As you go through pregnancy, you gain weight and the shape of your body changes considerably. As soon as you have your bundle of joy, you will likely start to fantasize about taking control of your body again. Losing weight after delivery with diet and exercise is possible with proper planning.
Types
There are two types of weight reduction programs for women after pregnancy. One is for those who are breastfeeding; the other is for those who are bottle feeding. A breastfeeding woman needs 2,700 calories per day, which is 500 more calories per day than a woman who isn't breastfeeding, according to Fit Pregnancy. However, because breastfeeding burns 800 calories per day, a breastfeeding mother is able to lose weight even with this increase in calories.
Time Frame
After delivery, you can start your weight reduction program, as long as you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. For women who had a complicated birth or C-section, follow your doctor's instructions about when you can start your weight reduction plan. You can expect to lose approximately one pound per week starting in the second week postpartum if you follow a healthy diet and exercise program. During the delivery you will lose at least 10 lbs and during the first week, you will shed a lot of water weight, notes MayoClinic.com.
Components
A weight reduction program after pregnancy includes eating a healthy diet and exercising daily. Your diet should consist of vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and fruits. While you may not be able to exercise for long stretches of time shortly after delivery, you should work your way up to exercising for at least an hour on most days of the week. Your exercise can be broken up into multiple sessions throughout the day.
Considerations
During the first sleep deprived days of new motherhood, cooking healthy meals and exercising may be the last things on your mind. To help combat the urge to grab unhealthy snacks and meals, cook extra servings of any meals you do cook and freeze them for those times when you need a good meal but don't have the time or energy to cook. To get in your exercise, take a walk with your baby or walk around the house for 10 minutes after the baby goes to sleep.
Warning
It is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you in regards to how much you are doing following delivery. If your bleeding suddenly increases or if you notice that you are extremely tired or sore, take a day off from your exercise routine. You will have to take it slow when you start to exercise after delivery -- even if you were active before delivery.
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