Weight gain is one of the many ways your body changes during pregnancy. Although weight gain is tolerated during pregnancy, most women want to lose the weight as soon as possible once the baby is born. You might not return to your pre-baby body shape, and the length of time it will take to lose the weight will vary based on how much you gained. Be patient with your body, and remember that it took nine months to gain the weight. Your doctor will give you permission to work on a weight loss program after your six-week postpartum checkup.
Step 1
Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Breastfeeding burns 600 calories each day. According to a 1993 study led by F. Kramer, women who breastfed their babies had greater reductions in hip circumference at one month postpartum compared to mothers who fed their babies with formula.
Step 2
Reduce your calorie intake to lose weight slowly. Use caution if you are breastfeeding, however. Baby Center.com advises it is safe to lose up to 1 lb. a week while nursing. Decrease your daily intake by 500 calories. Choose low-fat foods, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. These low-calorie choices will also provide the nutrients your body needs to recover from childbirth.
Step 3
Exercise more. Engage in forms of exercise you can do with your baby, such as putting him in a stroller and going for a walk around the neighborhood or enrolling in an exercise class that teaches you exercies you can do with your baby. Participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least five days a week. If baby care needs interfere with your schedule, you can accumulate your daily exercise requirements in several 10-minute intervals.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, which will help reduce feelings of hunger and is necessary to maintain an adequate milk supply if you are breastfeeding.
- Do not skip meals to try to lose weight faster; crash dieting can be especially harmful when your body is recovering from childbirth.
