Girls, the other day I saw a photo of Kate Middleton one day after giving birth, where she made no attempt to hide her postpartum belly! I thought it was great of her because this is excellent to show women that this phase is inevitable.
Although many moms think they will leave the maternity ward with the belly they had before getting pregnant, we know that in reality it’s a bit different. Of course, there are always exceptions, like Grazi Massafera who left the hospital looking just like she did before, but as you can see, it’s a matter of genetics or even the “trick” of the postpartum girdle.
Why does the belly remain prominent after childbirth?
The body is made up of cells and these swell during pregnancy and retain fluid. Of course, another factor is that the uterus has expanded many times its original size to accommodate the baby, but there are several reasons why a new mother leaves the hospital with a belly that looks like she’s 5 or 6 months pregnant, as well as still having the linea nigra which is very common during pregnancy.
Everything will also depend on how much weight you gained during pregnancy and whether or not you are breastfeeding. Another factor that determines how quickly your belly ‘returns’ to its pre-pregnancy condition is genetics and the type of diet you followed.
Girls, breastfeeding is the strongest ally in reducing the postpartum belly! It is a huge benefit, because when a woman breastfeeds, her uterus contracts, causing it to shrink with each feeding. That’s why it’s so common to feel cramps while breastfeeding.
Postpartum Girdle – To Use or Not To Use?
Now for another hot topic: to wear or not to wear a postpartum girdle? The use of a postpartum girdle is recommended by many gynecologists right at the maternity ward, but some doctors, like my last obstetrician, recommend using it only after the fifth day postpartum, but why?
Because in some cases it can make the muscles ‘dependent’ so that they don’t fully recover by themselves, and it can also slow blood circulation in the surgical area, which can compromise complete healing at the incision site.
If you had a cesarean section like I did, you might feel secure wearing a postpartum girdle, but it can also be a villain during recovery, so talk to your doctor about whether to use one or not.
Stretch Marks on the Belly
Some women (the majority) may have something more than just good memories from a growing belly—they may also be left with unwanted stretch marks that arrive uninvited.
They tend to fade over time, but they also become much harder to remove, so make sure to moisturize and take good care of the skin on your belly and breasts during pregnancy. Creams and oils are essential to help with elasticity and prevention.
In summary: a postpartum belly is normal! It’s human and totally acceptable, don’t think you’ll always look like this. You just need discipline to go back to normal, eat properly, stay hydrated, and once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, exercise regularly and most importantly: BREASTFEED!
Kisses and see you next time!
See also: Pregnancy After 40 – Risks and Benefits
Photo: Selbe
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- Although many moms think they will leave the hospital with the belly they had before getting pregnant, in reality things are a bit different.
- The body is made up of cells that swell during pregnancy and retain fluid. Of course, another factor is the uterus expanding many times its original size to accommodate the baby.
- Breastfeeding is the strongest ally in reducing the postpartum belly!
- A postpartum belly is normal! It’s human and totally acceptable. Don’t think you’ll look like this forever, all it takes is discipline to return to normal.
