If you’re several months postpartum and still feeling like your core just isn’t firing right — especially after a Cesarean birth — you’re not alone. Many moms come to The Nest Wellness Collective wondering why they feel unstable, sore, or disconnected from their abdominal muscles even long after healing has “officially” occurred.
Here’s the truth: core healing isn’t just about time. It’s about targeted retraining — especially after a major surgery such as a C-Section.
Why Core Weakness Persists After a C-Section
During a Cesarean birth, seven layers of abdominal tissue are cut through to safely deliver your baby. While the body is excellent at healing, it doesn’t always re-coordinate movement patterns on its own. That’s where specialized pelvic health physical therapy comes in.
Common issues we see:
- Tugging or pulling near the scar when sitting up or stretching
- Difficulty activating the lower abs during movement
- Doming or bulging seen in the midline of the abdomen with exercise
- “Not trusting your core” during daily tasks
What Core Retraining Actually Looks Like
At The Nest, we take a whole-body approach to healing — because it’s never just about the abs.
We start by:
- Assessing breathing and intra-abdominal pressure
- Evaluating scar mobility and surrounding tissue
- Testing deep core (transverse abdominis + pelvic floor) coordination
- Looking at how your hips, pelvis, and spine are contributing
From there, we build a progressive plan that supports everything from lifting your baby to returning to Pilates, yoga, or running — safely and confidently.
A Note on Scar Work
Many of our C-section clients are surprised to learn how much manual therapy, cupping, and movement can improve scar mobility and reduce pulling. When that tissue glides better, your whole core moves better.
You Deserve Support That Honors Your Birth Story
Your recovery is just as important as your baby’s development. Whether you’re 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum, it’s never too late to reconnect with your body and feel strong again.
Ready to start? Book a postpartum PT evaluation with our team at The Nest Wellness Collective.