It is natural for a woman’s body to change and put on weight when pregnant. These changes may reverse soon after delivery, while they might take longer or even become permanent to some women. We acknowledge that losing the baby weight while still recovering from childbirth and taking care of a newborn is not an easy task.
However, it is very important to go back to a healthy weight after delivery. There is no magical postpartum weight loss formula, and sitting back expecting to “bounce back” to that pre-baby body naturally may be just but a myth. If you are committed to getting your pre-baby shape back, there are things that you can do to shed off the extra weight. Take note of the tips we have shared here below.
1. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
A crash diet is not the best way to lose weight, as most people gain all the weight back after some period. Feeding your body just enough calories through healthy, balanced diets is the best way of losing weight, especially for new moms. Watch that your calories don’t drop below the minimum recommended levels, as a deficit may affect the quality and supply of breast milk.
Have a postnatal nutritional plan with three to five meals a day and healthy snacks in between; that way, you will remain energized and satiated. Include more fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables in your diet. Avoid processed foods, saturated fats, alcohol, and sugars. The mighty steel supplements that are mom-friendly can help you with appetite suppression and fat mobilization. Skipping any meal will only give you more cravings.
2. Set realistic goals
A woman’s body needs time to relax, heal, and recover after childbirth before one can actively try to lose weight. Give yourself at least six weeks before trying to slim down, then employ a gradual approach that is safe and realistic. A drastic weight loss using healthy means is unrealistic for many women, and a six to 12 months’ postpartum weight loss plan is more realistic.
3. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding burns calories, helping you lose weight naturally. This process may be a slow one, but if only you can be patient, you will be surprised at just how much baby weight you can shed off naturally from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby for at least six months will help you lose weight and benefit the baby. Breast milk gives babies antibodies that support their immune system and provide them with much-needed nutrition to help them grow and thrive.
4. Start working out
Do not rush into working out soon after delivery, as this can lead to injuries. Give your body enough time to rest, and consult your doctor before embarking on exercises. The tummy is especially sensitive since the abdominal muscles stretched during pregnancy, and it would be advisable to go easy on tummy exercises. Combine your postpartum exercises with postnatal yoga and aerobic activities like swimming, walking, and cycling for your overall health. The one exercise that you start right after birth is the Kegels to relieve a weak pelvic floor.
5. Drink enough water
Staying hydrated is very vital when breastfeeding to replace fluids lost in milk production. Health authorities recommend taking eight ounce glasses per day, a goal that keeps you hydrated while also assisting with weight loss. Plain, unsweetened water is the best.
Endnote
Birthing another being is a process that sees a lot of things stretch, move around, and grow to make it happen. Even as you focus on getting your pre-baby body back, be easy on yourself and accept that some things may never be the same again. Make peace with that and embrace your new phase in life-motherhood. Then, focus on creating a new you that is healthy and happy.
