Baby Belly

I was looking at my lower abdomen the other day and realized it still looks as if attacked by animals because the stretch marks are so bad. Its been two and a half years since I was pregnant but its still not looking good. I'm wondering if anybody knows of anything that I can do for my stretch marks at this point. And what are your tricks for not getting them in the first place?
While thinking about this I remembered some tips my sister gave me on how to lose the little lower abdomen bulge that so many mothers have. Here it is for you:


How to shape up after delivery
by Madline Johnson

Before you give up on losing the belly fat that's still lingering months after the birth of your baby--wait. You may need abdominal moves that better target the real cause of your pooching tummy, says Julie Tupler, R.N., a childbirth educator and certified fitness trainer. Her book, Lose Your Mummy Tummy, details her belly-flattening program.
During pregnancy, your expanding uterus pushes apart the vertical abdominal muscles and weakens the thin band of tissue that connects them. After delivery, the separation may not completely close, allowing the internal organs to bulge. Over time, this can lead to poor posture and lower-back pain. Traditional ab exercises may not help if they don't target the deeper, horizontal layer of muscle, which is what helps pull the vertical muscles together, says Tupler.
To reunite the separated halves, Tupler recommends that new moms who have their doctor's okay start these daily exercises within 24 hours of giving birth. You'll see less pooch in as little as six weeks.
Elevators
Sit in a chair with one hand above your navel and one below so you can feel your abs moving in and out. Imagine that your belly is an elevator and inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your middle fully; this is the "first floor." Now exhale through your mouth, pulling your navel toward your spine; this is the "fifth floor." Do five little squeezes, picturing your navel going out the back of your spine; this is the "sixth floor." Do 10 times.
Contractions
Sit in a chair, one hand above your navel and one below. Inhale and expand your belly, bring it back about halfway (thirdy floor), then exhale and pull your navel in toward your spine (fifth floor). Squeeze your belly and hold for a moment, counting aloud one. Release back to the third floor. Do 100 quick repetitions.
Standing Pelvic Tilts
Stand with legs hip-width and knees slightly bent. Rest your hands on your upper thighs. Inhale, then as you exhale, draw your abs in toward your spine and simultaneously tilt your pelvis forward by contracting your butt and pointing your tailbone down. Hold for a count of five. Do ten times.