The birth of a child is a joy and at the same time a serious challenge for a woman’s body. During nine months of pregnancy, the body undergoes tremendous changes. Hormonal levels shift, abdominal muscles stretch, and fat tissue accumulates to protect the fetus. After the baby is born, many mothers want to return to their previous shape as quickly as possible.
However, rushing this process often leads to health issues. Doctors and postpartum recovery specialists highlight three main rules. They will help restore your figure safely and effectively. In this article, we will thoroughly examine each stage of postpartum body recovery, from nutrition to professional procedures.
The first and most important rule concerns diet. Many women, eager to quickly regain their figure after childbirth, make the mistake of starting strict diets immediately after being discharged from the hospital. This is absolutely not permissible. The body needs energy to repair tissues and produce milk.
Breastfeeding requires additional calories. However, this does not mean you need to eat for two. The nutrition should be high-quality, not excessive. Strict food restrictions can lead to vitamin deficiencies and hair loss.
The main principles of nutrition for regaining figure after childbirth:
Important! Any diets during lactation should be discussed with a doctor. Rapid weight loss can negatively affect the quantity and quality of breast milk.
Water plays a key role in weight loss. It is involved in the breakdown of fat deposits and the elimination of toxins. Lack of fluid slows down metabolism. Edema often occurs precisely due to a lack of water, as the body begins to store it.
A breastfeeding mother should drink a glass of water before each feeding. This will replenish fluid loss and improve lactation. Avoid sugary sodas and packaged juices. They contain empty calories.
The second rule is movement. However, gradual progression is important here. Physical activity should increase gradually. Right after childbirth, the body is weakened. Ligaments remain soft for a few more months due to the hormone relaxin. The risk of injury is higher during this period.
In our postpartum recovery program, exercises are carefully selected both for those who have given birth naturally and for women after a cesarean section. Such an individualized approach helps safely and effectively restore the body after childbirth.
The timing of starting activities depends on the mode of delivery.
A common problem after pregnancy is diastasis. This is a separation of the abdominal rectus muscles. With diastasis, classic abdominal exercises are prohibited. They may aggravate the situation and visually enlarge the abdomen.
How to check for diastasis at home:
In this case, a special set of exercises is necessary. It is aimed at strengthening the deep transverse muscles. It is also important to pay attention to the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises help prevent pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
The third rule concerns the appearance of the skin. Weight loss often leads to reduced skin turgor. Sagging and stretch marks (striae) appear. Only systematic care can restore firmness.
There’s no need to rush to the salon right away. Much can be done at home.
If home care is not enough to restore the figure after childbirth, specialists come to the rescue. Modern cosmetology offers effective correction methods.
The table below provides a comparison of popular recovery methods:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | When to start |
| Postpartum Bandage | Supports the abdomen, reduces back strain | Does not strengthen muscles, provides temporary effect | Immediately after childbirth (as prescribed) |
| Massage | Improves lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling | Requires a course of procedures, there are contraindications | After 2–3 months |
| Electrostimulation | Trains muscles without stressing the joints | Does not replace full-fledged sports, costs money | 6 months after C-section |
| Swimming | Relieves spine, strengthens the whole body | Requires time to visit the pool | After full healing of the umbilical wound/stitch |
Sometimes diet and exercise do not produce the desired results. The skin may stretch significantly, forming an “apron.” In such cases, women consider more radical methods. Plastic surgery offers solutions for complex situations.
Abdominoplasty is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The surgeon also sutures diastasis (muscle separation). This is a major procedure performed under general anesthesia. The result of the surgery is a flat stomach and a slim waist.
Liposuction for postpartum recovery helps remove localized fat deposits. Often, fat disappears from the breasts and face but remains on the hips and stomach. Liposuction allows for the correction of these problem areas.
Important! Plastic surgeries are recommended no sooner than a year after childbirth. The body needs to fully recover. Doctors also advise considering plastic surgery if a woman does not plan to have more children. A new pregnancy might negate the results of the surgery.
Breasts often lose shape and volume after breastfeeding ends, leading to ptosis (sagging). A breast lift with or without implants can restore an aesthetic appearance to the bust. Breast surgeries are performed only 6 months after the end of lactation. Tissues need to return to a calm state.
Deciding to seek professional help, it is important not to make a mistake in choosing. The medical services market is flooded with offers.
What to pay attention to:
Our portal provides information about the best clinics in Moscow and other cities. You can view ratings, find addresses and phone numbers. Online appointment booking is available.
We have compiled popular questions that specialists receive.
Question: Is it possible to do ab exercises if there is postpartum diastasis?
Answer: Traditional crunches are prohibited. They increase abdominal pressure. The muscles may separate even more. Special exercises for drawing in the abdomen are needed. In our postpartum recovery course, women actively work on diastasis and the restoration of their bodies after childbirth.
Question: Does breastfeeding help to lose weight?
Answer: Yes, milk production burns about 500 calories a day. This promotes natural weight loss. But only if the mother does not overeat sweets and flour products.
Question: When will the belly go away after childbirth?
Answer: The uterus shrinks back to its previous size in 6–8 weeks. The fat layer disappears more slowly. With the right approach, visible results occur in 3–4 months. Complete body recovery after childbirth may take up to a year.
Question: Can a breastfeeding mother get a tummy massage?
Answer: Gentle stroking massage is beneficial. Machine methods and firm manual massage in the abdomen and chest area for body recovery after childbirth should be postponed. Toxins from adipose tissue can enter the blood and milk.
Why is the weight not moving?
Sometimes a woman follows all the rules, but the scale needle freezes. There are several reasons for this.
Postpartum figure — not just waist measurements. It is a woman’s self-perception. Psychological recovery after childbirth is very important for mental health. Postpartum depression often robs motivation. A young mother may feel she will never be the same. It is important to understand that changes are reversible. Do not compare yourself to fitness models on social media. Every body has its own pace. Support from your husband and loved ones plays a huge role. Find time for yourself. Even 15 minutes of self-care can lift your mood and provide resources.
If you are seeking professional help, our website offers a convenient catalog. Here you can find information about plastic surgery clinics, diet centers, and fitness clubs for moms.
Features of our service:
For user convenience, the site has a version for the visually impaired. We regularly update the site map so you can quickly find the section you need. If you are a specialist looking for a job, visit the ‘Vacancies’ section.
Leave a request for a callback, and clinic administrators will contact you. You will receive detailed consultation on services and prices. The application form is at the bottom of the page. Just enter your name and phone number. You can also send your questions through the feedback form.
Restoring your figure after childbirth is a feasible task. The key is to approach it comprehensively and without fanaticism. Follow the three golden rules: monitor your diet while breastfeeding, gradually introduce exercise, and ensure quality postpartum skin care. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor. If conservative methods don’t work, modern medicine offers effective solutions. Your health and well-being as a mother are the keys to your baby’s happiness. Start your journey to fitness today, but do so with love for your body.
Schedule an appointment with a therapist or gynecologist to assess your body’s readiness for physical exertion. Get professional recommendations and create an individualized recovery plan.
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