Postpartum Belly
What is Postpartum Belly?
There are a number of reasons why women may experience a “Postpartum Belly” following birth.
Some causes include Diastasis Recti, weight gained during the pregnancy, or skin that is stretched out.
Everyone has different genes and different bodies. Everyone will recover within a different time frame. Women may feel pressure to return back to their pre-pregnancy body.
The first 6 weeks after giving birth should be dedicated to staying home and caring for your baby and your body.
Your body needs rest. It literally just underwent an extreme metamorphosis and created a new life. Once you get cleared from your OB/GYN or midwife, you can start exercises to address and strengthen your postpartum belly.
You will have new demands on your body for the next several years such as breastfeeding and lifting a toddler all the time. You need a strong core to do that and to prevent your body from injury.
The postpartum period is a time of restoration of muscle tone and connective tissue to the prepregnant state. Although change is subtle during this phase; remember that a womanʼs body is nonetheless not fully restored to prepregnant physiology until about 6 months post delivery.
Some women may have a Diastasis Recti of a certain width that would require specific exercises from a women’s physical therapist or trainer that is versed in this condition.
Some women may require a postpartum brace or binder if they have a significant Diastasis Recti, especially after the birth of twins or multiples. Since everyone has different skin elasticity, belly binding and wrapping may be beneficial. This may also help with posture and breastfeeding.
Postpartum swelling happens when water weight from pregnancy builds up in the body and remains after the pregnancy has ended. It is important to drink water, try to get your legs up, and avoid caffeine if possible.
Obviously women gain weight during pregnancy to help support the growing fetus and themselves. It’s important to eat whole foods that are warm and well-cooked.
Soups and broths can be very helpful for healing and digestion. This is not a time to diet but to eat foods that bring warmth and good health. Try to avoid sugar and unhealthy options.
Every individual is unique and may have had a different pregnancy and delivery. Hence everyone will have a different recovery. Seeing a trained professional who specializes in Diastasis Recti and Postpartum Care in NYC can be crucial to starting you on your journey to address your postpartum belly.
But most of all, be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with a team of support and continue to get strong.
Resources:
Romano, M., Cacciatore, A., Giordano, R., & La Rosa, B. (2010, April–June). Postpartum period: Three distinct but continuous phases. Journal of Prenatal Medicine, 4(2), 22–25
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279173/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322504#seeing-a-doctor
