As a new mother, your postpartum belly may not be a concern while carrying your child, but you may feel different after the child is born. Young mothers want their bodies to "get back to normal," the "normal" being their figure before they became pregnant. We will explore this topic here to give you some insight into caring for your body, especially your belly!
What Happens to Your Postpartum Belly After You Give Birth?
Almost immediately after childbirth, your body begins transforming and recovering. During birth, your body can lose up to 13 pounds! This figure includes the baby's weight, the expelled placenta, and the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby in the womb, gushing out before or with the baby.
The uterus gradually contracts to its pre-pregnancy size during the following postpartum period. This process can take up to six weeks or more. It's this natural contraction that helps your body start regaining its pre-pregnancy shape.
Breastfeeding your baby can be very influential in your postpartum weight loss journey. Feeding your baby your human milk can burn calories while your body uses fat stores to produce milk.
Also, some women experience a condition known as diastasis recti during this postpartum period. Diastasis recti is where the stomach muscles separate due to your growing uterus. This condition can persist after childbirth and, in some cases, may need intervention when the condition is severe.
Women who have already given birth are more likely to have separation of the stretched muscles. The hormonal changes in the second half of your pregnancy cause your connective tissues to become more flexible and elastic.
Professionals such as physical therapists can help you manage symptoms of diastasis recti, improving your stamina and strength. Only in rare cases would an abdominal surgeon need to intervene. Exercises like core strengthening before becoming pregnant can help prevent diastasis recti.
What is the Postpartum Belly?
Every woman's body is unique, and the journey to that flat belly after birth can look different for each of them.
During your pregnancy, storing maternal fat helps produce breast milk. Where does this maternal fat go? To the tummy, hips, and bottom, of course! This fat will benefit your baby and dissipate with time and care of yourself.
The belly area goes through significant changes during the postpartum period. As we pointed out earlier, you may have saggy and loose skin, and the abdominal muscles can lose firmness and tone, leading to a softer and less defined midsection. New moms may have stretch marks on their bellies that are "battle scars" that happen because of the stretching of the skin. This process is entirely normal and part of the body's natural recovery process.
What about new moms that had C-sections? Your incision will take at least six weeks to completely heal. You will eventually see a flatter, lighter C-section scar.
Why Do I Still Have a Pregnancy Bump After Childbirth?
Genetics, the delivery method, diet, exercise, and lifestyle are crucial factors in how quickly and effectively your post-pregnancy body recovers. Some new moms might notice their post-baby bellies looking lower and looser. This state refers to the "mom pooch." These changes are influenced by their stretched abdominal muscles, weight gain, and hormonal shifting postpartum. Remember that the physical changes in your body are all part of the wonder of birth, and it is so important.
Your postpartum body will eventually return to one that is more like your pre-pregnancy state. The body composition of your pre-pregnancy body (meaning a flatter belly and pre-pregnancy size) is something you can achieve as your baby grows.
How Long Will It Take for My Postpartum Belly Fat to Go Away?
The timeline for the shrinkage of the postpartum belly varies from new mom to new mom, but here are some general thoughts to keep in mind. The uterus typically begins to shrink to its original size within six to eight weeks after childbirth. This process is called involution. It helps reduce the size of the uterus and is a critical step in postpartum recovery.
A flat tummy may take longer to accomplish, however. On average, it may take six to twelve months for new moms to lose their postpartum bellies totally. Weight loss, age, genetics, and how much pregnancy weight gain occurred determines how quickly the postpartum belly returns to normal.
Again, this is different for every new mother. Some may see significant changes in the first few weeks; for others, it may be gradual. It's crucial to allow your body time to heal and recover fully.
How Do I Get Rid Of Tummy Fat After Pregnancy?
A fitness routine can boost your journey to lose postpartum tummy fat. You must wait for your healthcare provider's approval before starting any postpartum exercises, especially abdominal exercises. Postpartum women need to ensure their bodies are ready. Once they give you the green light, various exercises can help you target different aspects of your recovery process.
Pelvic floor exercises are great for strengthening the muscles that support your bladder and core - the pelvic floor muscles. Core exercises and strengthening workouts will help rebuild the abdominal muscles that may have weakened during pregnancy, and light cardio activities will support your overall health and gradual weight loss.
