Postpartum Body: Your Body After Pregnancy

What is Your Body's Real Age?

2008-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this fun and informative body age test, and thought I'd share. Apparently the website has been around for years, but somehow I have never seen it up until now.

Anyways, I went ahead and just took the test.

I thought for sure that the test results would shave years off my age. After all, I am only 28. I don't smoke, rarely drink and eat right (most of the time). I'm a picture of health, right? Wrong. I was very, very wrong.

The results added 5 years to my age! So, my "RealAge" is 33. I don't believe 33 is ancient or anything, but it is 5 years older than my real life age.

The test asked questions about my lifestyle that I wasn't prepared for, and I think that really brought my age up. I have to admit, that the results were a real eye-opener. I've always assumed that I was a healthy person, but this test has made me realize that eating right and exercise aren't enough. How happy you are, and how you live your life are also incredibly important to your overall health.

I invite you to take the RealAge test, it'll take just under 10 minutes for you to complete. Best 10 minutes you can invest in yourself today.

So, what's your real age?

Mom to Sextuplets Runs 26 Mile Marathon

2008-07-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Jenny Masche is my inspiration for the day, and I consider her a Super Mom.
What exactly makes Jenny Masche a Super Mom you ask?

She gave birth to sextuplets!
She went into cardiac arrest during delivery and nearly died.
She took the time to train and successfully run a 26 mile marathon before their first birthday.

How does a new mom to 6 babies find the time or energy to train for a marathon?

“Because they’re good sleepers,” Jenny Masche told Meredith Vieira during an exclusive interview on TODAY Thursday in New York. “As soon as I put them down at 7 o’clock at night, I’d literally throw my running shoes on and my friend and I would go and run for like two hours.”

I wouldn't recommend that all new moms train for a marathon to get fit, but I do think that each of us can carve out a little bit of time during the day to get healthy. I'm just so inspired by this woman's self-discipline, so much that I am going for a long walk this evening (and will even throw in a few stretches throughout the day). No excuses today!

You can learn more about the Masche family here.

Jessica Alba Wears Must-Have Mommy Gear

2008-07-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

Jessica Alba gave birth to her baby girl just weeks ago, and already she is looking amazing!

I really admire a few of the fashion choices she is making right now. Most new celebrity moms are quick to start wearing tight and revealing garbs to show off their figures, so it is kinda refreshing to see a celebrity mom dressing so comfortably.

Below I outline 4 fashion items that every new mom should own.

The Sundress. I really love the outfit she chose to wear in public, a light-weight sundress. The simple sundress is PERFECT for new moms to wear during the spring and summer months. I personally had a really beautiful floral sundress that I practically lived in those first few months after my son was born.

Headbands. Jessica is also smart to wear her hair back in a bun with a headband. This is a no-fuss style you can easily pull off when you are in a rush and are having a bad hair day.

Dark Sunglasses. I also think the dark sunglasses are a fabulous way for new moms to hide their tired eyes.

Sandals. Jessica finishes the outfit with a cute pair of flat sandals, comfort is key here ladies!

Overall, even though this outfit isn't exactly hot and sexy, it is comfy and fresh-looking.

Children's Book Explains Mommy's Plastic Surgery

2008-06-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

I just came across this unusual book and had to share! Many of the moms who visit this blog are here because they are looking for answers to improve their postpartum body. Some moms have great results with exercise or by applying topical products, and some moms make the bold decision to undergo plastic surgery. This book was written to help those moms who have elected plastic surgery, and have young children.

From the author:
Dr. Michael Salzhauer, a renowned plastic surgeon, wrote My Beautiful Mommy to help patients explain their transformation to their children. The story guides children through Mommy's surgery and healing process in a friendly, nonthreatening way.
Through vivid illustrations and straightforward dialogue, My Beautiful Mommy explains a parents physical transformation in a breezy, child-friendly manner from a young childs perspective. You and your child will follow along as Mommy goes through her plastic surgery experience and learn how the entire family pitches in to help Mommy achieve her beautiful results.

