Postpartum Belly Fat – Get Rid Of It!
Most brand-new moms have to face postpartum belly fat. In spite of that, there’s nothing like holding your wonderful new baby in your arms after nine months (and sometimes more) of waiting, is there? That adorable nose, that fuzzy little head, those perfect fingers and toes. Doesn’t it make all the morning sickness, weight gain and discomfort worth it?
I know the feeling well. I had two big, beautiful babies of my own, only fifteen months apart – almost “Irish twins.” My first child, my beautiful daughter, surprised me and my doctor by weighing 9 pounds and 3 ounces. My wonderful son was even bigger, at an amazing 10 pounds 2 ounces. I had them both by Cesarean. These babies are almost always put into incubators; but my babies were so big, they took up the whole incubator right from day one!
Since both of them were born not naturally, but surgically, I was left with some serious postpartum belly fat and abdominal weakness from the surgery. I was pretty dismayed at what had taken place of my flat, toned gymnast’s belly!
What creates the postpartum belly? Any mom knows that part of the cause is the simple physical stretching of tissues during pregnancy. Obviously the belly is stretched due to the growing baby inside. In addition, in late pregnancy there are hormones that are released in the mother’s body that help in loosening up tendons and other tissues, to prepare the mother’s body to give birth. Add onto that some fat gain and possibly Cesarean surgery, and you’ve got that poochy, loose skin around the middle.
So, what’s a new mom to do about the postpartum belly problem? First, don’t push yourself too hard. You’ve just had a baby! Give yourself a break. We all want to be like that “pregnancy Barbie doll” – the slim belly just snaps back into place after the birth, doesn’t it? No, that would be terrific but it doesn’t work quite that way. A new mother’s body is full of hormones for a while after giving birth, and these hormones make your body hang onto the fluids and fat for a while. It’s nature. Nature is famous for not working rapidly, and the postpartum belly area is no exception.
Nature almost always favors the baby, and your body wants to keep enough resources onboard to make nourishing milk for the baby. As you embark on your quest to recapture your slim, sexy body, remember that with some work, you’ll get there, but the weight loss might take a bit longer than you want.
The postpartum belly will eventually yield to your patient, consistent efforts. Start slowly and always follow your doctor’s advice. When you take the baby out in the stroller for walks, start with just a walk around the block, or up and down the street a few times. Alternately, walk the baby stroller around a local mall or shopping center. At first, especially if you are recovering from a Cesarean, take an adult companion with you if possible. When you are stronger, extend your walks, and make them brisker. The fresh air and activity will do both you and the baby a world of good!
Be very aware of your posture and keep your body aligned correctly. Those loosened joints and tissues need to be kept in proper alignment, so keep your feet pointing straight ahead as you walk, and stand up nice and tall. New nursing mothers sometimes tend to slouch. This can be because of the extra weight of the milk, fatigue from being sleep-deprived because of the baby, and the effort of carrying a growing child in your arms. Hold your head up high and pull your shoulders straight back as you walk. Be sure to drink lots of water. Avoid sugary drinks, as those will disturb your sugar and insulin levels, and the baby’s too, if you are nursing.
Once you are stronger and have regained some tone in your core, you can become much more ambitious in eliminating the postpartum belly fat and skin looseness. There are some wonderful new programs out there to help you exercise but spend less time in the gym than ever before, and help you burn fat very quickly. A quick online search will get you a long list of programs to try. Pay attention to your nutrition, too. You might find yourself wanting something caffeinated or sugary for a quick boost of energy. Resist the temptation! These items will leave you depleted and more exhausted. Go back to basics: Nutritious, healthful foods that will sustain you over the long term and bring you vitality are a much better choice for you and your baby. The belly and postpartum fat can be handled, but you don’t want to damage your health in the process.
In all the hustle, bustle and work of having a new baby, remember to relax and enjoy the journey. You have a new, wonderful little person in your life, and your life will never be the same as before!
About the Author
Postpartum belly fat
can be eliminated. Rosemary Kurtz, mother of two, former champion gymnast, choreographer and dancer offers the safest, fastest and healthiest program available. Free report instantly downloadable from
Super Weight Burner
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