Losing baby belly, or ditching post-baby pouch

February 17, 2009 by Baby Chums
Filed under: Pregnancy

Being able to exercise after giving birth can be a challenge, not least because of time constraints.

One of the major frustrations among new mums is the post-baby belly, it just won’t get back in shape despite rigorous efforts..

The, “Pouch” or “Mummy Tummy” is caused by the separation of the diastasis recti, or, “Six Pack”. Many women after pregnancy, especially if they had multiple births or have given birth before experience this.

Here’s a quick diagnosis for Mummy Tummy that’s been recommended to us;

With one hand placed behind your head and one on your abs, lay back and slowly bring your upper body (head/shoulders) up into a crunch position. Gently press your fingertips into the center of your abs. Most likely you will feel a separation. If it is wider than two fingers or you see a small mound forming, you probably have a diastasis recti.

So, how to work the, “Pouch” out?

Common mistakes women make are:

1. Leaving it too long to begin exercise.

2. Doing exercises that are too intense.

After birthing a child, women should return to exercise gradually and lightly. Doing ab exercises (not crunches) as soon as possible. This could be as simple as drawing the abs in toward the spine at different times throughout the day. Some personal trainers compare the feel of this abdominal contraction to “sucking your stomach in like you’re trying on a tight pair of jeans.”

Without first correcting diastasis recti, you can do more damage to the abs by performing exercises too intensely for the muscle. Start slowly and soon. We recommend outside advice from a professional trained in post-natal exercise.