Waking up to find mommy covered in surgical wrapping (or suddenly restricted to bed rest) can be a really scary image for a young child. Perhaps a well-written book could help ease a child's distress with the situation, unfortunately this book seems to miss the mark. I'm sure the author wrote this book with the best of intentions, but something about it just feels icky.

**Please note that this book is NOT intended to be a bedtime story that you would consistently read to your child. My Beautiful Mommy is a book targeted specifically for moms who are seeking to explain plastic surgery to their children.

Author explains why he wrote the book.
Another blogger pokes fun at My Beautiful Mommy, by creating her own spin-offs.
View the book's website.

Do You Have a Muffin Top?

2008-06-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ever had anyone call you a muffin top before?
Did you happen to be wearing tight low-rise jeans that day?
If so, then you were most likely sporting what is called a "muffin top". I recently learned about the term thanks to one of my younger, hipper sisters. We saw a cashier at Target who seemed to be proudly displaying her muffin top by pairing a too-tight pair of jeans with a too-tiny red tee.

According to Wikipedia...
"Muffin-top" is a generally pejorative, slang term used to describe the phenomenon of overhanging flesh when it spills over the waistline of trousers or skirt in a manner that resembles the top of a muffin spilling over its paper casing. This generally occurs when an individual wears low-rise, hip-hugger pants, or midriff-baring tops that are too small.

Cute commercial from LifeSavers about a woman who is clueless about muffin tops.

So...how do YOU AVOID THE DREADED MUFFIN TOP?

Stacy London, host of TLC's What Not to Wear, states,

"The "muffin top" is caused by a waistband that's too low and too tight. When your tummy spills over the sides of your jeans, you know you're a member of the muffin club.

But, there's good news for muffins everywhere, Stacy says. Waistlines are rising! The ultra-low rise fad is fading fast, and the new mid-rise styles will keep your belly from bulging."

After pregnancy, your body may carry extra weight or sagging skin that is especially hard to cover up with a low-rise jean. So, your best bet is to wear pants that rise a little higher, and to also consider wearing loose blouses to cover any potential "muffin" from showing.

Smooth Your Lumpy Thighs of Cellulite

2008-05-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I AM SO EXCITED! I just finished watching a video on YouTube of the Tyra Banks Show about cellulite. Several women took a 4-week challenge to get rid of their cellulite with the help of Nivea. I could go on an on, but go ahead and scroll down to view the video yourself.

I know, I know, Tyra is pushing this stuff so heavily most likely because Nivea is a sponsor of the show. Irregardless, the women in the video looked pretty great towards the end of their month-long challenge. For $11 bucks a bottle, I think it is a pretty good deal. Especially for those of us who are fighting the battle of the thigh dimples. Thigh dimples are only cute on babies people!
You can view the Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite Smoothing Cellulite Gel-Cream here. I strongly suggest that you also consider purchasing the patches and supplemental capsules. At most, you'll spend under $40 bucks and will follow the regimen that women used on the Tyra Banks Show.

You can visit the Nivea Good Bye Cellulite site here to get ideas for exercise and diet.

I really hope this stuff works. If anyone has an experience they've had with the Nivea Good-bye Cellulite product, please let me know!

Don't Use Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream

2008-05-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently the FDA issued out a press release on May 23rd in an effort to warn the public of the potential side effects of using Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream. The cream is supposed to help nursing mothers soothe and heal their dry nipples, but the product includes ingredients that can cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants.

According to the FDA

Potentially harmful ingredients in Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol. Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) in infants. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.

Moms should watch for:

decrease in an infant's appetite

difficulty in awakening the child

limpness of extremities

decrease in an infant's strength of grip

change in skin color.

Please seek immediate medical attention if your child is showing these signs and symptoms. Mothers whose infants may have suffered adverse effects because of this product should contact the FDA's MedWatch at 800-332-1088.

You can read the rest of the FDA's press release here.

Halle Barry's Postpartum Body

2008-05-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Given that Halle is notably one of the most beautiful women in the world, it is no surprise to me that she looks so fantastic six weeks after the birth of her baby girl, Nahla Ariela Aubry.

