A woman’s tummy may remain big after delivery because of accumulation of tummy fat during pregnancy, stretching and weakness of your tummy muscles, and because it takes time for the womb to reduce.

Tips on getting a flat tummy after childbirth

1. Breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months; this helps your womb to reduce faster
2. Eat foods rich in fibre e.g. oats, beans, rice
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
4. Reduce intake of foods rich in fat and sugar e.g., chocolate, cakes
5. Avoid heavy and late-night meals
6. Take at least 3 litres of water a day
7. Do gentle exercises e.g., brisk walk
8. Intake of green tea
9. Take lukewarm water to which lemon and honey are added.

It takes time for the tummy to reduce, so add some patience.

**it is possible to have a weak, lax or separated abdominal muscle wall after delivery, a condition called rectus diastasis. This condition makes it more difficult to have a reduced tummy size after birth. The following can help in such cases;

1. Abdominal compression garments
2. Abdominal exercises; visit your doctor and physiotherapist for necessary recommendation