How To Tighten Up Loose Abdominal Skin After Childbirth

How to Tighten Up Loose Abdominal Skin After Childbirth

Aug 7, 2011 | By Lillian Downey

Housing an entire human being, however small, in your midsection stretches your skin and the muscles below -- often beyond recognition. Time and your body's natural healing mechanisms can shrink back your stomach and skin to an extent, but many women need to do more to get their shapes back. Many of the same suggestions doctors make for your prenatal baby's health can help you flatten your stomach if you continue to follow them once the child is born.

Step 1

Breastfeed your baby. Oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps your uterus contract until it shrinks back to its normal size, lactation consultant Kathleen Huggins writes for BabyCenter. Once your uterus no longer protrudes, your skin may appear tighter. Breastfeeding also burns additional calories, which assists in fat loss.

Step 2

Exercise for 30 minutes each day as soon as you have approval from your doctor. Excess fat below the skin makes it look saggy and loose. Exercise burns calories, which leads to fat loss when combined with a healthful eating plan.

Step 3

Eat a skin- and weight loss-friendly diet. Choose plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to get the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals your skin needs to repair itself and retain its elasticity. Round out your diet with lean protein, dairy foods and whole grains. Drink water throughout the day to keep skin plump and hydrated.

Step 4

Perform core strengthening exercises to repair any muscle separation or stretching that occurred during pregnancy. Lax, saggy muscles may rest under your loose skin, making it bulge in spots and appear flabby.Try pelvic tilts, sit-ups, Pilates and yoga to firm your abdominal muscles.

Step 5

Continue your routine until you achieve the results you desire. It may take as long as a year to lose your belly pouch, BabyCenter says. If after a year you still have loose skin, you may want to consider asking your doctor about body contouring surgery.