If you are thinking about going out and showing the world that you have "brought sexy back", this dress will certainly fit the bill. The dress has a plunging neckline that allows Halle to show off her amazing new breasts. The empire waist also leaves room for her to hide any lingering pregnancy fat. Finishing the look is a snazzy pair of high heels.

If you want to follow Halle's postpartum workout regimen, you can click here.

Oprah on the Vegan Diet for 21 Days

2008-05-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently Oprah has had yet another awakening, and is now following a vegan diet for the next 21 days to detox her body. According to Wikipedia, Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food. Vegans endeavor not to use or consume animal products of any kind.

So, why is Oprah temporarily taking on this new lifestyle? Oprah's blog explains:

In her book Quantum Wellness, best-selling author and spiritual counselor Kathy Freston suggests trying a 21-day cleanse as a way to jump-start an inner makeover. Oprah has decided to give it a try! The plan is to eliminate caffeine, sugar, alcohol, gluten and animal products from your diet for up to 21 days. Read along as Oprah blogs for three weeks about the highs and lows of her experience.

I have to admit that I find her new initiative to eat more healthy (for a limited period of time) very inspiring. So inspiring in fact, that I am also going to try and do a similar vegan detox diet. Of course I don't have a personal chef to cook up the fabulous menus she is promoting on her site. Instead I am going to loosely follow a vegan menu created for diabetics, which can be found here.

Here are a few other resources you might find handy:

Vegan meal plans created by Dina Aronson, MS, RD of NutraWiz.com.
List of popular everyday products that happen to also be vegan.
Guide to understanding animal ingredients.

**Please be sure to talk to your doctor before taking on a new diet. Nursing moms should be careful to monitor their calorie intake.

Getting a Tummy Tuck Looks Creepy

2008-05-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

The video gives a pretty good overview of what you could expect if you got a tummy tuck. Although, I have to admit, I find the graphics just a little disturbing. The idea of needing drainage tubes after the procedure also sounds scary. Anyone have any experience with this?

TriLASTIN SR: Cheaper Way to Erase Stretchmarks

2008-05-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so earlier today I made a post about the laser treatments a doctor in Pennsylvania is using to reduce stretch marks in her patients. I don't know about you, but I was really impressed with the before and after pics. Unfortunately, I can't afford 2-4 $500 treatments, or even the trips to Pennsylvannia for that matter.

So, I started doing a little bit of research on stretch mark treatments and came across a product called TriLASTIN. I've never heard of this treatment before, but the pictures on their website look pretty incredible.

TriLASTIN SR starts off at around $80 for a 6 week supply, and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their products. Sounds good to me!

If anyone has any testimonials or experience with this product, I'd love to hear your story!! With summer quickly approaching, I could use a little miracle right now. Please leave a quick comment below.

View more

Solution for Older Stretch Marks

2008-05-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently a dermatologist in Pennsylvania has come up with a new wonder treatment for stretch marks. Victoria Cirillo-Hyland discovered the solution for stretch marks by accident.
She was treating women for cellulite issues, and began noticing that their stretch marks were also improving. So, she started experimenting and began using radio-frequency and laser treatments to improve skin texture. The doctor claims it is the most effective stretch mark treatment she has seen in 15 years.

Based on the pic above, I'd have to agree that this looks like a really effective way to REDUCE stretch marks. Obviously, you can't expect 100% perfection, but still...the results are amazing. Each treatment will cost you about $500, and you can expect to need 2-4 treatments.

So, now all you have to do is book a flight to Pennsylvania to start getting those treatments!

Anyone up for a road trip? :P

You can view the image slideshow here.
Video of interview here.

Yummie Tummie: Flatten Your Postpartum Belly Fast!

2008-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

I caught a glimpse of the Today show recently, and noticed they had this marvelous shirt that helps to flatten your belly. I've been surfing around the web to find reviews on this product, and so far, so good! The shirts and tanks are appropriately named Yummie Tummie.

Exerpt from the Today Show:

Yummie Tummie slims the midsection and camouflages visible lumps and bumps while remaining extremely comfortable. Unlike most shapers that compress your bust and roll up, Yummie Tummie's cotton bust and hip panels appear to the outsider as a normal tank top; meanwhile, the secret midsection panel is smoothing and eliminates pounds from your appearance. Yummie Tummie is the first shaper garment that is top oriented, designed to be worn each and every day as a foundation or layering piece.

