https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:29:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth/page/2#post-2897514 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 17:35:18 +0000 cake2017 2897514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: Ha! You’re right. I’ve been okay for a couple of days until i tried to get a pair of jeans on 😡 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth/page/2#post-2897509 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 12:19:51 +0000 LCTBQE 2897509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: FWIW I totally think it's possible to be appropriately super grateful and also at the same time a self-pitying, possibly vain, hormonal pp mess :) :heart: or at least that's me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth/page/2#post-2897476 Sat, 21 Sep 2019 13:44:41 +0000 cake2017 2897476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kayla0416: No, no I agree. Working on being more positive. I don’t want my daughter to put so much emphasis on the body- I should be more grateful and blessed to know I had these two babies. Such a gift. I have been better the last couple of days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897475 Sat, 21 Sep 2019 13:43:19 +0000 cake2017 2897475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: These hormones seem worse than with my first baby. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897289 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:33:46 +0000 kayla0416 2897289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pre-babies I was proud of my stomach - I was always thin, my tummy was toned, it was never a problem area for me. After baby 1 I lost the weight within a couple months, but it took probably 6 months for my stomach to go back to normal. But it did! 99% anyway - my belly button was still a tiny bit stretched out. With baby 2 I gained a little more weight and took about 8 months to lose it, and it took a full year for my tummy to get back to normal. But again - it did! 1 month is waaaaaaay too early to know what you're going to look like when you've fully recovered. I'm pregnant now with baby 3 and already dreading the post-partum first few months. It's really hard to not be down on yourself about it. But I'm confident that I can get my tummy back to normal. </p> <p>Now my boobs - that's another story. I was a very perky 32D before babies, and breastfeeding 2 babies shrunk them so bad. After I was done bf #2, they had shrunk 2 sizes and were saggy pancake boobs. I'm super self-conscious about them. :( I'd love to do something about that after I'm done feeding #3 but I don't know if I ever will. </p> <p>We all have our problem areas. Try not to be too hard on yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897236 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:04:38 +0000 SweetiePie 2897236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: @cake2017: agree that husbands probably aren’t nearly as bothered by our postpartum bodies as we are. I remember SOBBING after my first (like inconsolable couldn’t even form a word for the first 5 mins) to my post partum doula that my husband would never look at me the same, I’d never be sexy to him again, my boobs would always be baby-feeders to him, etc etc etc. I REFUSED to pump in front of him for a whole month. I think in our minds it’s part of the identity crisis we have as mom vs wife vs woman. We don’t (or at least I didn’t) feel the same so it stands to reason (in my mind) that he won’t feel the same about me. But it hasn’t been true at all!<br /> Again, PP hormones are awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897225 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:47:40 +0000 paigeface 2897225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skinnycow: Same! I agree, the second one just hits you harder. @cake2017: I was so hard on myself after my first but with this one I am just like, whatever I'm a bit older now it's going to take more time! I lost the weight but i'm just "softer" and that's okay for now. Every month does get a little better and i'm on month 4 and can finally fit back in my shorts. Give it time! Don't be so hard on yourself. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897190 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 04:23:12 +0000 cake2017 2897190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: @LCTBQE: DH is several years older than me. I did not think of that lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897184 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 22:40:28 +0000 bhbee 2897184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: is it bad that I was kind of relieved when my husband started to get more dad bod? Just confirmed we are in it together :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897182 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 20:34:36 +0000 LCTBQE 2897182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: 1, it'll definitely get better and you probably won't really know what your body's going to look like until at *least* 6 months pp. 2, it sounds like your husband is kind and supportive and probably pretty damn grateful and amazed that you carried his child and I hope you don't feel self-conscious around him for long. mine thinks I look terrific for having had two kids even though I very obviously am not the same anymore, and tbh I think what's typical are the comments above that most husbands seriously are unbothered by the pp mom bod. also, men get dad bod and gain weight and go bald and just.. age. Everyone here is approaching middle age, it's just life. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897179 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:26:33 +0000 cake2017 2897179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JJ2626: I’m trying. With my first it hit me hard but this time it’s ben worse. I agree i need to give more time for healing. I’m going to check for DR </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897172 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:57:04 +0000 JJ2626 2897172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I still looked pregnant 1 month postpartum! You should definitely give it time. That said, I’m following because at 19 mos pp with my first i still hate my body. My clothes mostly fit but don’t look as good and I hate my stomach too. I was slim before and just can’t accept the pouch. I also cry about it and would never wear a bikini anymore. I did buy 2 cute one pieces (Summersalt and Becca) that I feel pretty good in. But honestly, I feel for you and have no advice other than that I am trying to learn to accept my new normal and you should too? Ha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897099 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:35:12 +0000 cake2017 2897099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Thank you! I’m hoping it will improve a bit more :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897098 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:34:28 +0000 cake2017 2897098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: That’s good! My husband just says you look great after one month of having baby and that I need to stop worrying about how my body looks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897097 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:33:30 +0000 cake2017 2897097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: Yes I have been looking and hope to order a few for the trip- thank you </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897096 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:32:58 +0000 cake2017 2897096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: No not critical. He basically says- you had two children and it’s okay. He isn’t mean about it but is bothered that I have been down. Not very understanding is how I feel </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897086 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:26:36 +0000 Mrsbells 2897086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: There are many really nice bathing suits that are either high waist bikinis or one piece bikinis like the photo I attached below<br /> I dont think its vain at all, it is totally natural to struggle with dealing with a physical change to your body. I am not happy with my stomach either and I am 11 months post partum baby number 3. </p> [attach=1326/19/pxyesc.388x600.cupshe.JPG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897082 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 21:18:35 +0000 crazydoglady 2897082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: Do you feel like your husband is critical of your postpartum body? