QuestionMy son is now 22 months old and my pooch is worse than it was 6 months after the birth. I am 5'8" and weigh 154 lbs (I haven't been able to lose the last 10-15 lbs, well I lost a lot at first while breastfeeding but gained a lot back in the last 6 mths). It was a c-section and he was 9.4 lbs. My belly was HUGE. All I can say is that with moderate exercise (biking, swimming, yoga, hiking, weight training, brisk walking) I've not lost a single pound. My diet is healthy (lean meats, whole grains, veggies and fruits, little to no sugar or processed foods).
I felt like I had that separation problem at first, but I don't know anymore. I am at a total loss!! Everyone keeps asking me if I am pregnant again b/c I am relatively skinny but I have this huge pooch. Am I doing the wrong kind of exercise? Should I see a professional to see if I do in face have a separation? Is it posture? Can it be fixed? HELP! I am desperate.
AnswerYou had a big baby, and your tummy got huge, so that means your road back to a toned, flat abdominal wall is a little longer than a woman who had a smaller baby and/or carried smaller. And yes, nothing is worse than people asking when the baby is due when you are not pregnant!
But let me give you the good news. Since you describe yourself as relatively skinny and also active, you have a head start compared to women who are completely unfit and/or overweight.
Since you are 22 months pp, your mid line connective tissues have returned to pre-pregnancy density and elasticity and are not longer a functional weak point along your abdomen. So you do not need to worry about stressing the tissues.
To flatten your abdominal wall, you need to do two things. First, is to build A LOT of strength in your deepest abdominal muscle, your Transverse Abdominis, or TvA. This is your body's internal girdle, and when contracted, compresses the abdomen. The TvA does not move bone.
Second, is to train the muscle to function properly as a stabilizer so that you can maintain a flat abdominal wall when you are exercising. This is key, for in fitness, what you practice is what you get.
In the mean time, do NOT perform ANY abdominal exercises that lift/roll the upper body off the floor or against the force of gravity until you have completed the rehab steps above.
For more information on reconditioning after pregnancy go to;
http://befitmom.com/abdominal_reconditioning.html
For an exercise program that will take you through the rehab steps to flatten your abs, go to:
http://befitmom.com/bounce_back_fast_post_natal_core_conditioning_dvd.html
