Easy Ways to Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth

Pregnancy pushes internal organs and abdominal muscles out of place. Once the baby is born, the stomach is left feeling jiggly and strange. Most women want to get their tummies back to normal as quickly as possible. Time, exercise and diet are the best remedies for the postpartum stomach, but there are ways to help the process along.

Breastfeeding

Nurse your baby for at least six months to help flatten your tummy. Breastfeeding is best for baby, but it also holds a lot of advantages. Producing milk requires a lot of energy, which means your body burns up to 500 extra calories per day. As long as you make healthy food choices, this will burn off much of the extra fat the body stored during pregnancy. Since that fat usually is stored around the abdomen, your tummy should flatten from breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding also helps the uterus to shrink back to its normal size. The uterus is only about 3 inches across when you are not pregnant. During pregnancy, it stretches large enough to hold a baby. After birth, the uterus continues to contract as it returns to its original size. Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract more intensely, which will help it shrink much more rapidly.

Belly Binding

Belly binding has been popular in different cultures around the world for hundreds of years. After pregnancy, you may feel a strange sensation of your internal organs feeling loose. Your abdominal muscles probably will feel very strange as well. Belly binding does the job of holding everything in place while your skin slowly returns to normal.

Bind your belly any way you choose. You can purchase a product specifically designed for postpartum belly wrapping or make your own. Wear a tight-fitting tank top and then wrap a bandage over it, binding your stomach. Whatever way you choose, begin immediately after birth and continue wrapping your tummy each day for at least six weeks. Some midwives recommend taking the binding off only to shower.

Watch out for signs of constipation. Some women who bind their bellies suffer from constipation due to the pressure on the digestive system. If this happens, increase your fiber intake or give yourself a break from the binding for three to four hours.

Exercising

Exercising can help you lose all of the pregnancy weight. Breastfeeding and belly binding will help, but you will have to get active in order to completely flatten your tummy. Your doctor will tell you how long you must wait before beginning to workout. For most women, it will be somewhere between six and 12 weeks postpartum.

Start slowly. As soon as your doctor or midwife says it's safe, take walks with baby around the neighborhood. Begin with short walks, about 10 to 15 minutes, and gradually increase your time. Look for exercise videos designed for postpartum tummies. Yoga is especially effective for getting the abdominal muscles back in place.

How to Become a Breastfeeding Consultant

New mothers can sometimes become overwhelmed by everything that is involved with a newborn baby, including breastfeeding. Without the proper support, some mothers give up on breastfeeding because it is too hard in the beginning. A breastfeeding consultant can work in a hospital or pediatric setting to help mothers who are having trouble breastfeeding. The support you can give to a new mother can mean the difference toward a long, healthy nursing relationship.

Instructions

1

Contact your state's lactation consult organization to determine what steps are needed for your state. While the basic steps are similar, some states require a few additional steps.

2

Enroll in a college that offers health classes. To become a breastfeeding consultant, you need to either have a degree in the medical field or take 14 classes in the health field. These classes include biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and infant growth and development.

3

Complete at least 90 hours worth of human lactation courses to learn about the mechanics of nursing and how to help mothers and babies who are having trouble.

4

Work a clinical internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. A breastfeeding consultant requires 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised experience to become certified, depending on your previous experience.

5

Apply to take the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners exam by the deadline. There are two deadlines for the exam: March 15 and April 30.

6

Pay the fee and take the test at the end of July after you have completed all of the necessary prerequisites.

How to Use Breast Shields

If you intend to breastfeed but have flat or inverted nipples, your baby may have difficulty latching on to get the milk that he needs. You may also experience some dryness and soreness of your nipples after breastfeeding, which can lead to irritation and chaffing on your bra. Breast shields, also known as breast shells, are small plastic devices that come in two parts. One part is worn to help pull your nipple out a bit so that your baby can latch on more easily. The other part is worn over your nipple to protect it from chaffing.

