9 Effective Ways To Tighten Your Belly After Pregnancy

All new mums have one dilemma in common – getting back in shape.

It can be very frustrating  to discover that even after the baby is out, you still look pregnant. Sadly enough, a lot of mums believe that the pregnancy pouch will shrink back in a matter of weeks. Sometimes it might, depending on your body size and weight before pregnancy, and also how active you were. Nevertheless, it is necessary to remember that it took your body 9 months to make a home for your baby, it is only normal that it will take that much time or more to get it totally back to your pre-pregnancy shape or even better.

Here are 9 ways to help reduce your tummy size and also tighten it after pregnancy:

1. Increase Your Water Intake

Water is sort of an elixir for your body and skin. It hydrates and makes it more elastic, by burning calories and washing away unwanted or excess things that your body does not need.

2. Breastfeeding Is Essential

Breastfeeding contracts your uterus/womb, causing a shrinking effect. It is not just a source of nutrition for your baby, breastfeeding is very important for mothers too. When you breastfeed, your calories are transformed into milk, thereby helping you lose the extra fat.

3. Exercise Helps

To lose baby fat or the belly pouch, you need to incorporate an exercise regime once you can get a go ahead from your doctor. Start with easy moves such as daily walking or postpartum yoga. If you are up for it, indulging in some aerobics or cardio can help to get your stomach muscles tighter and burning calories.

4. Consume Proteins

Protein contains an important nutrient called collagen which helps in firming up the skin. It also helps to build muscle if you want to join the yummy mummy club. Protein intake however depends on your weight and the extent of physical activity you intend to get involved in after your baby is born.

5. Exfoliate Your Skin

Another excellent way to tighten the skin is to use an exfoliating scrub on the belly when you take a shower. It increases blood circulation by increasing the flow of blood in the area. This is also good when you want to tone and get the skin to look better because of all the stretch marks.

6. Use of Lotions and Massage

Apply lotions that have a good amount of collagen as well as Vitamin E, C, A and K. These are vitamins and supplements that help tighten the skin after pregnancy. You can massage the skin with the lotion to improve the blood flow. Do this at least twice a day for good results.

7. No Crash Dieting

After having a baby, this is definitely not the time to be dieting. You need to have the proper amount of calories, not excess, but enough to nurse your baby efficiently. Adhering strictly to a diet , can be to the detriment of your baby and if you stop for any reason, the weight usually bounces back 90% of the time. It is always better for the elasticity of your skin when you reduce weight gradually and not dramatically. Don’t starve yourself or fall for rapid dieting. Start and proceed gradually.

8. Take Up Strength Training

After your body has adjusted to regular exercise, add strength training to your regime. If you are accustomed to regular exercise, you can also opt for strength training. Strength training stimulates muscular contraction which helps in building strength. It also improves your body composition and reduces fat all over the body.

9. Keep a Healthy Mind

Try to keep yourself relaxed and be patient with yourself. Remember, it took 9 months for your tummy to stretch out, it might take more than than to get it back in shape. Practice deep breathing, listen to music and enjoy the outdoors as much as you can.