Losing Weight After Baby

Although the amount varies for everyone, almost all women will gain weight during their pregnancy. After the birth of your baby you are probably going to be ready to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes. Your uterus needs to shrink down to its pre-pregnant size first. Because carrying a baby changes our bodies, some mothers never are able to fit back into the clothes they once wore. Many women also say that their figures simply do not look the same as they did prior to becoming pregnant.

All women will lose pregnancy pounds at different rates. Most women lost approximately 12 -15 pounds after the actual birth of their baby. Breastfeeding moms tend to lose weight faster and their uterus will shrink back to normal size quicker. Mothers who eat healthy foods and exercise will also shed pregnancy pounds rather quickly. Your weight loss will also depend upon how much weight you gained during your pregnancy. A mother who gained 20 pounds will most likely be back to pre-pregnancy weight faster than a mother that gained 80 pounds. Give yourself time--it took nine months to put the weight on and it is going to take more than a week to get it off.

Some tips to help you get back to your pre-pregnant weight are:

*Breastfeeding will burn 500 calories a day! While it is okay to be cautious about what you are eating, it is never safe to diet while breastfeeding. Your baby depends on you for her nutrition and your breast milk will become compromised if you begin to diet while nursing.

*Make sure that you are eating nutritious, healthy foods. Steer clear of high calorie, high fat foods that provide little or no nutritional value. Avoid sugary foods that add empty calories to your diet. Rather than frying your foods, steam, boil or broil them.

*Fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best choice, then frozen and canned last. Keep a supply of freshly cut fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator for easy access.

*Eat lean meats and purchase low or non-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, etc.

*Eat whole grain products and purchase light breads when possible. Doing so will cut calories drastically.

*Drink 10-12 glasses of water a day. Drinking extra water will help you urinate more frequently to flush your system of any retained water from pregnancy or birth. Avoid sodas, juices and other sugary drinks.

*Exercise. Once your doctor has given you permission to begin exercising, do so. Join a fitness club or take part in a yoga or pilates class. Go walking in your neighborhood. Get an aerobics video and exercise in your living room. Enroll in a baby and me exercise class. The possibilities are endless, but get active!