Most of us gain weight during pregnancy, but it doesn't just go away after having your baby. Here's what you can do to help your postpartum body.
Just remember though, you don't need to bounce back right away. You just had a baby, so give yourself some grace!
Helpful tips for losing the baby weight
1.Drink Lots of Water
The best thing you can do for your postpartum body is to drink lots of water! Grab a fun water bottle to help motivate you.
2. Get the okay from your OBGYN to exercise again.
Once you get the okay from your OBGYN, start slow. No batter how you had your baby, it was a big deal. Your body needs time to recover.
Don't push yourself too fast.
3. Breastfeeding can help.
According to the Mayo Clinic, breastfeeding can help new moms lose weight because their fat stores go into the breastmilk that your baby will then consume.
4. Start with low impact exercise.
Low impact exercises are your friend, regardless of your activity level before baby. Think elliptical machine.
Again you probably aren't going to be running a marathon right after having your baby...and that's okay!
5. Cut back on calories
During pregnancy, the cravings are no joke. You doctor might have also advised you to eat more depending on your situation.
After you have baby, try to go back to eating the way you did before you were pregnant.
6. Give yourself a goal.
Maybe that means a goal weight or a goal outfit. I personally had a goal dress that I wanted to be able to fit into.
Keep that goal where you can see it everyday as a reminder and as motivation.
7. Get outside and walk around.
Put your sweet little baby into a stroller and go for a walk, even if it's just around your house.
The more active you are from the beginning, the easier it's going to be.
8. Dance
Dancing is a great cardio, but it's also fun! Put on your favorite music and dance.
Not losing weight postpartum...why?
If you are struggling to lose weight, here are some possible reasons for why those extra pounds just aren't leaving.
- thyroid problems- according to John Hopkins, some women are at an increased risk of postpartum thyroiditis. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your thyroid is out of sync.
- It takes time. Your body just grew a baby which also stretched a lot of muscles to the brink. Postpartum weight loss is going to take time.
- Lack of sleep. When we don't get enough sleep it can cause our bodies to create more of a hormone called cortisol which can slow your metabolism.
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