N
ew mums may be surprised
by the post-baby fourth
trimester pouch. Even after
your baby arrives you will
most likely have a squishy midsection.
Don’t feel down about your deflated
tummy. You just grew a human being,
after all, and it takes time for your body
to recover from pregnancy.
After the baby is born, hormonal
changes will cause your uterus to
contract and shrink back to its pre-
pregnancy state, but it can take six to
eight weeks for your uterus to return to
its normal size. Cells that swelled during
pregnancy begin to release extra fluid,
which will eventually be eliminated from
your body through bodily fluids.
For the majority of women, it takes
months for the pregnancy pouch to
‘shrink back to normal’ – be patient
and remember that it took nine months
for your abdomen to stretch in order to
accommodate a baby. Breastfeeding
helps burn extra calories and also
triggers contractions that help shrink
the uterus. Exercise will also help you to
Does my tum look
BIG
in this?
Your bundle of joy has arrived safe and sound.
Time to get back to your usual wardrobe. Or is it?
Michelle Lee
offers advice on how best to dress
your post partum body
tone-up and feel better from within.
There are a number of styling
tips that can be used to flatter your
changing shape.
Silhouette
Disguise that post-baby bump with
draped styles that cascade over your
stomach rather than fit tightly. A Line
shapes, T-shirt dresses and empire
waist lines are great options that will
flatter your shape without hugging your
stomach. Avoid clothes that are a size
too big or not designed for your shape.
If your preference is to wear separates,
counter balance a billowy or draped
top with a narrow leg shape for a longer
and leaner appearance.
Versatility
Maternity friendly styles will continue
to work for your post-baby bump and
that’s OK. It’s good to invest in pieces
that can truly be worn during and
after pregnancy. After all, who wants
to buy a piece that will only last nine
months? You can always re-work styles
November 2016
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