If you are a new mom struggling to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes a few months after giving birth, you are definitely not alone. Although reality stars would have us believe that fitting into skin tight jeans a couple of weeks after having a baby is ‘typical’, the truth is that many women take various months, often longer, to lose the weight they gained during pregnancy. Weight gain isn’t the only issue we face post-pregnancy, of course, though a bevy of new products, techniques and treatments are available to give us a helping hand.
Hair Loss
During pregnancy, we lose far less hair than normal owing to hormonal changes. The body, in all its wisdom, tries to ‘compensate’ for this phenomenon by shedding more hair than is normal for around half a year after delivery. The good news it that the loss of volume is only temporary.
Incontinence
Women can suffer from incontinence and urinary tract infections (UTI) post-pregnancy. Kegel exercises are an important way to control incontinence. If you have any signs of a UTI such as pain, blood in urine etc., see your doctor for treatment immediately.
Back Pain
Your back has had to put up with increased weight in your abdominal area in particular, for various months so it may continue to bother you during the first two months post-delivery. Strengthen muscles through exercises such as rowing and light weightlifting. If the pain doesn’t subside, consider seeing a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
Stubborn Fat in the Stomach Area
The Mommy Makeover which targets stubborn fat in the abdominal area, back and thighs, is increasing in popularity because sometimes, no matter how much you exercise, the fat does not go away. If your problem is excess skin, Spanx Pantyhose Power Panties will help firm up the area. When you work out, opt for exercises that strengthen the transverse abdominal muscles. The hip bridge, in which you lie on your back with your feet on the ground and your knees bent, and pull your body up using your transverse abdominals, is tough but efficient. When you are feeling stronger, add a medicine ball to your workout to give your abs an extra challenge. Exercises that work on your core, such as Pilates, are also useful.
Stretch Marks
Fine lines can appear along your abdomen, hips, thighs and breasts. In time, these marks will fade slightly but if they are bothering you, massage the affected areas with Vitamin E or cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil – the latter is rich in Vitamins A, D and E and is gentle yet effective. Those wishing to speed up the healing process can talk to their dermatologist or aesthetic doctor about laser therapy (fractional non-ablative laser therapies are particularly popular), glycolic acid supplementation (do not take any supplements without your doctor’s approval), or tretinoin cream treatments (also known as Retin-A; this product cannot be used while you are breastfeeding).
Every mom notices her body change in its own individual way, though much can be achieved through exercise, a sound diet, and natural and laser-based treatments. It’s also important to remember that your body just created a HUMAN BEING so give yourself some grace. You’ll be feeling and looking more like yourself again soon enough.
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Category: Babies
Tags: body
