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Mom's Day Off

Mommy Makeovers A way to get your pre-baby body back By Nirav Savalia, M.D., Elisabeth Deffner and Kari WirtzPublished: May, 2009

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As a father of three, I know that children are among life’s greatest treasures, but we all know what mothers sacrifice to birth these bundles of joy. For many, the joy of childbirth is later joined by worry, as moms realize that their bodies are not reverting back to their pre-baby state.     Celebrities always seem to squeeze into size 2s a month after delivery, but what is a real woman to do when confronted with stretched and sagging breasts, loose and damaged skin and a new propensity to gain weight on the hips and thighs?     Throughout history, these results were accepted as part of motherhood, largely because women had little recourse. Lately, however, many moms are refusing to accept this. Every week, I consult women on what is commonly referred to as the “Mommy Makeover.”     A woman’s appearance can have a psychological effect after childbirth. Stretched skin and stubborn pockets of fat leave many moms feeling undesirable and frustrated, especially if they are working out regularly and still can’t get their pre-baby bodies back. Every week, women of all sizes, shapes and nationalities come to me to help them reclaim their lost confidence.     The effects of childbirth on skin are particularly pronounced. Like a coiled spring that’s been pulled past its breaking point, the skin has lost its recoil. This leaves the breasts sagging, the stomach skin loose, and abdominal muscles weakened and spread apart.      One solution is body reshaping with plastic surgery: a tummy tuck to tighten muscles and remove loose stretched skin, a breast lift and/or implant to fill out and lift sagging breasts, and liposuction to treat stubborn fat.     This is not unique to Orange County; statistics show that the boom in Mommy Makeovers may be attributed to more women having children later in life and the affordability of plastic surgery – once a luxury available only to the very rich.     A Mommy Makeover should only be considered after you decide your childbearing years are over. Wait about six months after your last pregnancy before undergoing plastic surgery. This allows your body to heal and for weight to stabilize, optimizing results. Dr. Nirav Savalia is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach. MOM'S GIVEAWAY NUMBER 4 Enter to win a Hydrate Gift Collection from Number 4 High Performance Hair Care. The gift set includes L’eau de Mer Hydrating Shampoo, Condition and Body Lotion.     Number 4 products gently cleanse with no sulfates and style with no alcohols. Better yet, Number 4 products do not contain ingredients potentially toxic to humans and the environment.     For your chance to win, go to our home page, and click on the "Mom's Day Off Contest" banner, located on the bottom right (scroll down). April’s contest winner: Kristen Bachman, of Aliso Viejo Moms in pain Chronic conditions should be addressed Between getting kids off to school and chauffeuring them all over town while juggling home and workplace responsibilities, moms don’t have time for pain. So, when moms do feel under the weather, most try to push through it, more focused on to-do lists than on their own health.     That may work with a simple cold, but it’s definitely not a good plan when you’re struggling with real pain. Acute pain – a sprained ankle, a toothache, a headache – is sometimes more easily managed than chronic pain. If pain persists – or, worse, progresses – consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan for getting your pain under control.     Pain can be the result of any number of conditions to which women are particularly susceptible. From migraines to chronic pelvic pain, arthritic conditions or fibromyalgia (a chronic widespread pain disorder accompanied by debilitating fatigue), the causes are numerous. Getting accurately diagnosed can be extremely difficult. Pain can mimic other issues and is often misdiagnosed.     Fortunately, there are many ways to manage painful conditions. Lifestyle modifications – a consistent sleep regimen, a healthy diet and a balance of work and relaxation – can make a big difference. Complementary and alternative therapies such as meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can also provide relief. And new medications are always in development to better address pain conditions.     The best advice: Listen to your body, so you’ll know when something’s not right. And please, don’t ignore it. Elisabeth Deffner is executive editor of Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine, published by the National Fibromyalgia Association: 714.921.0150 Pacific Waters Spa I arrived at Pacific Waters Spa in the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach more than ready for a little momME time. Working in a full-time, high-pressure job while raising a 3-year-old boy leaves little time for any relaxation, let alone, serene indulgence.     My appointment time was 1 p.m., but my massage was not until 1:30. The Hyatt checks clients in half an hour early so they can unwind using the sumptuous spa facilities, which include a sauna, steam room and hot tub to foster relaxation and loosen muscles prior to treatments.      My first treatment was an aromatherapy massage. My therapist used a lotion that was scented with citrus and evoked memories of a 50/50 bar. Tranquil music and a dim room set the mood for ultimate relaxation.     I laid face-down on the heated massage table (which are the best), and my therapist began a full body massage with light to medium pressure starting from my shoulders and ending at my feet. She then wrapped my feet in warm towels, further deepening my relaxation.     After the massage, I was taken into the relaxation room with a glass of water. I lounged in a room filled with cozy chairs, a blazing fireplace and a selection of magazines. Clients rest here between treatments, to bask in the afterglow and transition to their next appointment. Services are scheduled 15 minutes apart to keep a tranquil pace.     After being called for my pedicure, I chose a color and chatted with the pedicurist while she pampered my feet. It was longer and more thorough than any I’d ever received. Later, I went back to the relaxation room, where I sat in front of the fire with a magazine while my toes dried.     I probably lingered long after the polish dried, but I was in no hurry. I don’t think I’ve had this much time to myself since my son was born. Every mom should treat herself once in awhile. > Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Pacific Waters Spa 21500 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach 714.698.1234 Ask about their Mommy Mondays specials. Kari Wirtz is OC Family's art director.

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