Very often women after pregnancy are dissatisfied with their body and physical form. In many cases new moms after birth have new responsibilities and they have less free time to take care of themselves. Sometimes new moms also eat much more (or even twice more) because they think they need it because of breastfeeding. What is the most important factor during getting back into shape after pregnancy? The key to success is a healthy diet and physical activity.
Women’s weight after having a baby
During pregnancy women usually gain about 20-35 lbs. This weight is due to many things such as baby weight, fetal water, placenta, increased blood volume and fat reserves which are needed for lactation. The best time for the fastest weight loss is the time right after giving birth. This is because when the baby is born, there are many other things being removed from mother’s body because they are no longer needed.
Keep in mind that woman’s body during about 6 months after a childbirth helps to lose unwanted extra pounds without any diets. Only after this period the body slows down and then women have to try harder to lose weight and start a diet or do some exercises. It is worth to mention, that breastfeeding helps in losing extra pounds.
How to get your body back after pregnancy?
The first and most important thing is the proper diet. After birth, every woman needs proteins, iron, calcium and vitamins. New moms should also eat a lot of fruits and vegetable and avoid sweets, bread and potatoes. Meals should include dairy and lean meat. If a woman is not able to come up with a menu after birth, it is also a good idea to go to a dietician.
If new moms want to get back into shape they should also control frequency of eating. They should eat less, but more often and drink a lot of water. Moreover, breastfeeding is one of the best and easiest ways is lose extra pounds after birth. During breastfeeding women lose about 500 calories! It is definitely the easiest way and it doesn’t require special effort from the mother.
Another way to get back into shape is physical activity. Firstly, new moms can go for a walk with their baby. To do so, they will need a proper stroller, that will provide comfortable and safe ride for their baby and for themselves. Regular outdoor activities are the best way to get into shape. When the baby is little and can't sit straight yet, moms can use strollers with bassinet or infant car seat. And after few months switch to a toddler seat as the baby grows. Many modern strollers like travel systems come with these three different add-ons and thanks to that parents can use one stroller for few years!
After puerperium, women can also increase their physical activity and for example start jogging. Today on the market there are plenty of joggers – strollers that are suitable for running with baby. Therefore new moms can spend time with their babies and do some exercises at the same time.
Great idea for losing weight is also swimming and fitness workouts. However, it is important to not overload the body during first days of exercising. It is also important to take care of abdominal muscles and do some light exercises to strengthen them.
To lose extra pounds new moms should also find a moment just for themselves. They should sleep well (although it might be pretty difficult at the beginning with a newborn baby) and find time to take care of themselves, relax and do something they like.
If new moms want to get back their body after pregnancy they should remember to not overdo with exercises and diet. Getting back into shape requires strong will, perseverance and rationality and this will definitely lead to success.
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