What really works after pregnancy — and what doesn’t
Pregnancy changes your body in powerful ways.
While you may expect some weight gain, many mothers are surprised to find a persistent lower-belly bulge that doesn’t seem to go away — even months after giving birth.
That’s the “mummy tummy.”
And no, it’s not your fault — it’s a natural, structural change that happens in most women due to stretched skin, hormonal shifts, and weakened abdominal muscles. Here’s what you can (and shouldn’t) do to help your body recover safely.
Understanding Mummy Tummy
The post-pregnancy belly often comes from diastasis recti, where the connective tissue between your abdominal muscles stretches and separates during pregnancy.
Other contributors include:
- Water retention and hormonal bloating
- Slower metabolism due to fatigue and reduced activity
- Postural changes from carrying your baby
You may notice:
- Difficulty “feeling” your core muscles engage
- A soft, protruding belly that stays even when you’re not bloated
- Lower back aches or poor posture
Reference: Cleveland Clinic – Diastasis Recti After Pregnancy
✅ DO: Rebuild Core Strength Gently
Your body needs time to heal, so start with low-impact, deep-core exercises that reactivate your abdominal muscles without strain.
Safe exercises include:
- Pelvic tilts
- Kegel exercises (to strengthen the pelvic floor)
- Heel slides and wall planks
- Deep belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing)
These moves train your transverse abdominis — the muscle responsible for flattening and stabilising your core.
Avoid crunches or sit-ups early on, as they can worsen the muscle gap.
✅ DO: Eat to Heal, Not to Shrink
After childbirth, your body is in repair mode.
Focus on nourishment, not restriction.
Include:
- Protein (fish, tofu, eggs) for tissue recovery
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts) for hormone balance
- Fibre and hydration to relieve postpartum constipation
- Small, steady meals to stabilise blood sugar
Crash diets can slow your recovery, lower your energy, and affect milk supply.
✅ DO: Support Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
Hormonal changes after childbirth often cause water retention in the belly, thighs, and legs.
Light movement such as walking or stretching promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces puffiness.
For added support, gentle non-invasive treatments like V SLIM can help improve blood flow, activate muscle toning, and reduce retained fluid — making it easier for your body to return to balance naturally.
🚫 DON’T: Push Yourself Too Early
You’ve just done something incredible — your body needs rest.
Jumping back into high-intensity workouts or strict calorie cuts can:
- Delay muscle healing
- Cause fatigue and hormonal imbalance
- Worsen diastasis recti
Give your body at least 6–8 weeks postpartum (or more, depending on your doctor’s advice) before starting anything intense.
🚫 DON’T: Compare Your Progress
Social media can make it seem like everyone “snaps back” quickly after birth. But recovery depends on your hormones, genetics, and delivery type — whether natural or C-section.
It’s not a race. What matters most is rebuilding strength, posture, and confidence at your own pace.
How V SLIM Can Support Postpartum Recovery
Once you’ve been cleared for light activity, V SLIM can complement your postpartum care plan.
How it works:
- Radiofrequency (RF) gently warms tissue to boost blood circulation and tighten lax skin.
- Active Muscle Frequency (AMF) stimulates muscle contractions to rebuild tone without strain.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) enhances fat metabolism and supports lymphatic drainage.
Together, these help:
- Tighten and firm loose abdominal skin
- Reduce water retention and puffiness
- Re-activate weakened core muscles
The best part? It’s non-invasive, painless, and requires no downtime, so busy mums can easily fit it between feeds, errands, or rest time.
Postpartum Recovery Is a Journey
Your body has done something miraculous — it deserves patience and kindness, not punishment. Healing takes time, and small, consistent steps matter more than perfection.
Focus on strength, rest, and nourishment, and when you’re ready, let V SLIM give your recovery a gentle lift — so you can feel confident in your body again.