Apparently, these tanks have a hidden panel that flattens your midsection. I was just shocked at how comfortable and great they looked. I really could see myself buying a handful of these in a few basic colors and wearing the heck out of them. These tanks run about $62, which I don't mind paying...so much as they work! I'm still struggling to lose the weight I put on during the holidays.

Plastic Surgeons Market New "Mommy Makeover" Packages

2008-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago I was completely disgusted with the idea of plastic surgery, and totally lost respect for any woman I knew that had vain work done on their bodies.

Ahhh, then my youth slipped away.

Although I don't see myself having surgery right now, I can totally sympathize with any woman looking to recapture the body she had before having children. Apparently, so can plastic surgeons. There are now "mommy makeover" packages available that generally include a breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. Whew, that is a lot of work to have done all at once!

I think it is so weird that women have this option nowadays. I can't imagine what my grandma would have looked like if she had gone under the scalpel. I suppose being a hot grandma will soon be the norm. Anyways check out this site for a few before and after shots.

Nicole Richie's Postpartum Body

2008-01-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

Take a look at Nicole Richie's body 2 WEEKS after giving birth! Amazing how great she looks. Don't these thin celebrities drive you crazy? Although, I have to admit I was jealous to see how flat her belly looked. Now, being the skeptic that I am, I found it hard to believe she could look so perfect so soon after her pregnancy.

I found the following shot of Nicole from behind, and couldn't help but notice that her dress was oddly bunched up around her midsection. I really think she's wearing a girdle or some type of support garment. Weeks after I gave birth to my second child, I also looked thin everywhere except for my jelly belly. I wore a support belt to hold everything in place, and everyone was amazed at how quickly I got my figure back. I didn't look "Nicole Richie great", but that girdle made me look good, and no one seemed to know I was wearing one. So...if you are looking for a flat stomach fast, consider following the footsteps of Ms. Richie, and invest in a dependable girdle.

Photos: JustJared

Lose Postpartum Weight with Kundalini Yoga

2008-01-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

I was talking with my sister recently about how we both would like to start exercising and getting fit. So...we've decided to start working out together, only problem is -we are 400 miles apart.

Yeah.

Basically we decided to pick out an exercise video and workout at the same time. She is trying to lose weight, and I'm trying to get some tone back to my body. I'm also super out of shape, so exercise of any type is desperately needed!

I went ahead and went by Amazon to research what the most popular videos are. I specifically went to look up postpartum workout videos, but somehow got sidetracked at the yoga section...and ended up making an impulse purchase. I bought the Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond and Fat Free Yoga - Lose Weight & Feel Great dvds by Ana Brett and Ravi Singh.

I've never really been the type to buy workout videos or workout equipment before, but I thought that now might be a good time as any to give it a chance. These yoga workout dvds had so many great reviews, I just couldn't resist. I mean they only cost $15 and some change. So, I took the plunge and I went ahead and made the order.

The dvds arrived a week later, and I wasn't really sure what to expect when I plopped the video in my dvd player. Initially, I was a little embarrassed to even watch the dang thing in front of my husband (I hate to think he might be comparing my body to the instructor's :P ).

Seriously though, I really, really enjoyed watching the Fat Free Yoga, and even started working out with the video right away. I'd definitely recommend that you give these dvds a look.

FYI: I wear a workout belt when I do these dvds, to provide my abs (and back) with the extra support they need. The exercises are really fun and simple to do, but I still try to be as careful as possible with the types of workouts I put my weak abs through.

Here is a sample of the Kundalini for Beginners dvd.

Abdominal Diastasis

2007-09-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ever heard those big words before? Abdominal Diastasis.

Abdomoinal diastasis basically means that the pressure of carrying that precious baby has caused your ab muscles to separate. :(

You probably remember that immmediately after you gave birth that your tummy was soft and really squishy. Well, since then hopefully your abs have regained their strength, but if not -you may have abdominal diastasis.

