All new moms will agree that achieving a healthy weight post-delivery can be a struggle. Your body does not automatically return to its original shape until you work for it. Many moms are cautious in how they eat throughout the pregnancy just to ensure that they do not suddenly gain a lot of weight, but the stress of pregnancy can be too much on some moms that end up gaining more weight than they intended to.
Do not worry, as you are not alone. Most new moms go through the phase where they find it thought to recognize themselves and wish to lose all the extra pounds quickly. Let us be realistic; the process of losing weight is not quick, especially when you also have to manage an infant at home. Hence, here are a few tips that are effective in losing weight while you take care of the baby.
1. Keep Your Goals Realistic
If you follow celebrities who make post-pregnancy weight loss seem like a cakewalk, do not believe them. You never know what goes behind those closed doors. Let us be realistic and accept that losing weight after delivery will take time. Statistics have revealed that even after a year of birth, at least 75 percent of women are heavier than they were before the pregnancy. The realistic timeline is at least 1-2 years.
Remember, you have to take care of a new person, who is the most important person to the child. Caring for a child is a big responsibility, making it seem like time is flying. Also, so many hormone changes will further make it more challenging for the body as your metabolism may fluctuate, making a realistic weight loss goal. Make use of a BMR Calculator to figure out the weight you need to lose and plan your goals accordingly.
2. Breastfeed the Child
This may seem like an odd tip, but it is true. The WHO and CDC have recommended new mothers breastfeed the baby for 6 months at least or much longer, as it benefits both you and your baby. Breast milk contains a lot of nutrients needed for the baby to grow. It also contains antibodies to help the baby develop a robust immune system. It has many other benefits to the baby but also to the mothers. The mothers who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of developing blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Additionally, research also shows that breastfeeding supports postpartum weight loss. This may not happen immediately, but over a few months.
3. Don’t Crash Diet
A crash diet means following a diet where you consume very low-calorie food to reduce weight. On paper, it may sound good, but in reality, it has more cons than pros. Firstly, you need to consume food with good nutrition as you are breastfeeding and your body needs the food. Secondly, you will be more tired than ever; hence you need to feed on good food to stay stronger. Also, a low-calorie diet will only give you temporary results until you can follow the diet. The day you start eating normal food, your weight will bounce back to more than where you started.
Being a new mother is mentally challenging. Hence, drastically trying to lose weight may pressure you more. You need to formulate a plan that will help you gradually lose the extra weight without putting additional pressure on you when you are busy taking care of the baby. Being healthy allows you to enjoy time with your baby and get the most out of being a new parent.
