Postpartum Core Strengthening: Exercise Progress & Expectations

Question
Hello Helene!

I had my third child in July 2013, and am currently using your DVD for the second time.  I follow the DVD (abdominal separation segment) five times per week. My abdominal muscles have become a lot stronger over the past three months, since I began these exercises. I have seen some progress, though I still have significant protrusion of my stomach muscles.  Do I need to challenge/work my muscles more, or just be more patient?  I am wondering if I should just keep following the DVD for awhile, or change or add to what I am doing.  I have lost most of the weight I put on during pregnancy, so I do not see that as a contributing factor.  All three of my deliveries were C-sections.

Thank you!

Answer
Several things could be happening to prevent you abdominal wall from re-flattening.
First, make sure that when you do all of the exercises that require you to prep your body with the belly scoop technique, that you maintain the tightest and most concave shape possible. If on exercises like Toe Taps and Leg Arcs, you unintentionally allow your abs to bugle, even a little, this could impede progress.
Second, watch you daily posture. If you habitually stand and walk with your pelvis tipped (tail bone back, lower back arched) and body weight dropped, then this could be preventing your abdomen from re-flattening.
Third, diet. If you have a lot of undigested sugars and/or starches in you gut, this can cause abdominal bloating which can make the abdomen protrude.
Lastly, look at how you lift and carry. Some of us unintentionally press the abdomen outward, rather than pulling inward before/during lifting and carrying. Before lifting, perform abdominal bracing, by contracting your Transverse Abdominis (TvA) as much as you can, and keep this internal "girdle" tight while carrying.
One more tip, you should be able to make a big change in the shape of your abdomen when doing the side-lying TvA isolations. If not, focus on doing this move with more intensity. This exercise, along with the belly scooping, form the technical basis for the rest of the exercises.
Helene
BeFit-Mom
http://www.befitmom.com