Can you get a flat stomach after children?

[BusyBee2017]

I have had two children and I was wondering if people have ever got a flat stomach after kids.

If so how long did it take and what exercise did you do?

I know sit ups would be obvious choice but I was told at a post natal class that sit ups are not the best or maybe that was immediately after having a baby

I do after two children.

I didn't 'do' anything, (besides BFing for >1 year, which may have helped) so cannot help you there - but is completely possible, yes.

A friend of mine is a life coach and she said one of the biggest barriers in mothers loosing weight is 'I know I'll never get back to my pre pregnancy shape' mindset (not that I am implying you have this mindset).

Good luck.

*losing, even.

The MuTu programme was advised to me last week here on MN. It's speifically for helping diastasis recti/ab muscles and pelvic floor (my issue is PF!). A lot of people lose all the weight but still have the sticking out tummy making them look pregnant, so if that's the case you need to sort out your core.

The woman with the best abs I know has had 4 kids, but teaches a hula hoop exercise class. Got to be worth a go!

Yeah I breastfed for a year with DS1 but obviously was pregnant during that time as well lol because I got pregnant with DS2 when DS1 was 9 months,

I am breastfeeding DS2 and he is now 4 months old. I intend to breastfeed until he is a year but will be 13 months by the time you wean the off.

I haven't started exercising yet but I am planning to from Monday lol

I would start today but somebody gave us a dozen Krispy Kreme which need to be finished hahaha

I think it depends on your natural body type really.

Mine went flat again after 2dc (although it's much softer than before) but I know plenty of people who exercise and eat well that have still been left with a bit of a pouch.

I agree that it depends on your body and where you carry fat. Abs exercises will work on your muscles but won't shift fat or remove loose skin.

I've

Yes it's possible. It will never happen if you do sit ups though - sit ups exercise the surface muscles and if the underlying deeper muscle layers aren't toned then the tight outer muscles can pull the stomach outwards.

You need to exercise your transverse abdominal muscles (deep core). Post-natal Pilates is good, or something like mutu system eg.

I only have one DD but my stomach is flat now I'm back to my pre pregnancy weight (not that low - BMI of 21.5 ish). I didn't really do much, I think it was just luck! Bit of running and pilates to help with core strength, but it just gradually went as I lost the weight. DD was bottlefed.

Mine did after DC1 and hoping it will do the same after DC2. Didn't do anything other than bf'ing for almost 2yrs, lots of walking with buggy (don't drive), and constant running round after DC. I was starving all the time early on so ate a lot but tried to keep it healthy and easy eg salad /pre cooked chix breast / avocado for lunch. I had been overweight when I got pregnant. Went from 72kg, up to 81kg and eventually dropped to 55kg at my lowest. Now 6 1/2mths pregnant and back up to 73kg. At 55kg I was starting to feel a bit gaunt, but then I went back to work and convenience/comfort eating / desk based job meant weight slowly crept back up. Think I was around 64kg before getting pregnant again which is what I would describe as my natural norm.

Mine did, 1 DC here. I didn't do much, only BF for 5 months and then she self weaned. I think some mothers just bounce back easier than others, I've heard maternal age and skin elasticity can both come into it a lot.

I don't know how to tell if it's skin or fat? I gave birth 4 weeks ago and while I get into my jeans it's all squishy! This is my third baby

Your stomach will only be flat if you don't have any/much fat on it. You can do as many planks etc as you like but if your amazing ab muscles are hidden by fat you won't see them.

Yes you can. I do Insanity and eat healthily and have quite well defined and now. I only have one child who is 8 now though and had him fairly hound which I think helps.

What exercise should I do to get my flat tummy back after having 2 kids

Not everyone can. I have 3dc including twins so stretched skin is here to stay. It's only obvious when naked and on all fours it hangs

I am recovering from cancer in my spine and just saw a physical therapist. I can walk around no problem but standing still is a real struggle for me and causes pain. The PT explained, just as others have, that the issue is the deep abdominal muscles. In my case their weakness is causing my lack of stability. Before cancer I was super fit and did lots of weight training. I find strength training the absolutely best way to get a strong body with great posture. So find a personal trainer who can make sure you are isolating those muscles correctly, the physical therapist said you mustn't be using your upper body or legs to help which is easy to do.

fish is right that it's a loss of fat and a gain in muscle which will give you definition. Not everyone can get back to exactly the way they were pre-kids, but you can definitely get very good results that you would probably be very happy with. Cardio, good diet and weight training 2-3 times a week.

You can’t do exercises to spot reduce fat in specific places, it comes off from all over. You need to be in a calorie deficit, try downloading my fitness pal and log all your food. Weight training is amazing