Why is it so hard to get rid of the mommy tummy after pregnancy? Find out the exact reason and follow these 5 tips to combat the postpartum pooch.
This is so stinking hard, so hard that some new moms don’t even attempt to do this. What am I talking about. I’m talking about losing the postpartum pooch.
Well, good news is, I don’t believe it to be hard but most moms you’ll meet think it’s impossible to lose the mommy tummy after having a baby, let alone being able to lose it within the first 4-6 months of childbirth.
Moms everywhere think its a part of them, that the pooch is going to be there forever and no matter what they do, they won’t be able to get rid of it, but i’m telling you this now, you can get rid of the pooch. I did it 4 times and I know you can do it too.
And it is easy. I make it real easy for moms to lose the pooch with my simple plan. But I’m jumping ahead.
Losing The Mommy Tummy = Gaining Confidence
I want to talk to you today about why it is so hard to get rid of the mommy tummy as a new mom and how you can easily get a stronger core during postpartum recovery with these 5 tips.
Like I said, you may think it’s hard to lose the pooch now, but after listening to this episode, I know you’ll feel more confident in yourself that you can too lose the pooch, just like I did.
I can’t wait for that day for you. The day when the mommy tummy is gone and your pre-pregnancy body is back. Let’s go!
What is a mommy tummy?
The term “mommy tummy” refers to the abdominal area and the changes that often occur after pregnancy.
It manifests as a soft, bulging belly caused by various factors, including stretched abdominal muscles and excess fat deposits. While it’s essential to remember that every woman’s body is unique and will recover at its own pace, understanding the causes can provide some valuable insights.
What causes a mommy tummy to remain after childbirth?
1. Diastasis Recti: During pregnancy, the growing uterus exerts immense pressure on the abdominal muscles, causing them to separate along the linea alba (the midline of the abdomen). This condition is known as diastasis recti and is a common cause of the mommy tummy. It creates a visible bulge in the middle of the abdomen, making it appear like a pooch.
2. Excess Fat Accumulation: Pregnancy is a natural process that results in weight gain to support the growing baby. While some weight will naturally shed after childbirth, many women may struggle with stubborn fat deposits that accumulate in the abdominal region.
3. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy leads to significant hormonal fluctuations, including increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes can influence fat distribution and metabolism, leading to weight retention in the tummy area.
4. Poor Posture and Core Weakness: Pregnancy can weaken the core muscles and pelvic floor, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of developing a mommy tummy.
5. Lack of Exercise and Healthy Eating: New moms often face time constraints and fatigue, making it challenging to prioritize exercise and maintain a balanced diet, both of which are essential for a healthy recovery.
5 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Lose The Mommy Tummy + 5 Helpful Tips to Combat It
1. Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep is the number one reason why it’s so hard to stay focused on losing the mommy tummy. And how are you going to combat this difficulty problem that all new moms face? The answer is time blocking and scheduling out your workouts in your first time block of the day.
2. Having Pain
For new moms on a mission to lose the mommy tummy and regain their pre-pregnancy bodies, the path to fitness can often be fraught with unexpected obstacles. One significant challenge that postpartum mothers face on this journey is pain. Postpartum pain can manifest in various forms, hindering exercise and slowing down progress towards their fitness goals.
The good news is, I can confidently say as a physical therapist that exercise helps reduce pain and ultimately get rid of pain. So if you start to exercise, not only will you lose the pooch but you’ll also get rid of the pain, too. Just be sure to pick the correct exercises when you get started.
3. No support system or accountability partner
For new moms determined to shed the post-pregnancy pounds and regain their pre-baby body, the journey towards fitness can be both exhilarating and challenging.
One of the most significant hurdles that postpartum moms face is the absence of a support system or an accountability partner. Without it, it’s easy to quit. Having a strong support network and an accountability partner is crucial for postpartum moms aiming to reach their fitness goals.
My tip for you is to join a group of like minded mamas who also are in the journey of becoming fit while going through postpartum recovery. If you need a community of moms, this Facebook group is a great place to fitness mom motivation.
Related: Postpartum Exercise: When To Start And How To Get A Flat Tummy
4. Lack of time
For new moms determined to get rid of the mommy tummy and embrace postpartum fitness, time management can be one of the most significant hurdles.
The demands of caring for a newborn, coupled with household responsibilities, often leave moms feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find time for themselves.
However, with a little planning and a simple block schedule, time management can become a valuable tool in ensuring that workouts fit seamlessly into their busy day.
By starting with just a few minutes a day and incorporating the baby, moms can overcome the time obstacle and conquer their fitness journey with ease.
5. Not having a workout plan in place
For moms determined to wave goodbye to the mommy tummy and embark on a journey of postpartum fitness, not having a structured workout plan can be a significant stumbling block.
Without a clear roadmap and guidance, it’s easy to feel lost and uncertain about where to begin. However, having a well-designed, proven workout plan can make all the difference in achieving your fitness goals effectively and safely.
Having a workout plan crafted by a physical therapist can be a game-changer. Such a plan is tailored to address the specific needs and challenges that postpartum moms face. It focuses on safely rebuilding core strength, targeting the mommy tummy, and improving overall fitness without risking injury or setbacks. To get started for free, you can join this 45 minute on demand video training, Postpartum Abs 101, where you will have a plan in place today.
Conclusion
To overcome these challenges of getting rid of the mommy tummy, it’s crucial to approach postpartum fitness and weight loss holistically.
Focus on exercises that target the core and pelvic floor muscles, while also incorporating cardiovascular exercises and strength training.
Don’t forget about having good time management with time blocking, get yourself an accountability partner and have a postpartum workout plan in place.
Additionally, practicing stress management techniques, prioritizing sleep, and adopting a healthy, balanced diet will support your weight loss goals.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s postpartum journey is unique, so be patient and listen to your body as you work towards regaining your pre-pregnancy shape.
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
*It is important to always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program and get medical clearance. Always warm up thoroughly and stretch after all workouts. LiveCoreStrong.com and Jena Bradley will be not be responsible or liable for any injury sustained while exercising at home, gym or elsewhere. Perform exercises at your own risk.