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897075 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 20:39:52 +0000 periwinklebee 2897075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: "I think he probably won't care how I look like as long as I can't get pregnant and I'm naked." Hah hah, I think you nailed the description of lots of husbands (the good ones!) </p> <p>@cake2017: One month is definitely really soon - it will get better, even if there are some permanent changes. I second if you can taking the time to pick out a swimsuit that will make you feel good, even if it's different than what you would have worn pre-baby. I think it really helps to have something you can feel great in postpartum! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897071 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:32:57 +0000 MenagerieMama 2897071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh man, I am 4 weeks PP from LO#3 who was LGA and 1 week late...let's just say he was not kind to my midsection. I am trying to walk every day and started the Mutu program to help with core. But I just try and remind myself that I grew 3 awesome humans and this is the price! DH doesn't really care, that I can tell anyhow. He's mostly counting down until I get my IUD and we can resume sexy time, so I think he probably won't care how I look like as long as I can't get pregnant and I'm naked :silly: I think what helps me the most is remembering that my kids are sponges that take in everything I say and project, and I want my daughters to be proud of what their bodies can do and not be defined by how they appear. So whenever I'm feeling bad about myself I try and think about how I would want to come across to them. Also, I put the scale away, that was not doing me any favors! I think I also need to buy a new pair of in between jeans. I don't like to wear maternity when I'm not pregnant and my fat pants still don't fit! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897067 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:05:58 +0000 Mamatimes3 2897067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: my husband doesn’t care about the change at all. I’m the one that gets more upset about it. He’s one of those guys who prefers women with a little meat on their bones. He has never mentioned it at all. But if I wanted a tummy tuck he would support me even though he doesn’t think it’s necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897066 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:04:07 +0000 SweetiePie 2897066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cake2017: my husband isn’t the “feelings” type. Maybe when I was very newly PP he gave me a pat on the back once but that was about it.<br /> I couldn’t really talk to him about my body and how I feel, but he is good about paying me compliments to let me know he still likes what he sees. ;-) So I guess he’s supportive in that way.<br /> He’s very honest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897062 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 18:20:27 +0000 cake2017 2897062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: @LCTBQE: @Mamatimes3: I hope and pray to get to a place of confidence like you ladies. Do your husbands support the change? like are they sensitive to your feelings? or it’s not talked about? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897056 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:45:04 +0000 SweetiePie 2897056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: stack of pancakes 😂 so true. I put on a pair of high waisted tight Levi’s today and I just had a bra on top. The way it bunched my tummy skin from all directions was alarming and I did a triple take because I’d never seen that before but then I laughed and literally smoothed it out with my hands like it was a bunched up table cloth and then moved on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897054 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:38:39 +0000 LCTBQE 2897054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with @SweetiePie: (as usual!) —1 month pp is NOT enough time to know what you’re really going to look like. That said, my formerly great stomach looked pretty good again after my first, and now 1 year pp after my second, it’s fairly flat but when I lean over like more than 5 degrees, it looks like a stack of pancakes from all the loose skin. I’m getting to a place where I’m feeling less self conscious that I don’t look the same anymore, which is probably not what you want to hear, but you gotta be able to live with yourself :heart: also sorry if others said the same, but those hormones are super fucking mean, give them some time to work out of your system too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897046 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:30:09 +0000 Mamatimes3 2897046@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My stomach has always been my trouble spot even before kids. It’s where I hold most of my extra weight. </p> <p>Well, 3 kids in less than 4 years and all c sections has made my stomach even worse. I’m still carrying extra weight there (working on it) and it’s just softer. So if I lose the extra weight I’m sure it will just be loose skin. My belly button is more stretched out and I have light stretch marks. </p> <p>It just is what it is. I don’t like it but I’m learning to accept it this what I look like now. And I’m in my 40s now. My body is different than when I was in my 20s. Life is different. I have accept that my body will not ever be what it was before. But I have 3 pretty awesome kids and everyday I can’t believe they came from my body!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897044 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:44:12 +0000 LadyDi 2897044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, I hate my tummy. It was always the feature I was most self conscious about pre-pregnancy and having three kids in four years has NOT helped that. I am pretty petite but my stomach wasn't ever flat, I had mild DR after my second but before I could see a PT or start exercises for that I got pregnant with my 3rd. I'm 2.5 months pp from my 3rd and I am pretty much back to pre-pregnancy weight but I still look 5 months pregnant (in my opinion). My stretch marks have faded but my belly button is still an outty and my skin is so soft and loose and squishy. Bending over is THE WORST. So, I know how you feel. I think about it a lot. I don't think I could do a mommy makeover for a lot of reasons (budget, DH would not support it, etc) but it'd be tempting. </p> <p>I do think one piece swimsuits are great though. They are much more flattering than they used to be and I think they are way more interesting than bikinis...I love the ones @SweetiePie posted. </p> <p>My DH is pretty frustrating when I try to talk to him about it. I know he's still attracted to me, but he basically tells me I need to just exercise more. Not really the response I am looking for from him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897034 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:27:55 +0000 cake2017 2897034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: They are so cute! I love Andie and leaning towards a bathing suit from them! Thanks so much for your input. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897033 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:27:08 +0000 cake2017 2897033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Thank you for sharing. I hope you feel better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-is-your-tummy-after-birth#post-2897020 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:16:26 +0000 skinnycow 2897020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My tummy looked the same as pre-pregnancy about a month postpartum with my first. Things are a little different with the second... I’m almost three months post partum now. I’ve lost all the baby weight and I’m not overweight but my body is just softer. My tummy is a little more rounded instead of flat and I have light stretch marks and loose skin. I’m hoping that changes over time but it seems like the second pregnancy just hits your body harder. </p>