Post-partum tummy -multiple close children

[littleraysofsunshine]

How are your tummy muscles?

I am 25. Have three beautiful children (3.10, 2.3, and 7m) super fast big babies for my frame (tall and slim).

I diagnosed muscle split with dd1(1 stretch mark) then with dd2 ( my lightest baby at 8lb1.5) I had the most damage. Stretch marks all round my belly butting area which his now saggy skin. And my muscles were battered to a 6cm split.

Never repaired.

I had Ds 7months ago 8lb 14..only 1 extra stretch mark. and my tummy is still bad muscles split (recti divaricarion) was 8cm now about 5. And it sinks in when I lay down, bulges when I'm upright, my intestine wall is visible in shape.

I am blessed to have carried my three, and it hasn't put me off anymore and I am doing my exercises to recover. But just wonder why the damage was so bad with dd2 when she was my lightest, carried them all the same.. And just how I can build my tummy back up again.

[bakingtins]

I've just started so can't yet vouch for effectiveness, but was recommended MuTu system by a poster on here.
My abdomen is worse this time after my smallest ( third ) baby, but I think in my case age is to blame.

[devoncreamtea]

Hiya, I've had 4 children - on 5th now (crazy lady!) - and I suspect that the damage to muscles etc is probably as a result of the shortish gap between dc1 and 2. I had dc2 and 3 only 12 months apart and I noticed more marks and muscle issues after that, I think just through body not having time to recover and get strong after dc2.

My dh is a physio - he would say avoid sit ups and crunches. concentrate on toning pelvic floor and breathing correctly (ie belly breaths not chest breaths); get enough sleep (easy?!!) and begin some basic core work using kettle bells - with a decent trainer if poss, but you can find very good exercise vids online. I can totally vouch for no sit up/crunches - it feels counter-intuitive, but will cause your belly to bulge rather than flatten.

[littleraysofsunshine]

I've been doing the recovery DVD by Erin o'brien. It's good I just don't do enough (or have enough me time to!) and I also don't have good posture when lifting.. Shouldn't be lifting anyway but impossible with three small kids eh!

[littleraysofsunshine]

You're not crazy.. It's not put me off having more!

[pinkteapots]

Am expecting dc5, eldest is 4, tummy totally shot! Ive noticed Ive gotten worse each time as I never quite recover in between... its like one step forward two steps back! Has effected my posture too I know. I will definitely be trying to regain some tone after this one, tummy is like a shopping bag - not pretty! Will have weight to lose too (doughnuts!) but I swear by weight watchers, has worked every time for me...