https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 23:11:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502690 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 08:22:09 +0000 meredithNYC 2502690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My body type before kids was pear-shaped with a fairly small waist and flat stomach, but big hips, bum, thighs. I'm 11 months postpartum with my second and to an extent, I don't think my flat stomach is ever coming back. That said, I think I've made vast improvements though barre class since it's so core-targeted.</p> <p>Related to the barre class thing: there are some women in their 50's and 60's in my classes who have AMAZING bodies and are in serious good shape. That said, it is always obvious to me which ones are moms because they tend to have a bit of remaining stomach pooch. So I do think it's just kind of a "mom thing," unfortunately. But at least we're in good company :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502611 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 07:16:44 +0000 ValentineMommy 2502611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: Just know you're in good company, mama. The struggle is real!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502299 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 18:09:33 +0000 simplyfelicity 2502299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pwnstar: Thanks for being understanding. :heart: I am not trying to be vain but just want to get a handle on if this is permanent or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502298 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 18:07:02 +0000 simplyfelicity 2502298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Trailmix: Thank you! I guess I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I don't expect to wear a bikini or anything but it's the belly flap that makes buying clothes so hard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502296 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 18:05:21 +0000 simplyfelicity 2502296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Detour: I totally understand! I started wearing jag jeans (they have a built in panel to keep everything in instead of a zipper! I guess I just need to be patient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502292 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 18:03:25 +0000 simplyfelicity 2502292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jh524: Thank you for all the resources! I appreciate it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever/page/2#post-2502279 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:56:16 +0000 Boogs 2502279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Same as @Anagram: but it's saggy in a way that I don't think exercise or diet would help. I wish I could afford a membership at a gym with child care, at least I feel like I would at least improve things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2502089 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 15:43:14 +0000 Mrs. Detour 2502089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: I'm in the same boat. 14m pp, after gaining almost 90lbs with DS1 (I had out-of-control swelling and was on bedrest). I'm actually under my pp weight, but now have a lip of saggy skin that I just can't get rid of. Pair that with a 4-finger diastasis, and I still get seats offered to me on the subway. Barre has really helped me, but I only go once a week since it's spendy and that's all the time I get. </p> <p>I love DS, but I really hate what pregnancy did to my body. I hate that I don't have time to fix it. Granted, the time issue is about me prioritizing other things, but I still hate that I have to triage myself out for now.</p> <p>As a consolation prize I've bought better underthings. I love the retro high-waisted hanky panky underwear since they cover it up without looking like they are trying to cover something up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501919 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:49:11 +0000 Trailmix 2501919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it helps, it took me almost 3 years to get anywhere near back to what I was pre-pregnancy. I gained almost 70 lbs with my twin pregnancy and gigantic by the end, plus ended up with a significant diastasis recti. The first year I was BFing and couldn't lose much weight at all. Once I weaned and found a little more time to work out, I have slowly come down to about 3 lbs up from my pre-pregnancy weight. But again, it's taken almost 3 years to get here! And the difference for me between 8 months pp and 3 years pp is significant, so don't give up hope that how you look now is how you will look forever! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501904 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:42:45 +0000 pwnstar 2501904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: I think it's totally okay to care about it. It doesn't mean that you're not grateful for being healthy or that you're not grateful to have your beautiful child(ren). I also don't think its overly vain to want to prioritize/improve/fix it in whatever manner you see fit. And nobody should give you any flack about your decision(s). Because it's just that. Your decision(s). Your body is not your identity (we are all so much more than just our appearance), but it is part of who you are. And there is no shame in admitting that. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501889 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:35:26 +0000 simplyfelicity 2501889@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: I am not that skinny. My belly looks more like this (not me.) I definitely have some weight to lose but I want to manage my expectations also about the loose skin. </p> <p>[attach=4953/16/o4ejn2.206x245.belly.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501881 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:26:20 +0000 Mamaof2 2501881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: if its truly sagging skin it may never go away w/o surgery - reminds me of a blogger I follow who posted her pics - </p> [attach=4342/16/o4ej7w.600x400.mystomach.jpg] [attach=4342/16/o4ej7x.600x400.mystomach1.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501875 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:22:43 +0000 simplyfelicity 2501875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dc yoga bee: Good for you! I definitely am not skinny but I'm not overweight either. There is some serious flab going on but it's mostly loose skin (does that make sense?) So, I am not sure if working out would do much for loose skin but I guess there is no way to know unless I do something about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501814 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 12:45:05 +0000 FancyGem 2501814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a similar issue. I was contemplating plastic surgery because I was working out at least 1 hour per day. I found out that I have thyroid issues, I'm gluten intolerant, and I'm allergic to dairy. Once I started getting help, my stomach stays pretty flat even when I don't get to work out. I have to eat gluten and dairy free, plus I go to a holistic doctor (which is less expensive than all of the specialist that I was seeing). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501782 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 12:27:34 +0000 Adira 2501782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: Same here with lunch - it's unpaid, so I usually end up working through it. If I didn't, I'd have to get up even earlier to get all my hours in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501775 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 12:22:38 +0000 rachiecakes 2501775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: thank you, friend. you are too kind :heart: </p> <p>I feel like the only thing I can do for myself (besides walking/playing/running all over the place with J on the weekends) is yoga at home. Mostly planks and stretches. Cardio is not going to happen in a 2nd/3rd floor apartment.