Regaining your figure

Pregnancy puts a great deal of strain on both tissue and muscles, especially the womb and pelvic floor. During the first few weeks after the birth, your body will feel quite different; your tummy, no longer full and round, may appear loose and saggy.

Immediately after the birth, the most important thing is to rest, eat properly, drink enough fluids and find a little time to relax.  Nevertheless, after consulting with your midwife, doctor or health visitor, you could start with some light exercises to help regain your shape. Six to eight weeks after the birth, you could even join a post-natal gymnastics class. Your doctor’s surgery, local hospital or even local sports and leisure centre may also offer post-natal exercise classes. In addition to the all important pelvic floor exercises, exercises which gently strengthen the tummy and back muscles are also helpful.

A very effective aid for regaining your figure is breastfeeding because it stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin, which in turn stimulates the recovery of the womb. Breastfeeding has another very special advantage: it assists in melting away those extra pounds, which the body gained during pregnancy. However, it is very important to eat regularly and healthily, and drink plenty of fluids during this time to ensure your own energy levels are maintained and for the growth and health of your baby.

Gentle figure-shaping with the Anita maternity ReBelt® Panty

It will take time for your tummy, hips and bottom to recover their shape. The Anita maternity ReBelt® Panty can be an effective aid to help you through this process. Made of breathable, stretch microfibre which is adjustable at the sides, the ReBelt® Panty helps support your tummy as well as gently shaping these problem areas, so that it continues to feel supportive and comfortable to wear even weeks or months after the birth. It also helps support the abdomen after a Caesarian section or abdominal operation.