On August 9, our Mommy ‘Bites’ BlogTalkRadio show featured a panel of body image experts who discussed the in’s and out’s as well as up’s and down’s of post-partum body image.

Our show can be replayed here in its entirety (as well as downloaded) and we encourage you to listen to it and join in our discussion with your questions and opinions.

Can you talk a little bit about tummy tucks and what it involves?

• Dr. Monaco: My opinion on tummy tucks changed dramatically once I became a mom! First thing – are you at a body weight you are happy with? First you need to get to where you are going to get on your own. A tummy tuck is a one to three hour procedure. Patients go home the same day. The biggest limitation is that the patient can’t lift more than 10 pounds for the first few weeks. Hard to do with a baby or toddler. Ideally this should be done when you are done having children.
• Kim: Mind-body connection is so closely tied. When we feel better, we look better. If you are considering this, don’t wait months or years to explore the option.
• Randi: I agree with everything being said, but a lot of women can reduce that ‘mummy tummy’ through proper exercise. I would say to wait at least a year post baby to run to get the tummy tuck. Traditional crunches are not good for the tummy. They are working superficial muscles that can actually exacerbate your stomach muscles if you have a diastases, or separation in your stomach. There are tons of exercises you can do that are completely safe that can help get rid of the mummy tummy, but this won’t help sagging skin.

Are the bands that you wrap around your tummy post birth worth it?

• Randi: 90% of women have their muscles separate, at least somewhat, post baby. If you actually pull your muscles together with the bands while you exercise, you may be able to facilitate the healing process. You can try one made by Julie Tupler. http://www.maternalfitness.com/

What is the most common question you are asked by new moms?

• Kim: Moms want to know about hyper pigmentation & stretch marks.
• Randi: How do I get my old body back???

What to do for hyperpigmentation?

• Kim: Protecting from the sun is huge to minimize hyper pigmentation.
• Dr. Monaco: Hydroquinone is the topical cream coupled with a few photofacials will help decrease the brown spots. If you don’t respond, there are stronger things you can do.

How long after birth do you have to wait for a photofacial?

• Dr. Monaco: You should wait until you have normal menstrual cycles, because a lot of times the pigment will correct itself.

What should a mom do if she has 30 minutes a day?

• Randi: I would tell the mom to do bursts of cardio followed by toning (pilates) and keep going back and forth.
• Kim: You can even do exercises while you are washing dishes, watching your kids, by getting creative. Exercise doesn’t have to be separate time from normal life.

What do you do for the wrinkles on the stomach?

• Dr. Monaco: Laser. Usually 2 to 3 sessions; maybe a year later you will need a touch up again – not a permanent fix. The laser treatments start at $1000 and can go up to $2000. Those are NYC prices! If you are in a smaller town, you might be able to get it done more cheaply.

How can we as women and moms help our children with body image?

• Kim: You need to put media in perspective. You need to educate your kids and tell them about photoshopping, etc. The pictures they see are not necessarily real life.

Is it harmful to speak negatively about your body in front of your children?

• Randi: I think to never talk about your bodies in front of your children is unrealistic, especially in our culture today. Having said that, you certainly don’t want to go out of your way talking about diets, or your looks.

Guest Contact Info:

• Dr. Monaco: www.drjoanmonaco.com
• Randi: www.nyc-pilates.com
• Kim: www.episencial.com

What are your thoughts? Share them here and also let us know your reactions to our discussion.