[chrmiller]

How do I lose this great big pouch? I gave birth 2 weeks ago and I still look preggo. I have not been given the go-ahead to workout yet by my doc.

[LLV]

It's only been 2 weeks, you have to give yourself time. Time to spend with your child and not worry about pouches. Worry about that later.

Just my humble opinion, of course

[lucky]

I agree. You were pregnant for nine months - your body isn't going to bounce back in two weeks. So, relax for now and enjoy the baby. As soon as your doctor gives you the okay to exercise you can get down to business. In fact, you may be surprised by how much better the pouch has gotten on its own by then. It won't be perfect but it will be better.

[bmw82301]

My new baby is almost 2 months and when I got the go-ahead 3 weeks ago my doctor told me to start out slow. Walking on the treadmill or light weightlifting. She said I'll notice that my body will get tired a LOT quicker than pre-baby. I had cancelled my membership to the YMCA so now I need to come up with a game plan.

[numb]

Two weeks is really to early to be doing anything. They say 6 weeks before lifting anything over the size of your baby. Enjoy his or her newborn stage. It won't last nearly long enough. I spent every minute with my son and it still wasn't enough. You can "fix" things later. You can never get your newborn back.
That being said, I know how you feel. I have a 7 and 1/2 month old and it is difficult to see what we are left with post-pregnancy. You will get there eventually. ((hugs))

[chrmiller]

I agree and am having a ball with my newborn. I guess I am just an impatient person and while being busy, busy, busy and tired, tired, tired, I guess looking better would raise my spirits a bit. After all, I was over 200 lbs when I came home from the hospital! Ugh!!!

[aphil]

Other than light walking...you really need to NOT be doing anything strenuous until your doctor's visit around the 6 week point.
I have had two LARGE babies (10lb4oz, and 9lb4oz PREMATURE, respectively) and there are many reasons for the "pouch".
There are many reasons to take it easy. Pregnancy is much more than just the belly getting larger with the baby. Your body went through many, many changes to accomodate that growing child. Your internal organs actually SHIFT positions in your body cavity as the child grows!!! Your heart and lungs are included! Not only that, but your body produces more blood volume, different hormones, your hips "loosen" from their joints...many, many things happen during pregnancy. It takes the 6 week period, not only for the uterus to slowly shrink back down, but for all of the other things that happened to return to normal.
The "pouch" right after having a baby is from multiple things-your uterus went from the size of a lime to large enough to carry your child, the placenta, the bag of waters...it needs time to slowly shrink back down, and for it to "empty" of the tissues and blood and such. (Nursing will help speed this process-sorry if I am being too descriptive. LOL) Also-when you are pregnant, your core muscles weaken. I had a lot of back pain after my children, simply because my back muscles and abs were completely weakened from carrying those large babies. It took a few months of Pilates and ab and back exercises and dancing to get things back where they should be-it helped the appearance of the pouch some, but more than that-it helped me feel better to strengthen them again (no pain) and regain my proper posture.
The third reason for the pouch...your muscles are not only weakened in this area...but so was your skin. Most women who have small babies of 5 or 6 pounds don't have too much trouble in this area...but regular to large sized babies give stretch marks, and the skin doesn't "bounce back" always. I have really, really worked my abs and back...and lost weight...but still, after carrying around a 10lb+ baby...the skin in my lower abs will never be taut and firm again. It just won't, and I have accepted that. I do what I can, use firming lotions after I shower-and it helps with the appearance, but it just won't go back to the way it was "pre-baby". Motherhood does change some things for good...but I can live with that. My children are worth it...and besides, my lower abs where the problem is is covered by my clothes, and noone sees that besides physicians and my husband, so it doesn't really bother me.