I'm 5'5", small frame and became overweight pretty quickly after my second child. Now, I'm losing weight. I'm within 10 pounds of reaching my goal, but I'm wondering... can sit-ups and crunches help with the flabby baby-area of the tummy? Some have told me that a post-pregnant tummy can never be fully repaired. This is somewhat discouraging I want to have a flat tummy again but wondering if this can be achieved.

I should add that the person who told me that a 'flat tummy after a baby can never be achieved' is NOT a reliable source. That's why I'm asking.

Of coures it can be achieved. Excersise and get the muscle tone happening!

Just remember you can build muscle on your tummy but you can't spot reduce weight.

Just keep exercising and your body will eventually lose all over... it just takes its own sweet time.

Hi!

Sorry to be negative... A friend of mine had twins and now she's as small as she was before (she's definately thin!), but her tummy has a lot of exess skin which won't disappear. Her sons are five years old now and she's exercising regularly. The positive part: she still looks good.

I think I read somewhere that sagging skin depends on genetics, skin elasticity and other factors. For example someone that bakes in the sun will have less elasticity. Also someone with thin, dry skin. Look at your mom for an idea of your skin elasticity. I think it is very individual, but I haven't seen too many post pregnancy bellies to be certain of this. Moisturizing helps and I heard dry skin brushing could help sagging skin. I believe prevention is a good thing too. For example wear sunscreen, moisturize, and massage your skin.

Mollyann,

No one's body is the same after they have a baby. I see tons of women that have had 3 or 4 babies and still look awesome though. Good luck on your quest to lose weight and your new life with your baby. You'll fall so much in love with your baby you'll be lucky if you have time to worry about your tummy.

It IS possible!!

I am living proof!!

Patience...it's not going to happen fast, but it does happen.

Unfortunately I had it, and lost it...but I'm going to get it back!!

Keep in touch if you'd like company and we'll make it happen!

i am in EXACTLY the same boat... well, ok, except for the being thin part. i had twins 5 years ago, and yes, the skin on my tummy is destroyed... there's no other way to describe it. as i lose weight, i'm noticing the demarkation more and more between just the fat parts of my torso and the parts that were pregnancy-related. i'll eventually have to have a tummy tuck to get rid of it... i came to that conclusion long ago.

one thing you didn't mention... how old is your baby? if we're only talking a couple of months, you've probably got a good chance of your skin bouncing back, especially if this is your first. if it's been a few years already, then it's possible the loose skin won't go away on its own, and unfortunately exercise doesn't help skin, just muscle.

I have had twins too (they are almost 5) and I too can vouch for the fact that if you've had two in there then your tummy will never be the same!
However, if you have just had the one, and the bump wasn't huge or anything then it is possible to get your figure back to the way it was, however, that really does depend on your skin type and your age etc.
Don't give up trying because diet and excersise might just pay off in the long run!

Umm... the original post by Mollyann was made in 2003. Even if she was still around the forums today, by now the skin on her stomach has either recovered or is beyond saving. This thread got bumped by some weird person advertising a website...

Watch out!!!! There's a diet pill lady on the loose and you never know when or where she will strike next.

no problem, there will be someone with this issue and can come to this thread.