Instructions

1

Use the breast shield that has the larger hole in it. Ensure it is thoroughly clean by washing it in warm, soapy water. Dry it and place it over your nipple firmly so that you see the nipple start to protrude out of the hole.

2

Wear the breast shells for about half an hour before you are due to feed your baby. This will help the inverted nipple to come out enough for your baby to latch on. There are small air holes in the breast shield which allow the air to circulate around your nipples. Clean your nipples thoroughly after taking off the shield before feeding your baby.

3

Wash the breast shield after use with soap and water. Breast milk may leak out, and bacteria can multiply in the damp, warm conditions next to your breast.

4

Wear the dome-shaped shield supplied in your nipple shield pack underneath your bra if you have sore or cracked nipples. Place the shield firmly over your nipple and under your bra. The shield will prevent your bra from rubbing on your sore nipples, preventing further irritation. Some shields come with foam inserts which can be used soak up leaking milk, and then washed and reused.

How to Make a Nursing Blanket

When you're out in public, you may wish to have some privacy while you nurse, without having to go sit in a restroom or off in a corner. This is when a nursing blanket comes in very handy. Using one allows you to sit with other people but still maintain some privacy. The extra weight on the back keeps it from slipping off your shoulder when baby squirms or stretches. Nursing blankets are easy to make, and you can put one together in a matter of just a few minutes.

Instructions

1

Make the weighted strap for the back. To do this, cut a strip about 8 inches wide from one of the receiving blankets. Fold it in half along the long edge, right side facing in, and press the folded edge. Use your sewing machine to stitch one short side and the remaining long side. Leave the second short side open.

2

Turn the strap right-side out. Fill the strap loosely with the Polyfill beads. Don't stuff it, because you want it to have some flexibility. After all, it's going to be up against your back. The purpose of the strap is to simply add some weight. Once you've filled the strap, take the open short end, press the raw edges inwards, and baste it shut by hand.

3

Take the second receiving blanket, and lay it flat on your work surface, right side up. Place the third blanket on top of it, right side down. What you should now have is a square, with the two right sides together. Pin the edges, and begin stitching them together. Leave an opening about 4 inches wide at one corner. The opening is where you will eventually insert the strap. Once you have stitched nearly all the way around, use the opening to turn the square so that it is right side out. Use your iron to press the square flat.

4

Insert about 2 inches of the basted end of the strap into the opening on the square. Pin it in place, pressing down the raw open edges, and use your sewing machine to sew the opening shut. The strap should be sticking out off the corner of the blanket.

5

Place the strap over your shoulder at the back, and the nursing blanket over the baby in the front. Adjust the strap so that you will be comfortable. The weight of the strap will keep the covering in place so that you and your baby can move around while nursing, without the blanket sliding off the baby.

How to Get out Breast Milk Stains in Baby Clothes

Breastfeeding is one of the most nurturing, intimate moments shared between a mother and child. Unfortunately, breast milk stains come with the territory. It can stain up your clothes and the baby's clothes. When removing breast milk stains from your baby's clothes remember to consider his sensitive, delicate skin. The fragrance and chemicals in some detergents could cause a baby to breakout.

Pre-Treat with Detergent

Pre-treat the breast milk stain by pouring laundry detergent directly on it and scrubbing it using an old tooth brush. Rinse the clothing item in the water temperature recommended by the manufacturer and repeat as necessary. You can't just use any detergent. Purchase a detergent that was created for infant and toddler clothes. These type of detergents contain less chemicals to prevent skin rashes in infants. Baby detergents are fragrance-free, free of dyes, brighteners and softeners which, could leave behind residue on the clothing. Once you pre-treat the stain wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Natural Stain Removers

Baking soda and club soda are two household products that can be used to remove breast milk stains. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and then pour club soda on top of the baking soda. This will cause your mixture to foam. Allow it to sit for approximately 30 seconds on the stain. Take a toothbrush and gently scrub the area before placing it in the washer.

