Most new moms are eager to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, but for many it's a struggle. Once you've allowed yourself time to recover from childbirth, you can focus on losing some of the weight you gained. Try setting goals for yourself, but be realistic. Women often gain 25 or more lbs. during pregnancy, and it will take some time and commitment to to lose that weight. And remember that even if you do lose the weight, you may never get your pre-baby body back. Instead of dwelling on the past, embrace your new body and focus on being fit and healthy.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Remember that proper nutrition is important after having a baby, because your body needs time to recover and heal from childbirth. And if you're breastfeeding, it's especially important because what you eat affects your milk. After having your baby, try to avoid the urge to eat unhealthy foods by surrounding yourself with foods that are good for you. Stock the pantry and refrigerator with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose lean proteins such as skinless poultry, fish and lean red meats, and stick to low-fat dairy products, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It's also important to limit your intake of foods high in fat and calories, especially processed foods that have little nutritional value. Another tip is to eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day, according to "Fit Pregnancy" magazine. This can help prevent overeating and can also regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, distributing your caloric intake over the course of the day can boost your metabolism and make it less like that the calories will be stored as fat, according to "Fit Pregnancy."
Exercise
Physical exercise is an important part of any weight-loss plan, but many women find it difficult to find the energy and motivation to get up and get moving in the months after having a baby. Once you decide to start exercising, start slowly. Start with a short walk or a light workout, according to Mayo Clinic. You can gradually build up the length and intensity of your workouts over time. If you're not ready for full-blown workouts, try taking your baby for a walk in his stroller. Pushing a stroller 1 1/2 miles in 30 minutes burns 150 calories, according to "Fit Pregnancy."
Before you start exercising after childbirth, make sure you get the OK from your doctor. Women used to be instructed to wait six weeks after giving birth before exercising, but many new moms who had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery may be able to start exercising before that, according to Mayo Clinic. However, if you experienced complications or had a Cesarean section you may need to wait a little longer.
Breastfeed
Many new moms find that breastfeeding helps them shed the weight they gained during pregnancy. Although you'll need to keep your caloric intake up while breastfeeding, the extra calories it burns can help you lose the baby weight. New moms should eat an extra 500 calories each day while breastfeeding, but many moms burn between 600 and 800 calories a day just by breastfeeding, according to "Fit Pregnancy." Just remember that when you stop breastfeeding, your body doesn't need the extra calories. If you don't cut back your food intake appropriately, you could start to gain back some of the weight your lost.
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