Once you settle into parenthood, your thoughts may turn to losing the baby weight. Pregnancy leaves behind many physical changes to your body, and shedding pregnancy pounds can helps you feel better to yourself as you get back into shape. A slow approach to post-pregnancy weight loss keeps your body healthy. The choices you make in all areas of your health can add up to help lose the weight. Consult your doctor before beginning any post-pregnancy weight-loss program.
Breastfeed
The calories burned during breastfeeding help many new moms lose at least part of the baby weight. You need to consume extra calories to keep up with breastfeeding --- approximately 500 extra calories per day. Breastfeeding itself burns more calories, usually around 600 to 800 daily, according to the Fit Pregnancy website. Once you stop exclusively breastfeeding your baby, the calories you burn decreases --- so if you continue consuming those extra 500 calories, your weight loss will slow or stop completely unless you're making other changes to create a calorie deficit.
Get Out With the Baby
When your baby is a newborn, chances are you'll spend most of your time at home. Keeping your baby away from germ-filled places protects her immature immune system. New moms lack energy from caring for an infant and the sleep interruptions that come with it, making it difficult to get out. Once you get into a routine with your baby, work in some exercise. Meet up with other new moms for a walk with the babies in strollers. Even a stroll around the neighborhood gives you fresh air and exercise.
Take a Class
An exercise class gives you a break from the constant baby care. This break offers a chance to refresh yourself with much needed alone time. If your partner isn't available when you want to take a class, look for a gym with a day-care program that accepts young babies. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your baby in the gym nursery, look for a mom and baby exercise class. Yoga is a common option for these joint classes. You get to bond with your baby while exercising. The exercise burns calories, making it easier to reach a calorie deficit to lose weight.
Eat Well
The food you eat also affects the rate of weight loss after having a baby. Your body needs nutritious foods to have the energy to care for your baby. Foods high in fat and empty calories rob you of long-lasting energy. These foods also make it difficult to burn off more calories than you consume during the day, increasing the difficulty of losing the baby weight. Keep nutritious foods in easily accessible locations so you can grab a quick bite when baby care allows, the Mayo Clinic suggests. If you are tempted by junk food, get it out of the house.
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