So...I have a bit of a problem. I've lost all my baby weight (and a few extra pounds), but my stomach is still looking woefully post-baby. It's not that my tummy is all that big; it's just so mushy and wrinkly. My mom, my sister Stephanie, and I were discussing yesterday how sometimes we'll catch a glance of ourselves in the mirror while changing and just be shocked and appalled at what we see. I know that sounds a little harsh, but if your body has been ravaged by babies, I'm sure you'll understand. My skin isn't all that elastic (or so I've been told), and it's hasn't recovered much from pregnancy. I understand that I can't do much about the wrinkly skin...like a bad neighbor in an ugly house, that's here to stay. I would however like to do something about the mushy tummy muscles. I ignored the mush after I had Ezra because I planned on getting pregnant very soon and frankly, I just don't think it was this bad. The fact that it seems to be getting worse with each pregnancy gives me a sense of urgency in getting rid of it in the hopes that it won't be quite so bad next time. So I'm begging for your help! If you've been able to tone your stomach muscles at all post-baby, please tell me how. Things are getting a little desperate!
Yes...it really is that bad. If anything, the picture's a little flattering.
14 comments:
OK, I think that's hilarious that you had to post proof! It takes me a while to get rid of the post-baby tummy, but I walk it off. My kids, as you know, LOVE to be outside. I make sure to go on atleast a ten min. walk with them/day. ANd then for me, I think nursing kind of took care of the rest. I don't know if that helped any. I know every mother's body is different. But that is just what worked with me! (I still think my stomach is unattractive, but the flabbiness is better.)
Hey Whit! check out the forums on myfitnesstrainer.com, it's my cousin's site. She's a personal trainer and it might be worth asking her. She's had two kids, one of which she was in a wheelchair with months after, so she knows how to do it!
My other advice, surgery!
Well I'm still 2 pounds away from my pre-baby weight but I do feel I have my body back somewhat. I run. Nothing else really. It sucks but I do it anyways. I think exercise is really the only way unless you are just naturally lucky like some women are. However, I'm not sure if your body will ever be exactly the same way it was before babies. But my mom always says, "Look what you have now and isn't she worth it?" So although I want to be a hot mama I also know I have the sweetest little darling to show for it (as well as a little extra belly fat) :)
I am not a mother...nor will I ever be...but when I was on my mission, we were encouraged to do a regular workout program. One of the elders in my district got the "Abs of Steel" workout. Basically it is crunches. Not sit-ups...crunches. I tell you what...they shaped up the stomach and abs faster than anything else I have ever seen.
If you don't want to do that...duct tape would pull all that back nice and tight.
Okay...I hear you! Despite being jealous about how tiny you are now, I won't say anything derragatory (sp?). I can't get rid of mine, either. You're brave to post your tummy. Hats off to you!!!
Whitney!! You're a beanpole!! I have seen your stomach and there is no flab on that tummy!! You just have a little bit of stretched skin. Chill out!
Whitney, tusk tusk...don't you know real women always fight the 'belly bulge' post pregnancy...only, how dare you show us all up with your trim little self and complain LOL...you look great...let's just say I won't be posting 'post baby' pics of my bowl-o-jelly for quite sometime (if ever!!!) no worries, your a doll.
Hey Whitney! That is a brave picture. And I know exactly what you mean. We had our babies a few days apart my weight is also gone but I don't know what to do about this belly either. But I do know that I cannot do nearly as many crunches as I used to be able to do so that's probably where I'll start. Good luck!
Whit - I agree that your tummy looks great and if all else fails there's the safety of duct tape! Or just throwing it all to the wind and curling up with a tub of Ben and Jerry's! LOL! I will still show you some yoga moves if you want. :) aub
hi, i don't know you, but we read the same blogs. :-) which probably means we were both in the same ward at one point (BYU 85th?) Anyway, I have 2 kids, and I'll tell you...I weigh less now 5 months after my second was born then I have for 4 or 5 years, but I still have some of that loose skin--I think it's just part of stretching everything way out! supposedly it reabsorbs, but I don't really know anyone who that's worked for...most of my friends have flat tummies again, but just a little extra skin.
I'll go with erica and aubrey though--for me it's really just running (and walking with my kids) that gets it off. weight lifting and yoga help too.
Wow, who knew that your tummy would elicite such commotion!! :) Let all hear me now---you are a skinny little thing that does not have a tummy!!! You have a tiny bit of extra skin...that's it. For all who read my comment---Whitney's tummy is MUCH smaller then appears in that picture. You are a silly girl. :) I love you and your itty-bitty body.
FWIW, it took me 18 mos. to lose the weight. I still have that lovely wrinkly tummy, but it did basically shrink back down. As for weight loss-nursing and baby chasing. Good luck! trish
Ok you skinny-minny, I totally admire you for posting that picture, what confidence! I still haven't lost more than 5lbs of baby weight.... I can't seem to do more than have tickle fights with G, so exercise is probably in the picture to help with that. But I think all it is is skin for you lady. You probably had the problem I had with pregnancy... its all in the belly! Which means lots of stretched skin. Just keep up what you're doing! You look fabulous!
Wow, we need to compare tummies. I thought for a moment I was looking at my tummy...
If you find out the magic solution, let me know!
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