How I Rebuilt My Core After 2 C-Sections
By Brittney Harrison — Postpartum Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Mama of Two
You know what nobody talks about enough? The slow, real, and emotional journey of healing your core after a C-section — especially when you’ve had two of them less than two years apart.
There I was: one baby on the hip, one toddler scaling the couch, and me wondering if my core would ever feel strong or connected again. I knew I didn’t need a bounce-back plan. I needed a postpartum recovery approach that was gentle, grace-filled, and realistic. And that’s exactly what I created — from breathwork to nourishing food and lots of leaning on God.
So if you’re wondering how to start your C-section recovery journey — or how to rebuild your core without pressure or pain — here’s what worked for me.
1. I Didn’t Rush — I Started Slow and Gave Myself Permission to Heal Imperfectly
One of the most important parts of postpartum core recovery is giving yourself permission to start small. No, I didn’t jump into crunches or planks. I started with breathing — literally sitting on the floor and reconnecting with my breath and body.
Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be lasting. Healing takes time — and perfection has nothing to do with it.
Especially after a C-section, it’s crucial to move mindfully and avoid rushing into workouts that could do more harm than good.
2. I Leaned on God for Strength
Postpartum healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s spiritual. There were many days I felt weak — in my core and in my spirit. That’s when I had to stop trying to do it all myself and start asking God for strength — not just in my body, but in my heart.
One scripture that carried me:
And the God of all grace... will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” - 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
3. I Focused on 360° Breathing and Pelvic Floor Activation
This is where my core recovery really began. 360-degree breathing — sometimes called diaphragmatic breathing — is essential for reconnecting with your deep core and pelvic floor after pregnancy and birth.
By combining this breathwork with gentle pelvic floor activation (no, not just Kegels), I laid the foundation for real, lasting core strength. This approach is part of every plan I now use with the mamas I coach.
4. I Nourished My Body (and My Toddler’s Plate, Too)
Nutrition plays a major role in postpartum recovery, but let’s be honest — it’s hard to focus on yourself when you’re busy feeding everyone else. I kept things simple with whole foods that supported healing and energy, and that my toddler would eat too. Smoothies, eggs, roasted veggies, and quick protein-rich meals helped me rebuild from the inside out.
You don’t need a perfect meal plan. You just need food that fuels healing — and doesn’t make your day harder.
5. I Let People Help Me (Even When I Wanted to Do It All)
This one was tough. I like to be the one helping, not the one asking. But letting people step in — whether it was a meal, watching the kids, or just giving me a moment to breathe — made a world of difference.
Postpartum isn’t a solo mission. Lean on your village.
Mama, You’re Not Behind. You’re Healing.
If your body feels unfamiliar… if your core feels disconnected… if your strength feels gone — you are not broken. You are healing.
You can rebuild your core after a C-section (& vaginal!). You can feel strong again. You can move gently, eat well, breathe deeply, and trust God every step of the way.
Ready to Begin?
Start with my free download:
The Fit Mama Core Reset — a gentle and safe guide to reconnecting with your body through breath, faith, and simple movement.