Here is how to check if your abs have separated:

To check for diastasis:

Lie down on your back and bend your knees. Then take one of your hands and firmly cover your belly button with your fingers (your fingers should be pointing down towards your pubic bone).

Take a deep breath. Then lift your head and neck slowly as you exhale. You should feel your ab muscles tighten in the middle.

There will be a gap inbetween your ab muscles. See how many fingers fit in the gap. If you can only fit one or two fingers, then your muscles are fine. If you are able to put 3 or more fingers in the gap, then you most likely have separated abs and will need to take care of your muscles to avoid hurting yourself.

What this means is that you should be careful when lifting heavy items, and you should also be cautious with the type of abdominal exercises you do to lose weight.

I recently watched this video on iVillage, and even though I'd read quite a bit about abdominal diastasis before...I felt like it was quite informative in explaining the type of exercises you can do. Perhaps it was the video format that made it so interesting...take a look.

Searching for the Best Postpartum Belt

2007-09-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

After you've had the baby, you noticed that you still have a huge stomach right?

Most women do.

My mother always made me wear a workout belt, and after the birth of my second baby the doctor gave a support belt at the hospital (my abdominals were so weak I couldn't even get out of bed to tend to baby).

I liked the workout belt more, because even though it was as hot as hell to wear, it really helped to make my tummy flatter...faster. Please note that my tummy is not 100% flat, but the workout belt really helped. The support belt I got at the hospital was white and soooo painful to wear. The velcro tore into my skin, left scars, and I still had to wear a shirt underneath to avoid the velcro scratching into me.

I had my second child over a year ago, but I still need this abdominal support. My stomach muscles are still very weak, and I'd like support for my abs on a day to day basis. So, I'm on a mission to find the perfect postpartum belt, girgle, corset...whatever to keep my tummy together. I want something that will provide support, doesn't have painful velcro tearing into me, and also breathes -so it's not so hot to wear. Most of all it has to be comfortable and should also make me look good too. :D

So far here are the postpartum belts I am looking at:

Amazon.com Widgets

1. Medela Postpartum Support
2. Postpartum Binder Support
3. Gabrialla Postpartum Girdle
4. Futuro Surgical Binder & Abdominal Support

Do you have any postpartum support belts that you recommend?

Britney Spear's Postpartum Body on VMA's

2007-09-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

Okay, okay...EVERYONE has been dogging on this girl. From the Associated Press to Perez Hilton, all you hear about is her terrible perfomance and how out of shape she is.

Although I agree that the perfomance wasn't her best, I do have to say that her body isn't all that bad. Yeah, she's a few pounds heavier than her former self, but she looks pretty dang good for a woman who's had 2 kids. I didn't see any stretchmarks or saggy skin. Hmmm...I can't help but wonder if celebrities have access to some top secret anti-stretchmark treatment that us common-folk simply aren't rich enough to know about.

Have you ever noticed that most celebrities are immune to the ugly side-effects of pregnancy?
What say you? Anyone know how they do it?

Signing off...
"Debbie, the Mom"

Warning: Reading the Following May Prevent You From Ever Having Children Again!

2007-09-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

Kidding! Kids are amazing and are so worth the effort. I'm just sharing my personal experiences with managing the "postpartum body".

No one ever told me what my body was gonna be like after giving birth. Yeah, I read the Book, and yeah...I rubbed lotion on my belly every night. Still, nothing prepared me for the changes that my body when through during my 2 pregnancies.

If we can put a man on the moon and clone people, why is it that no one has invented a lotion that really does erase stretch marks?!

Here is the low-down on what can happen to your body immediately post-baby:

Stretch marks (the redness will go away, and leave behind white and shiny streaks)
La linea nigra (this eventually will go away too)
Loose and wrinkly skin around your belly
Abdominal muscles separated
Fat, fat everywhere
Enlarged and darkened areolas
Saggy boobs
Belly button ruined
Hair falls out like crazy
Stomach still looks 5 months pregnant (takes weeks for this to go down)

By the way, most of the problems issued above are only temporary. I'm on a quest to address any postpartum body problems that still linger. Care to join me?