Motherhood is the blessing of nurturing a new life into the world. But, postpartum recovery is one of the main challenges the new mothers face apart from sleep deprivation and many other obstacles. Breastfeeding is not only a way to embrace motherhood and bond with a baby but also helps in weight loss right after birth.
It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy, but losing weight after the delivery should be done with caution. It is advisable to start losing weight after 6-8 weeks of pregnancy as your body needs proper time to recover. Weight loss can be a daunting task after pregnancy but, here we are going to tell you a step-by-step guide that you should adapt to losing weight.
What is postpartum weight loss?
Before getting into how to lose weight it is essential to know what postpartum pregnancy means.
Postpartum weight gain not only contains fat but also consists of the weight of the baby, placenta, amniotic fluids, and the changes that your body parts like breasts and uterus go through this time. Women generally lose a few pounds right after birth, but remaining weight loss needs consistency, a balanced diet, and patience.
Ways to lose postpartum weight:
There are many diet and exercise plans available on the internet, but here we are suggesting to start losing weight after 6 months as it gives your body a proper time to recover and stay healthy in the long run. Some of the methods that you can adopt in your lifestyle for losing weight are as follows.
Set Realistic Goals:
You might have felt the sudden weight loss right after birth and also start to lose some more pounds when you start breastfeeding, but it generally stops at some point. Movements of your body also become minimal after the first few months of the delivery. So after a proper recovery, you should set realistic goals and listen to your body when it comes to weight loss, apart from being influenced by the outside world.
Balanced and Nutrition-rich Meals
Balanced and nutrition-rich food is the most important in maintaining your and as well as your baby’s health. A balanced diet can also help in healthy weight loss as it is not a time for restrictive diets. A balanced and nutrition-rich food not only helps fuel your body but also helps in losing weight as well. So focus on ingredients like lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and most importantly proper Hydration. Incorporating these things in your meal helps you to make fuller for a longer time. It is also advisable to have small meals and some snacks for healthy and faster weight loss, aside from 3 meals a day.
Moderate Amount of Exercise
Yes, even after 6 months of delivery, your body still is recovering from the inside. So it is advisable to moderate the amount of exercise and supervision as well. It is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any workout regimen. You can start some movements right after a few weeks of your delivery as well.
Some of the most common exercise practices that can help you in weight loss without putting too much stress on your body are as follows:
- Walking and jogging
- Postpartum yoga or Pilates
- Moderate strength training
- Cardio exercises.
Get Enough Sleep
Now your baby has completed the 6 months of benchmark. Now it’s time for you to complete your deprived sleep. Lack of sleep can make your body’s hormones fluctuate, and make you feel stressed which can lead to hunger and overeating as well. After a few months is the best time to incorporate healthy sleeping habits in your and your baby’s sleep cycle. Proper sleep can make your body more relaxed and energized, thus, helping in weight loss.
Manage Stress
Managing a baby and taking care of your health can be stressful. New moms generally face postpartum depression. To incorporate a healthy lifestyle, do not be afraid to take rest and ask for help if needed. Your body has done incredible things for birthing a baby. It may take some time to recover, but incorporating habits like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching can help you manage your stress level. These habits not only help you in your stress level but also increase the body movements that help in losing weight as well.
Breastfeeding Benefits
After 6 months people generally stop breastfeeding the baby. But what if we tell you it has many benefits? Yes, breastfeeding can help in burning calories, as it needs energy in production and feeding the baby. Breastfeeding not only gives your baby the proper nutrition that solid food has been missing but also helps in weight loss as well.
Be Patient and Trust the Process
Patience and consistency are the key! You need to be patient and not compare your journey with someone else. You must remember postpartum weight loss is a slow process and you need time to recover and give yourself proper nutrition; plus taking care of your baby. Be kind to yourself and your body and you will achieve your goal.
Conclusion
It is essential to approach postpartum weight loss with patience and without any hurry. Postpartum is the time in which you need to take care of yourself and properly nourish your body for a full recovery. Aim for gradual weight loss through a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and by managing stress. Remember motherhood is a miracle and you are the star that made it happen, so embrace this journey and take time to adjust yourself.
