Mum Bum Syndrome: What is it and How To Lose One

Motherhood is a remarkable journey that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. As a mother, however, your body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. One such change that many women experience is the transformation of their once-toned derriere into what is commonly known as the "mum bum."

The 'Mum bum' is a term used to describe buttocks that have increased in size, become more prominent, saggier, or flatter due to the body-changing effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the body.

The great news is that post-pregnancy, your butt isn't confined to a permanent state; you can still work to get the one you had before or one that even looks better to fit your new aesthetic ideals. 

Different people find different motivating factors to address their "mom butt," from health benefits, the opportunity to look fitter, or the simple desire to wear your favorite clothing without the awkward or cringe glance in the mirror. 

Read on to get a clear idea of what causes the notorious mum bum, possible health concerns associated with significant changes to the size of your backside, and ways to achieve the buttocks of your dreams. 

Understanding the Mum Bum: Why Does Pregnancy Cause Your Buttocks To Change?

During pregnancy, your body goes through significant changes to accommodate the growing life within you. These changes extend beyond the expanding belly and can affect various areas, including the buttocks. The mum bum refers to the softer and rounder shape many mothers develop after giving birth. It is a natural result of weight gain, hormonal shifts, and the stretching of the skin and muscles during pregnancy.

Several factors can alter the appearance of your buttocks during pregnancy, including weight gain and the overall widening of your abdomen. Minor factors you can't control, mainly due to genetics, such as your skeletal structure and alignment, can also play a part.

Studies have demonstrated that pregnant women in their third trimester have increased pelvic extensor muscle activation. The more abdominal volume achieved, the wider your abdomen becomes.

That's why during pregnancy, it's common to overstretch your muscles that support your posture, giving you tight anterior muscles, which causes you to decrease activation of your upper back, abdomen, and glutes. Ergo, less activated glutes mean muscle loss or droopier buttocks.

Excess Fat Around The Buttocks: Any Health Issues?

Research about the potential health risks of bigger buttocks is quite uncertain. Essentially, all forms of fat loss are better for you, and a study conducted in 2010 stated that reducing lower body fat may increase your risk of metabolic conditions and heart disease.

The opposite was found in a 2018 study, where losing gluteal and leg fat was beneficial to diminishing cardiovascular disease risks. The literature states that cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory issue that is influenced by the presence of excess body fat.

If you weighed more than your normal range at the start of your pregnancy or acquired more than the appropriate amount of pregnancy weight, you risk retaining this new weight. This increases your chances of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you have gestational diabetes, you will likely develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

The Beauty of the Mum Bum

While society often pressures women to maintain a specific body type, it's essential to recognize the beauty in the mum bum. This physical transformation symbolizes motherhood's incredible journey and your body's strength. Embracing your mum bum is an opportunity to celebrate the unique and remarkable changes within you.

That said, if your mom butt causes you a lack of self-confidence or health concerns, as listed above, you may want to take steps to lose it. 

Fitness Tips for Toning Your Mom Butt

1. Incorporate Strength Training: Engage in exercises that target your glutes, such as squats, lunges, and hip thrusts. These movements help tone and firm your mum bum.

2. Cardiovascular Exercises: Incorporate cardiovascular exercises like jogging, cycling, or swimming to burn excess fat and enhance overall fitness.

3. Join a Postnatal Fitness Class: Explore postnatal fitness classes specifically designed to address the unique needs of mums and help you regain strength and tone in your buttocks. These classes often provide a supportive community of fellow mothers, making your fitness journey more enjoyable.

Self-Care and Body Positivity for Mums

If you are not too concerned about your mum bum and view it as more of a nuisance than anything else, self-affirming practices can help you maintain a positive life outlook. Here are a few ways to do so:

1. Practice Self-Care: Make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Practice healthy routines like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing meditation to nurture your mind and body.

2. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Spend lots of time with a supportive network of friends and family who uplift and empower you. Their positive influence will boost your confidence and help you proudly embrace your mum bum.

3. Celebrate Your Achievements: Take a moment to celebrate your achievements as a mother and the changes your body has gone through. Acknowledge the strength and resilience it took to bring life into this world.

Treating The Mum Bum Syndrome

Mothers looking to replenish lost fullness in their buttocks or sculpt away stubborn fat for good should consider opting for a Mummy Makeover Procedure.

With advanced techniques like the AirSculpt Mommy Makeover, women can revitalize their post-pregnancy body with a combination of fat removal and transfer to sculpt commonly affected areas such as the abdomen, breast, or buttocks.

In the case of a mum bum, the AirSculpt® Power Brazilian Butt Lift can take fat from one area of your body that has excess fat, such as the abdomen. Next, it harvests it to be injected into the buttocks in the case of having a flatter buttock. Patients remain wide awake the entire time, a major advantage compared to more invasive makeovers requiring general anesthesia. 

If you want to reduce the size or shape of your buttocks due to excess fat, our standard AirSculpt fat removal can do as such without the use of scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia.

The next generation of body sculpting has arrived in London. Mothers that want to reobtain pre-pregnancy buttocks no longer have to worry, thanks to the power of AirSculpt®. To start working with our body sculpting experts, schedule your consultation at our London body contouring location.