Stain Removers

Stain removers are effective at removing breast milk stains from baby clothing items. It prevents the breast milk stain from setting in before you wash it. Many stain removers available are made for baby clothing--so they are not as harsh on babies' skin. Apply the stain remover according to the manufacturer's instructions. Wash the the items immediately following the stain removal treatment.

Treat It Immediatelty with Soaking

Remove breast milk stains immediately by taking the clothing item off of the baby and soaking it in water. Fill your sink or tub with just enough water to submerge the clothing item. Read the manufacturer's label to determine the water temperature of the water. Place a cap full of detergent into the water. Allow the clothing item to soak until the stain is removed. Check the items within an hour of soaking it. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the stain and help with the process move along faster. Once the stain is removed, rinse the clothes. Wash it immediately or allow it to air dry before placing it into the dirty clothes hamper.

How to Prevent Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast experienced by nursing mothers. Left untreated, it can lead to an infection of the breast requiring antibiotics, or an abscess requiring drainage, so it is important to have it treated right away. Prevention of mastitis in the first place is key and is accomplished in several different ways.

Instructions

1

Relieve engorgement of your breasts right away. Offer your baby your breast, even if she hasn't shown cues of being hungry yet. If you can't get her to nurse, pump instead, which will also help keep up your milk supply. Milk that stays in the ducts too long gets thicker, and can lead to mastitis.

2

Switch sides when your baby has fully drained one breast. If he doesn't completely drain the second breast, offer him that breast first at the next feeding. Change the position in which you hold your baby during feedings, and be sure he is latching on properly.

3

Keep to a regular breastfeeding schedule. If you are going to be away from your baby or have planned to bottle feed for some feedings, be sure to pump instead.

4

Get plenty of rest, but be sure not to sleep on your stomach or in any position that compresses the breasts. Take good care of yourself both physically and mentally and minimize stress as much as possible.

5

Recognize the symptoms of mastitis, as early treatment can keep it from getting more serious. If your breast is red, inflamed or painful (in one area or all over) and you are feeling like you have the flu, you might be developing mastitis. If you are running a fever of 101 degrees or higher, you have probably got an infection of the breast. Call your doctor as soon as possible for treatment advice or an appointment.

How Can I Get My Milk to Come In?

Breastfeeding is a nurturing bonding experience between a mother and her baby. Unfortunately, many women struggle to get their milk supply established, so that they can nurse for as long as possible. There are steps that a mom can take early on, in order to get her milk to come in quickly and in high quantities -- so that she doesn't have to supplement her baby's diet.

Instructions

1

Gently massage the breasts or nipples; Either will release oxytocin in the brain and signal that more milk is needed. Likewise, expressing some milk, while performing a breast massage sets off the body's need to produce milk to replace what was expressed.

2

Nurse your baby as much as possible, to develop a strong milk supply. This is especially true in the early weeks while your supply is establishing itself and your infant is learning how to properly nurse. Breastfeed on demand, and as a comfort technique, when your baby becomes upset, tired or overstimulated.

3

Avoid using pacifiers and bottles for at least the first four weeks of a baby's life. Nipple confusion occurs when a baby is fed through both a bottle and breast early on, or when a pacifier is offered too soon. Nipple confusion leads babies to nurse less often, as pacifiers provide comfort and bottles are easier to use. The reduced feeding leads to a lower milk supply.

4

Speak to your doctor about your milk supply. A doctor can prescribe medication such as Domperidone and Metoclopramide to help a mother build a strong milk supply. Mothers who wish to avoid taking medications while breastfeeding can try natural supplements such as Fenugreek, an herb that has been used for many years to naturally enhance a mother's breastfeeding experience.

5

Pump in between every feeding. A breast pump helps to stimulate oxytocin production and increase a mother's milk supply. Even if very little milk results, the pumping will signal the breasts to produce more milk.

6

Drink a glass of water each time the baby nurses and eat a healthy, balanced diet. In order to produce a strong, healthy milk supply a mom must remain hydrated. Likewise, a healthy diet that includes fresh foods and a prenatal multivitamin supports a mother's body while it works to establish breastfeeding.