I have almost no strength in my abdominals. I have had 4 big babies on a small frame, and now have an umbilical hernia. Before my babies, I had very strong abdominals, although I was not exercising regularly.

What exercises are gentle enough not to injure the hernia, yet strengthen this weak area?
Thank you,
Lora

Not sure what it's called. I had a c-section with my youngest. My stomach had NO strength. I'd lay down and try to do a sit up and NOTHING would happen..

What I did. Lay on your back, as if to do sit ups. Lift just your head and look toward your feet. (No, I can't see my feet over my boobs! ) This seemed to help me though, as I can do them now..

Thanks Teresa, my first was a c-section--maybe that's my problem! And 9-lb babies.

While I did not have a c-section just yet, I did have a grapefruit sized tumor removed from my uterus early this year. So, technically, I have the same issues. I would be one hot mama if I could just get rid of the weight that I carry on top of my abs. I found that doing crunches on a stability ball really helps. It also works out your back muscles which are crucial in developing stomach muscles.

For sure the abdominal vacuum will not hurt your hernia, b/c you're pulling "in" and not pushing or creating intra-abdominal pressure when you do it. It is nothing short of amazing exercize. Also lying in bed and simply squeezing your abs toward your backbone may be something you could do. These 2 exercises were my "secret" to being in my pre-preg jeans in a couple of weeks after babies. Anything that creates "negative" pressure and not "positive" pressure would be OK, I would think. But maybe you should ask your OB or GP to be sure.


Here's a pretty good explanation.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ms-fit5.htm

Thanks, ladies! That is a great description of the stomach vacuum, Elle, thanks--I like knowing the names of muscles, etc. and I had not seen an explanation like that. I have been doing those off and on for a month or 2 and I do seem to have more strength there.