When a woman gives birth, a huge transformation takes over her life. This transformation has been in preparation for 9 months, but becomes real in this very special moment. At this time when you are concerned with this new life that has just arrived in the world, it is very common for some mothers to forget or try not to think about the recovery of their own bodies. Having a flabby belly after childbirth is quite common, but it bothers many women, even though they know there are many other worries at that moment. But it is possible to take care of yourself, your own body, and your health while you look after your baby the best you can. And that is the topic we will talk about in today’s article. After all, how can we deal with the changes that pregnancy brings to our bodies after childbirth?

Why Does the Belly Become Flabby?

First of all, we need to say that it is inevitable for the belly to be flabby after childbirth, since flabbiness is nothing more than excess skin caused by the enormous growth of a woman’s belly over a short period of time, and then by the shrinking of that belly1. This “accordion effect” ends up making the belly of a woman who just had a baby flabby, but the good news is that this doesn’t have to bother you and can be reversed in a healthy way. The two main tools to fight a flabby belly after childbirth are diet and physical exercise, in other words, having a healthy lifestyle is essential for results to show. A few details need to be considered, especially so that this diet does not interfere with the woman’s life when it comes to breastfeeding, which is why paying attention to your eating routine is essential so you don’t end up with negative effects. If this routine is followed correctly, the woman only benefits, as well as losing a flabby belly and inevitably improving her health, the baby will also be fed in the best way and by a very energetic mother.

Food to Improve Flabbiness

When it comes to food, the best option for those wanting to eliminate a flabby belly after childbirth are foods that contain lean proteins, as well as those that are low in fat. Some foods we can mention are:

  • Eggs
  • Chicken breast
  • Legumes, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas
  • Natural yogurt
  • Fish
  • Bell pepper
  • Spinach
  • Red fruits It is important to stress that there needs to be a balanced diet and the woman should spread out meals throughout the day for her own health as well as so that milk production is not affected. Remember: With a good diet, your baby also benefits2.

    Exercises to Recover Your Belly After Childbirth

    A good exercise routine is also essential for those who want to lose the flabby belly after childbirth. There are several different types of exercises you can do to achieve your goals, although some are more recommended. Some of them include:

    • Crunches
    • Running
    • Jump rope

    Each of these exercises provides different benefits and require different efforts as well, so let’s talk about each one in detail so you can understand more clearly.

    Crunches

    They are easy to do and can be done in almost any place. Because of this convenience, crunches are one of the most common exercises to do at home. It’s also great for mothers, who can exercise close to the baby and keep an eye on them the whole time.

    Running

    A type of exercise that requires you to improve over time, but which brings very beneficial results that go beyond just reducing the belly. Running is great for the cardiovascular system, for breathing, and is an excellent way to keep your body always moving.

    Jump Rope

    This type of exercise can be really fun and can also be done at home. Although it is harder than crunches and running, jumping rope also brings even more effects, especially when it comes to burning calories. It is a great option for women looking to lose the flabby belly after childbirth.

    Moving Around at Home

    Finally, we have to mention women who do not have enough time to always exercise, for various reasons. The best tip for these women is to not stop moving even when at home. Some of the exercises listed here already help, but day-to-day activities can also help a woman move more, even if sometimes they are not enough.

    Sagging Breasts After Breastfeeding

    Besides flabby belly after childbirth, another common complaint from mothers about their body is sagging breasts after breastfeeding3. In this case, the woman’s routine will already be somewhat different, the baby will be a bit older and the way to care for them will change a lot. However, the tips remain the same. A good diet and properly performed exercises also help a lot to solve this problem. The fact that the routine has changed just means you’ll have to manage your time differently to do exercises, but it also means you might intensify your workouts. As you can see, it is possible to take all these measures to care for your body and be a great mother at the same time; one does not cancel out the other. In fact, exercising may even help you have more energy to face the challenges of being a mother to a newborn. Most important of all is to be aware that your body and health are very important and you should not set that aside, no matter what people say. Many women have a flabby belly after childbirth, but this is a problem that can be resolved with dedication and in a way that does not harm you physically or in your daily life. See also: How to Deal with the Postpartum Belly – Tips and Care Photo: Jeffrey Parkinson