3 weeks post partum- tummy exercises

[Babylonmoo]

Hi, had my baby nearly 3 weeks ago. Kept active and fit throughout pregnancy and am only 5llbs from my pre pregnancy weight.

My concern is my tummy - it feels so weak. In the morning it looks quite flat but there is no strength there so throughout day with food etc it starts sticking out. I don't have the split muscle thing ( midwife checked) just very weak core. I tried doing the NHS exercises but I can't feel the muscles I am trying to tense.

My questions are:

Will everyday life help with my tummy to the point I can actually do specific exercises?

Does anyone have any exercises they recommend that are appropriate for now?

Any tips for past 6 weeks post partum?

I know it is early days- i am not fussed about the weight. -that will go. i just hate feeling so weak to the point sitting up in bed is hard!

Thanks for all help in advance.

BM

Keep doing those tilts etc from the leaflet you got. Also take a look at Erin O Brian, she has a nice postnatal DVD which is aimed at sorting out your core and readjusting your posture after childbirth. It is very good, it uses the same ideas as the Tuppler Method. Tuppler method also very good to look at but since you don't have separation I'd not both buying the Tuppler book and just get the Erin DVD. It is a quick 20 min session and there are 3 levels on the DVD to gradually build up to.

Thanks- need to be more disciplined about doing them. It doesn't feel like "real" exercise somehow. What progress can I expect with the nhs exercises and the Erin ones? Knowing a timescale may help with motivation. ( I am usually very motivated with exercise but more cardio stuff)

I know it doesn't feel like "proper" exercise but you don't want that hurting work out feeling jsut yet from it. Remember these muscles have spent the last 9 months being stretched and pulled apart and you only gave birth 3 weeks ago! you need to give it time. I found going to body balance classes helped too, reinforced posture and all works on the core. I have 3 dcs though and tbh I'm still battling the damage dc2 did! When I started doing more exercise and concentrating on my core more I made progress very quickly, just 3 or 4 months makes a huge difference. Sadly I then started studying and lost my lovely active lifestyle and started slumping over a desk instead and I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle!

If you were pretty fit before pregnancy though just give yourself a bit of time, watch your posture and incorporate those core exercises as part of routine and it won't take long.

Thanks- have ordered the Erin DVD and will muster self discipline to not only unwrap it but watch it and do it!