postpartum bodies

Breastfeeding makes the pregnancy pounds melt off. That statement, and other's like it, are reason enough for many mamas to put their babies to their breasts. Celebs such as Naomi Watts and Angelina Jolie have credited their baby's feeding schedules with their own rapid weight loss, so many of us bought the claim hook, line, and sinker — including Jenna Fischer.

While walking the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Jenna Fischer talked about her struggle to lose the baby weight, saying:

Let me please stand in solidarity with all of the women who are not a size 2 six weeks after leaving the hospital. I thought, you read all of the stuff in magazines like, "Oh, I breastfed my baby and I am so skinny now." I am breastfeeding my baby and I am not getting any skinnier! I think I'm just going to be a little bit bigger for a little bit longer, and that's fine with me.

Jenna, whose son Weston Lee is four months old, joins Salma Hayek — who told Oprah that nursing did nothing to help her lose the weight — and countless others, including myself, who actually found the opposite to be true.

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Did Breastfeeding Really Help You Lose the Weight?

Yes — I didn't diet a bit, but I nursed my tot and lost the weight.

No — I had to concentrate on losing the weight even though I breastfed.

I Don't Know — I dieted and breastfed, so I'm not sure which was more effective.

When I had my C-section, my mom (who had two of her own) told me her only regret after having my brother was that she didn't request a tummy tuck after delivery, a somewhat shocking statement from my totally low-key, nonvain mother. Of course, back then, I was still operating under the illusion that my body would snap back to its prepregnancy state within a few months and my formally flat abs would return with little to no effort. Now, nine and a half months later, I'm still holding on to seven pounds of baby weight. Despite working out three to four times a week, I'm sporting stretch marks that, for some reason, only affected my left side, and I'm still trying to embrace my other pregnancy parting gifts: back fat, wider hips, and flattened chest — one side effect I totally didn't expect!

Considering I've always been very small-chested, I didn't think pregnancy and breastfeeding would take too big of a toll, but going from an A cup to a C+, then back again, has not been pretty, and suddenly, I'm thinking a boob job might not be a bad idea. Are you on the same page as me? Would you consider a postbaby breast lift or implants? Weigh in below!

popsugar poll

Would You Have a Postbaby Boob Job?

No — I'm embracing my postbaby breasts.

Yes — After my final baby, I'm visiting my plastic surgeon.

That's a wrap! Amongst the many challenges and concerns that most new mamas face in the aftermath of pregnancy is the universal desire to get their prebaby body back — or as close as possible, anyway. When a new mama is ready to get back in shape (after her doctor gives her the all clear), she has some tools at her disposal in addition to the age-old strategies of eating well and exercising.

Postpartum belly wrapping or girdling isn't a new concept, but the last few years have seen an explosion in the popularity of modern belly wraps like the Belly Bandit and Tauts, created by super hot celeb mama of four Brooke Burke.

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Did you — or will you — use a belly wrap postpregnancy?

Yes — I'll take all the help I can get!

No — Eating right and exercise are all you need.

Forget teddy bears, flowers, and jewelry, there's a new game in town when it comes to new-mama gifts. Push presents have been around for years, but they're getting bigger and better. Just this year, Rachel Zoe was the lucky recipient of a 10-carat diamond ring after giving birth to baby Skyler, and Mariah Carey gloated about her new pink diamond and sapphire necklace after giving birth to twins Monroe and Morocco. But how would these mamas feel if they were given the gift of a trip to a fat camp to lose extra pounds instead of glittery jewelry?

Premier Fitness Camp, a fat camp of sorts, has put together a "Body Back" package intended to help new mamas return to their fighting weight. For $4,550, mom can visit the Park City, UT, retreat and receive daily fitness and nutrition training, massages, chef-prepared meals, and a complimentary Belly Bandit. According to the literature about the program, it is intended, "for fathers who are looking for the best push present without diamonds."

Source: Flickr User The ShutterBabe

popsugar poll

Would you prefer this type of gift something sparkly after giving birth?

Yes — It would be just what I needed to kick my butt into gear.

No — Who can think of weight loss immediately after giving birth?

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.