When Can I Get Back To My Pre-Pregnancy Weight?
Managing your expectations and practicing self-care are vital components of postpartum recovery. It takes time for your body to heal. You've created a new human within the confines of your body! If that's not amazing, what is?!
Be patient with the process of weight loss and recovery. Let go of perfectionist tendencies and recognize that mistakes in parenting do not diminish your value. Regular exercise can also help lower the chances of developing postpartum depression, which contributes to overall well-being.
Embrace self-care and be kind to yourself during this time. It will make a significant difference in your postpartum journey and your new life with your new baby.
What Else Can I Do to Help Lose My Abdominal Fat After Pregnancy?
Healthy Diet
Healthy eating is another factor in losing your postpartum belly. Healthy eating equals healthy weight loss! A balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods is crucial for postpartum weight loss and overall recovery. Think color when it comes to your fruits and veggies. The more vibrant, the more nutritious. Choose fiber-rich grains and healthy fats like avocados and olive oil. Lean proteins such as chicken and nuts can benefit your stamina and strength. Avoid processed foods and choose whole foods instead.
Drink plenty of water. It is essential for staying hydrated and helping recovery. Drinking water aids in postpartum weight loss keeps your skin healthy and supple, and flushes toxins from your body.
Plenty of easy, tasty, and healthy snacks on hand will help stop the temptation to eat unhealthy options. Have your significant other or friends help provide these to assist you as you care for your baby and yourself. Eating the right foods can aid in losing that post-pregnancy belly fat and get you back to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly.
Breastfeeding
The act of breastfeeding can significantly aid in postpartum weight loss. Actively breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day! This act helps some women flatten their bellies much more quickly. You'll lose weight and provide the overwhelming benefits of your human milk.
Exclusive breastfeeding can enhance metabolic processes in new moms and promote quicker weight loss following childbirth.
Breastfeeding also helps in uterine contractions. They lead to a quicker reduction of the postpartum belly. Feeding your baby from your breasts is a natural and effective way to support your body's recovery while providing essential nutrients to your little one. It helps your body lose more weight and gives you the benefit of bonding with your baby!
Wearing a Postpartum Belly Wrap
Giving birth can take a toll on your belly, especially if you've had a cesarean section or are experiencing diastasis recti of the abdominal muscles. Even loose skin can cause a "pulling down" sensation. Your post-pregnancy belly may need some support.
The Momcozy Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap is a new product that will launch in late April.
The benefits of this Momcozy Recovery Belly Band effectively promote postpartum recovery and include the following:
- Relief from postpartum pain: The Advanced Ergonest Support Structure™ delivers support that relieves lower back pain.
- Alleviates discomfort from traditional belly compressing: The 3D abdomen lifting structure gently elevates and pulls in your belly, providing targeted compression.
- Comfortable, supportive, and breathable: The belly wrap is made with soft, skin-friendly fabric with tiny ventilation holes that promote airflow. You can wear it against your skin.
They are tailored for every mom and are available in petite and standard styles. Check out this new postpartum belly wrap product on the Momcozy!
FAQs About the Post-Pregnancy Belly
Q: When is it too late to wear a postpartum belly wrap?
A: Ideally, the best time to wear a postpartum belly wrap is between two days postpartum and six weeks postpartum. It is the time the uterus is contracting the fastest after childbirth. One expert recommends wearing it for up to four months postpartum to get the added benefit of compression.
Q: Do belly bands work postpartum?
A: Postpartum belly bands assist in the contraction of your uterus, which occurs naturally. It helps to speed up the healing process. One physical therapist highly recommends wearing one after giving birth. It helps your belly decrease in size due to its compression. The compression helps to decrease the size of your uterus. Check with your obstetrician or midwife about wearing a belly band postpartum.
Q: What oil tightens the skin on your stomach?
A: This question has multiple answers. Almond, jojoba, coconut, olive, argan, rosehip, and castor oils are said to be beneficial in tightening your stomach skin postpartum.
Conclusion
The postpartum belly affects every new mom after giving birth. Immediate changes after birth, the time it takes the postpartum belly to shrink, effective exercises, healthy eating, and the role of breastfeeding are all crucial factors in the postpartum journey. Momcozy will help you on this amazing journey!
