How To Lose Pregnancy Weight

Posted: 14. July, 2010 0

Although having a baby is a wonderful experience for any woman, after enduring nine months of pregnancy symptoms, including 5-6 months of extra weight, it’s quite natural to want to normalize your weight and regain your pre-pregnancy shape as soon as possible. Weight loss after pregnancy can often be slow, and some mothers may find this a bit frustrating. It is very important that you do not go on a crash or fad diet in the post partum period.

Losing Weight and Feeling Great

Your doctor will probably recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise or activity until you have had your six week post partum check up. In fact, until this point in time it is likely that you will not feel much like exercising vigorously.

During the initial recovery period however, if you feel up to it you might consider taking your newborn for a stroll. Walking is a wonderful form of exercise that will not only help improve your health and help you lose weight, but also clear your mind and help you fight back against post partum depression.

If you haven’t already, you should purchase some clothes that fit. Chances are it will take some time for you to fit back into you pre-maternity clothes, and you will have shrunk to a size that makes wearing your maternity clothes unreasonable a few weeks after delivery.
Why have some clothes on hand? By looking great and feeling great you will not fret as much about weight loss and will improve your self esteem. This will help you focus on being healthy rather than simply losing weight.

Here are a few tips for getting rid of the excess weight after pregnancy:

Don’t diet for the first three months postpartum. Start out by just eating a well-balanced diet and moving your body. Once your menstrual cycle normalizes, you can follow a sensible weight-loss program if you feel that you need to.
Start out slow with exercise. If you didn’t exercise during your pregnancy, don’t jump into a vigorous routine right away. Your body is still healing, and it needs time to adjust to the new movements. Start by taking walks around the block with your baby. Walking is an excellent (and low-impact) way to get your body primed for more vigorous exercise at a later date when your body can handle it.
Store healthy and fresh foods in your kitchen. Try to avoid highly processed and fatty foods. In other words, back away from the chips and dips! Eating plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products will not only help you lose weight, but it will also stick with you longer.
Eat several small, healthy meals a day. This keeps your energy up, especially if you are breastfeeding, as well as keeps your metabolism primed.
Most importantly, seek advice from your doctor before changing your diet or starting any new exercise program!
Be patient. Though it might seem like other new moms are able to lose their postpartum weight right away, keep in mind that every woman’s body is different. If you eat right and exercise regularly, the weight will come off!

The postpartum period for a new mom is rough on many levels. You are exhausted, excited, and exasperated. Concentrate on your new baby, but don’t neglect yourself. Weight loss after pregnancy is possible if you eat healthy foods, get sufficient exercise, and take a few moments for yourself when you can. Don’t give up hope, you can do it!