How can I make my tummy flat after delivery?

To flatten your tummy after delivery, you should engage in exercises that target your abdominal muscles, such as gentle Pilates or yoga, in combination with low-impact cardio to help with fat burning. In addition, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can help with weight loss. However your healing process goes, remember to honor your postpartum body and give yourself grace.

What exercises should you not do postpartum?

You should avoid intense abdominal workouts such as sit-ups, crunches, or planks immediately after delivery as they can place undue stress on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. High-intensity workouts or heavy lifting should also be avoided until your doctor gives you the all clear for such activities. You must always remember to prioritize rest and recovery during the early postpartum period.

Does exercise affect milk supply?

Moderate exercise does not generally affect milk supply. However, intense workouts can cause dehydration, potentially impacting milk production. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure that you wear a supportive sports bra during exercise to prevent discomfort.

How can I lose weight after pregnancy?

Losing weight after pregnancy is a natural process that occurs with the loss of the placenta and amniotic fluid. From postpartum and beyond, maintaining a healthy weight involves a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet. During the early postpartum period, when you’re ready to get back to exercise, you should start with light, low-impact exercises such as walking, gentle yoga, or pelvic floor exercises, and gradually increase the intensity as your body recovers. Eating a diet low in ultra-processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can also help.

Blog Editorial team Danielle Wright, MD

Danielle Wright, MD

Doctor of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Danielle Wright has over 8 years of experience as a physician in reproductive health. She completed her medical and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.

She stands as an Officer in the United States Air Force and serves as an Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Wright is the Founder & CEO of HONEY, a postpartum support platform for mothers and fathers, inspired by her own experiences and the gaps she identified in postpartum care.