What will my postpartum belly after baby look like is a question moms think about over the months of pregnancy. We watch with delight, but also maybe with a little fear, as our pregnancy bellies expand to accommodate baby during pregnancy. Over nine months, the uterus will slowly expand to 1,000 times its original size, and as it grows so does the belly which becomes firm and distends to create the baby bump. We stare in awe at our ever growing baby bump, but once baby arrives many moms are sometimes unpleasantly surprised at the look of their belly after baby.

The reality is your body just grew another human being and that is amazing. And to be able to do its job, your body, especially the belly, had to make some significant changes. Try not to worry too much about your belly after baby and remember it is normal to have a post baby pouch for many months. It took you nine months to have the baby so be patient and give your body, and your stomach, the time it needs to recover. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re taking care of your body during recovery.

Help Your Uterus, Reduce Swelling and Support Muscles with a Postpartum Belly Band to Return to Your Pre-Pregnancy Size

Immediately after birth, the uterus will start to do its part to help your belly after baby. Hormonal changes and nursing will cause the uterus to start to contract and shrink. To help expedite this process you may consider a postpartum abdominal band or wrap that will compress the abdominal muscles and may help the uterus return to its original size and position more quickly. Postpartum belly wraps also help reduce swelling and support abdominal muscles that may have weakened during pregnancy. Breastfeeding will also help slim your belly after baby by burning extra calories (up to 500 calories per day).