The Postpartum Girdle -Post Pregnancy Belly

When they look at their post pregnancy belly for the first time most women are absolutely horrified. I can vividly remember taking a bath at the hospital shortly after the birth of my first child. There was a full length mirror on the wall. Why on earth anyone would think it was a good idea to put a full length mirror in a bathroom in a post natal ward is beyond me, but anyway it was there. I stood sideways and looked at myself. The sagging mass of skin looked far worse than the bump had. I thought to myself well, it can only get better.

It never ceases to amaze me that the human body can recover the way it does and that a huge tummy can go back into something approximating its previous shape. But your post pregnancy belly is going ot need a little help if you are to get the best results. A postpartum girdle can help greatly with this but of course you will need to do some post natal exercise as well. It is very important not to do too much too soon though - some general advice is given below but you should always check with your own doctor or midwife first.

Post Partum Exercise

After giving birth it is only natural to be keen to start getting back into shape again. We all want to get rid of that post pregnancy belly as quickly as we can but it is essential to take a sensible approach to it. 

How Soon Can I start Exercising?

So long as all is well and you have had a normal delivery you can start some gentle exercise the day after you deliver and many hospitals give new mothers a light postpartum exercise program to follow if they feel up to it. We are talking very gentle stuff here starting with things like rotating you ankles. These exercise are a psychological boost because you feel you are making a start but also they help to boost circulation. One you get home you can continue with gentle stretching and mobility exercises.

After The Post Natal Check Up 

You should not engage in anything more strenuous until after your post natal check up. Ask your doctor for advice about stepping up your exercise program. If you have had a cesarean section then you may have to wait a little longer, again your doctor will be able to advise you.

Postpartum Weight Loss - Best Forms Of Exercise

At this stage the best forms of exercise are those which will benefit your whole body, your cardio vascular system and all of your muscles. You may think that its your tummy which needs it most but you must be very careful not to target it at this stage as you may do more harm than good. You need to develop your core strength first. remember that your muscles and ligaments have been stretched and will remain softer and more loose for around three months after giving birth. This makes injuries more likely so take things easy and build up gradually. The best exercises at this stage are things like -

• walking
• swimming
• aqua aerobics
• yoga

Exercise And Breastfeeding 

Can you exercise if you are breastfeeding? Yes you can but there are a few things to remember.

• always feed then exercise. If you try to do it the other way around your breasts will be heavy when you exercise and that will be uncomfortable and may make you sore. Leakage may prove a problem too.
• wear nursing pads as you may leak a little milk while you exercise
• make sure your bra is very supportive. Your breasts will be heavier than normal and you need to protect the Cooper's ligaments from stretching.
• keep exercise fairly light and make sure you eat well to make up for the calories burned otherwise your milk supply may suffer.

Aim To Lose Weight Gradually

It took nine months to put it on so you cannot reasonably expect to get rid post pregnancy belly in a couple of months. Postpartum weight loss is a gradual process. Obviously you can make good progress in that  time but it is not realistic to expect your body to get back to where it was in less than about a year. It is not a god idea to try to lose weight quickly after having a baby. Your body has been through a stressful process and needs time to recover - starving it will not help. Look after yourself, try to eat sensibly, build up your exercise regime and you will get back into shape. Be patient!