Down about appearance....anybody feel the same?

[Starlight32]

I lost the weight quickly but my tummy looks so different. I think my abs separated and never came back together.

 

[_Meep_]

I do wonder if this happened to me too.

 

[happynewmom1]

I'm sorry I don't have time to read all the comments right now but I feel your pain if it helps I've never been one who the weight would just drop off of when breastfeeding even though with my first I was assured it would and was in for a huge surprise there. I do, however seem to be one that they weight comes off quicker when I stop breastfeeding. I'm dairy free so I don't eat many sweets or junk and yet I'm 20 lbs heavier than I was pre pregnancy and I'm not happy about it. But I do work out and walk and am very active so I guess I'm going to have to be patient and deal with it until I decide to wean her :/

Big hugs to all the ladies here. It may feel horrible right now but try to remember what our bodies did and give it a break

 

[Witchrose]

Regarding ab separation, I had that. If you look up diastis recti on YouTube, there are vids that show you how to check for it. Then there are vids with special exercises for fixing it. I wish docs talked about it more, because if you have it and do certain exercises, it can worsen it (like crunches, pilates 100s, planks, anything that involves twisting the spine, and basically any traditional ab exercise) You can do those once the muscles are together again, though.

Mine healed, so it is a fixable thing!

 

[Starlight32]

Did your separation correct itself with exercises? Do you mind sharing what you did specifically?

 

[Witchrose]

Did your separation correct itself with exercises? Do you mind sharing what you did specifically?

Be happy to!

I can't find the exact vid that i used at the time, but this one has a good explanation on diastis recti and has the same exercises I did do:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8NV1DmlVw8

Basically, what I did was, once I realized I had it, I stopped my regularly workouts, and everyday for a few months I just did those specific exercises and walking so not to risk making it worse.

Then, when it felt closed (I had my husband doublecheck to confirm) I slowly started working my way up with regards to regular exercise.

I started doing gentle, standing ab exercises like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVgRkHEEdJ0

Then standing ab exercises with a weight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shozdMPeQs0 (just be aware in this one she forgets to do one side on one exercise, so you have to remember to pause the vid and do it before going on)

Then progressed to floor core exercises like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RvI18jtwLY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgPc5xXnMTA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAiw50J1FUg

Also, once my abs muscles were back together, I also started doing my regular upper/lower body strength training and more intense cardio again.

My son is 18 months now, and I'd say my belly is almost to what it was pre-pregnancy. Bit of a way to still go, but am pleased with the continued improvements. So don't be discouraged if it takes awhile.

Hope that helps!

 

[pradabooties]

Yes!!! I feel so self conscious. I used to be considered stylish... Worked in fashion and had beautiful clothes (the hourglass figure probably helped too lol). Now I comfort eat, I feel huge. I'm about 7kg over my pre pregnancy weight but I'm short so I look VERY overweight, especially in my face. I can't afford any clothing... I got rid of most of my nice things (which I now regret) because we needed the money so I sold them. Now literally all I own is leggings and singlets... On the odd occasion we go anywhere I literally have nothing to wear I feel so bad about myself and my appearance

 

[Spudtastic]

Pradabooties. I've just set up an October weight loss and fitness challenge thread. Come and join me. I've realised it's not going to happen all at once. I just have to work on it.

https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/d...ight-loss-fitness-challenge.html#post37783959

 

[dinosaur2010]

I've not read all the replies but I feel the same! In my head I think I don't drink as I'm breastfeeding, I don't go on nights out, so chocolate is my treat and also fizzy drinks (although I try for just fizzy water)
The only part that's bugging me is my apron tummy! It's still pretty big, I still look pregnant- around 4 months I'd say. The underbelly is the worst, I need to tuck it into my pants! My tummy is stopping me from getting into my jeans. My legs have slimmed down loads though, I feel like my body is like Mike from Monsters inc!!
My dh is sooooo helpful, he says 'if it bothers you so much then do something about it!' Easier said than done though! I'd love to use my baby as an exercise aid but I just can't be arsed- and I'd much rather have tea and biscuits and catch up on my tv while the baby is sleeping, than do cardio!!