What happens to our tummy's after birth?

[jandanaligazan]

I have just read about a custom in Malaysia where women have their stomachs massaged and bound with cloth to help them regain their shape.

pregnancyandchildbirtharoundtheworld.blogspot.com/2011/10/getting-flat-stomach-after-birth.html

Has anyone heard of or done anything similar? Any good results?

Oops, that should be tummies, not tummy's!!!

Never heard of it before but it sounds blissful. As a craniosacral therapist I am often trying to convince the mothers of the babies I see how important it is for them to receive treatment too after birth but it can be an uphill struggle. I know I will be having a session or 2 from one of my therapist friends if this bump ever decides to come out! (40+2 today)

the same as in the philippines. there is also a special massage that they do for the hips to make the pelvic bones return to their normal position. im not sure if a shiatsu expert can do that here in the uk. it could be a similar therapy.... >>>> jandanaligazan Tue 25-Oct-11 17:52:36 I have just read about a custom in Malaysia where women have their stomachs massaged and bound with cloth to help them regain their shape.

alottotakein what treatment do you recommend, and where do we find it? Am 34 + 6 and any advice on helping me to feel normal again and fit back into my old clothes would be gratefully received!!!

TBH, anything relaxing sounds good to me! I hadn't heard of this, and it's unlikely it would have been available out in the sticks where I live, but it sounds interesting.

My top tip would be to start you pelvic floor exercises right now, and carry them on ASAP after delivery.....and add gentle pilates from day one after delivery too. (I am talking starting by sucking your tummy in and holding it etc....not leaping straight into demanding stuff!) If have a google there are gentle post-natal exercises you can do from day one that can help you regain your muscle tone.

Not sure on treatments lie the malaysian one to help with regaining your shape but for me I will be having craniosacral therapy, to help restore the balance in my body and deal with any shock or fear left over in my system from the birth thereby giving my body the best chance of healing itself. You can find a list of cranial therapists on this website or have a look on natural therapy pages

I had Diastasis recti after DS2 and had to wear a stomach bandage for 6 weeks to help the muscles back together, (alongside exercises). I noticed that my stomach was a lot flatter than after DS1 . Not saying it works for everyone and to be honest it wasnt the most comfortable thing to have to wear in summer but i think it made a difference to me. My muscles were 5 finger widths seperated prior and 1 after the treatment.

Hmmm interesting stuff. Seems like they may be on to something. I think I remember one of my Mum's friends wearing some very tight pants after giving birth - a bit like Bridget Jones ones. Maybe it would be a good idea!

Ds1 just prodded my tummy this pm and said - 'mummy why is your tummy like that?'

Err cos I've had 4 babies in 5 years and the last one just came out 3 weeks ago - give me a break.

It's a jelly mess with about 4-5 finger separation I think. The tupler technique is the way forward I think if you have the energy.

Yes, children say the sweetest things. . .

Mine are very willing to make less than complementary comments about my tummy (poking my wobbly bits and belly button far too much for my liking) but I don't think they realise it's a sensitive point!

I guess the only thing to keep in mind is that I have read physios saying that these 'support' tools can be overused and stop people actually using their muscles, which in the long run makes things things worse. So by all means use, but try to consciously using tummy muscles (i.e pulling in and holding to begin with) to get them working again. Would second the suggestion of the Tupler technique.