training and abdominal strengthening. “I really appreciate this group (MamaStroll). It's fun to get together a couple times a week with other moms and exercise. And you have the added bonus of not needing a babysitter.”  Through these workouts, Edson has already lost 40 pounds and is on her way to being able to do one-arm push-ups.
 
When asked if she would recommend that all women exercise during pregnancy, she says yes. “Health and fitness are very important during and after pregnancy. You can avoid a lot of aches and pains by staying active. Staying fit also helps you recover more quickly from labor and delivery.”