Now that your baby has arrived it's time to focus on returning to your pre-baby shape. There are several simple ways to help shed the extra pounds you gained during your pregnancy. Baby Center advises new moms to wait until after your six-month postpartum exam to start exercising or dieting. If you are breastfeeding your little one, it's best to wait a little longer as your newborn needs all the calories he can get.
Step 1
Boost your metabolism. Maintaining a high metabolism level will help you burn calories. One way to spark your post-baby metabolism is to enjoy small snacks or mini meals frequently. Every time your baby eats, prepare a small, healthy snack for yourself. Healthy snack ideas include peanut butter on an apple or hummus on carrot sticks. New moms should eat a small meal or snack every two to three hours every day.
Step 2
Eat wisely. It's tempting to grab a carbohydrate-rich midnight snack when you are up all hours with a newborn who has her days and nights mixed up. But, try to resist. If you have a few extra minutes during the week, prepare small bags of chopped vegetables that you can easily grab from the refrigerator before you set your eyes on leftover cake.
You can still eat your favorite foods, but try to substitute healthy ingredients for high-fat ones. If you crave pizza, order one with whole wheat crust. If you want ice cream, stock your freezer with frozen yogurt.
Step 3
Exercise. There are simple ways to get your blood pumping without pushing yourself over the edge or neglecting your newborn. Once you get the OK from your doctor, start low-impact aerobic exercise. Take your baby for a walk around the block. Dance to slow music with your baby in your arms. After you've built up your stamina, incorporate some sit-ups or abdominal crunches into your routine while your little one naps or lays on the floor next to you.
Step 4
Find other new moms. There's nobody who knows the struggles of losing baby weight than other moms who are also trying to lose baby weight. Network with new moms at your pediatrician's office or search for a mom's club on the Internet or at a local community center. Often new moms with similar goals form walking clubs or put together baby exercise programs. Not only will you be motivated by others with similar obstacles and goals, but you and your baby will get an opportunity to make lifelong friends.
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