AboutHelene Byrne Expertise I can answer all questions regarding prenatal and postpartum fitness and exercise.
I will not answer any questions that are not related to prenatal and postpartum fitness and exercise. I will not answer questions regarding getting pregnant, or signs or symtoms, only fitness and exercise during and after pregnancy.
No due dates, medical problems during pregnancy, signs or symtpoms of pregnancy, pregnancy tests, vaginal problems/smells/discharge, periods or ovulation.
Experience Pre-and-Postnatal Exercise Specialist
ACE certified Personal Trainer
Author: "Exercise After Pregnancy: How to Look and Feel Your Best" Book
Author: "Bounce Back Fast! Post Natal Core Conditioning" DVD
Founder: BeFit-Mom
Teacher: Post Pregnancy Exercise Workshops
Organizations IDEA Health and Fitness Association
Publications numerous regional parenting magazine
Education/Credentials Dancing Thru Pregnancy, Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist Certification 2000
Resist-a-Ball Core Program, 1999
American Council on Exercise, Personal Trainer Certificate, 1999
Peak Performance, San Francisco, CA, Pilates Instructor Training Program, 1992
Health and Fitness Institute, Cal State Hayward, Personal Trainer Certificate, 1990
American College of Sports Medicine, Group Exercise Leader, 1989
Boston Conservatory, BFA/Dance, 1982
Awards and Honors �Bounce Back Fast! Post Natal Core Conditioning�, 2005. Winner of the Platinum Award from the Family Review Center, 2007.
Question Hi,
Growing up I always saw a lot of women in my culture tighly girdle/wrap their bellies after giving birth to help the belly get back in shape. Is this a safe practice at all?
Answer While postpartum "belly shapers" or modified girdles are sold and used by some, I do not recommend their regular use.
In fitness, out mantra is "don't wear a girdle, build a girdle." This means starting postpartum reconditioning with your deepest abdominal muscle, the Transverse Abdominis, or TvA. This is your body's internal girdle and when contracted compresses the abdominal wall.
All support devices tend to cause muscle atrophy with continued use, because if a muscle doesn't have to work, then it won't. Wearing a body shaper to pull the abs in will actually keep your TvA weak, leading to many problems such as instability, a protruding abdomen, a functional imbalance in the external and internal layers of the abdominal wall, and will prevent proper closure of the mid line (abdominal separation).
That said, I have no problem with the occasional use of a body shaper, for instance if you going out to a nice dinner, or a wedding or such and want to look your best for that night.