</p> <p>We get an unpaid 1/2 hour lunch and I work in a small (two story converted home) office in the middle of nowhere. That's out, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501752 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:55:23 +0000 looch 2501752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My problem is that I feel it takes forever for me to see results, so I get frustrated and stop. </p> <p>I know I need to work out, I was just at the doc today and got the lecture about weight bearing exercise for osteo health. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501749 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:54:02 +0000 KayKay 2501749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@adira: the only time i could get that done while working FT was if i planned on working out Sat/Sun, and then 2x during the workweek -- either during lunch-break, at a random time if i worked from home, or in the evening. but even for someone who likes working out, it's tough! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501690 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:26:40 +0000 Adira 2501690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: Well, whatever you are doing is working! You look fantastic!! :D But yes, there's almost no time, and what little time I have, I want to spend doing other things than working out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501681 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:22:07 +0000 rachiecakes 2501681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: same! I get up at the crack of dawn to get to work, pick up LO directly after work, make dinner, clean, bathe, etc. and am in bed at 9:30/10 so I can get 7ish hours of sleep, maybe.<br /> DH doesn't get home until after LO and I are in bed. It's a struggle to pick up prescriptions and do grocery shopping, never mind find 45 mins one day a week for myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501678 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:20:13 +0000 artsyfartsy 2501678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Walks are walks 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501666 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:14:07 +0000 avivoca 2501666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that everyone can find time, but we also have to adjust our expectations. There's no way I could work out 40-50 minutes every day, but if I can do one day, that's something. Or even if I just make sure I walk at lunch or make small changes, like taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Maybe if I stopped eating cake, but I love cake so I won't stop eating it. By making small changes and working out maybe twice a week (once on Mondays, once on Friday/Saturday) as it fit my schedule, I was slimming down/toning up with changes to my diet as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501661 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:09:15 +0000 Adira 2501661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artsyfartsy: I mean, I guess if working out is your hobby, then more power to you, but working out is just more work for me, so it's not going to happen!</p> <p>I do go for walks at work when it's nice out, but they are walks to Dunks, so... :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501652 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:07:10 +0000 artsyfartsy 2501652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I feel you. They say everyone has time but if I make time I would be miserable and have no time to myself. Right now I'm working full time, running an etsy shop, teaching art classes, and chasing after a 2 year old. Oh and I'm pregnant and sick AF. </p> <p>I try and eat lunch at my desk and use my lunch time to walk outside when I can. Once I stopped putting pressure on myself to fix it I've been feeling so much better. </p> <p>I have a big poochy belly but IDGAF </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501575 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 10:32:27 +0000 Adira 2501575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm jealous of anyone who has time to work out 30-60 minutes a day 4-5 times a day and has kids. I mean, I guess if I want to kiss whatever little life I have good-bye and/or forgo what little sleep I'm getting, it's totally doable, but f-- that.</p> <p>I'm already getting up at 5:00 every day, working a 9 hour day, picking up the kids from daycare, making dinner, playing, putting them to bed, and then it's 8:00 p.m. (if I'm lucky and Xander goes to bed nice enough) and I go to bed at 9:30. Add in time for keeping a happy marriage (which is hard to do when you're exhausted), but there's no time left for working out unless I decide to spend less time with my kids, my husband, or my bed. NOPE.</p> <p>That saggy belly is here to stay, I'm afraid! But like @oliviaoblivia: I've accepted it, I snuggle my babies whenever they let me, and I'm trying to eat healthy when I can! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2501553 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 10:23:29 +0000 dc yoga bee 2501553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I met with a nutritionist, and she said diet has a lot to do with it. Reducing body fat, cardio cardio cardio if you're overweight she said you really need 45min 5x a week (who has time!!), and core work to strengthen it. I just started her plan, and already my pooch has gotten a little smaller in a week. It's fitting in the cardio that's the hard part. But, it takes time my dear, time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2492839 Sat, 12 Mar 2016 02:56:35 +0000 Kimberlybee 2492839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: Such a lovely reminder to love and be kind to our bodies! Thanks for this reminder. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2492297 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 15:18:00 +0000 jh524 2492297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: focusing on reducing overall body fat would be #1 goal as well as spot reducing so focusing on getting your core strong again. So cardio is #1, minimum of 30 -60 minutes 4 or 5 times a week and core strength/toning, 10 minutes every other day.<br /> You could also do a 20 minutes cardio session and then add a 20 toning session later in the day when you have time!<br /> Focus on core work, like plank will really help tighten that midsection. Pilates, PiYo are some great options. </p> <p>Here are some of my favorite videos below. Please remember that your midsection will take time to heal and if you feel any discomfort you should listen and not push it too hard.<br /> I love Xhit Daily because the workouts are short and you can do one or two workouts depending on your schedule that day. I think circuit or hiit training is best for burning fat but it's important to find something you like to do :happy: </p> <p>Focusing on reducing overall body fat, cardio is king but incorporating strength training will help you burn fat faster because Muscle burns Fat! So start lifting some weights, your own body weight counts, and sweat sweat sweat!!! </p> <p>Core/Abdominal<br /> <a href="http://youtu.be/reQNxaFhcBo" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/reQNxaFhcBo</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/mBiWl_4fbzk" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/mBiWl_4fbzk</a></p> <p>Cardio/strength:<br /> <a href="http://youtu.be/ZBDfKWgwmo0" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/ZBDfKWgwmo0</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/VhdXXqcoco0" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/VhdXXqcoco0</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/2r93KeVTrac" rel="nofollow">http://youtu.be/2r93KeVTrac</a></p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2492286 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 15:14:17 +0000 edelweiss 2492286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>about 8 months postpartum and having a similar issue--i'm going to give it 2 years of normal exercise and eating until i accept it as my new body shape. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/saggy-belly-after-pregnancyis-this-forever#post-2492282 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 15:08:31 +0000 DesertDreams88 2492282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplefelicity: same belly here at 6wks pp and I'm sure it'll be the same for a longggg time for me. Lots of excess skin!</p> <p>@oliviaoblivia: loveeee what you said, made me tear up.... Darn pp hormones </p>