Many moms feel frustrated by the changes in their body after giving birth. Although it is possible for most women to lose their pregnancy weight without much effort. The shift that happens in their lifestyle when baby arrives brings new challenges that makes getting back into shape tough.
Gaining weight is normal and necessary during pregnancy. However, it is important to understand how much weight gain you need to make losing weight less difficult after childbirth. Women within the normal body mass index should aim to gain 25 to 35 pounds. Underweight mothers to be should have additional 28 to 40 pounds. While those who are overweight should build-up 15 to 25 pounds more. Expecting mothers of twins are recommended to gain additional weight.
Babies weighing 25 pounds are certainly not born. Typically, they weigh 5 to 10 pounds. The rest of the weight gained comes from: the placenta, growing uterus, milk supply, amniotic fluid, and increase of blood in the women’s body. They are all necessary to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Half of the gained weight during pregnancy naturally comes off within 6 weeks after childbirth. The rest will reduce in the next several months.
This means that gaining more than the recommended weight can make it harder for you to get back into shape. So, the first step to getting back into your pre-baby body is monitoring your weight during pregnancy. It is important to note that controlling your pregnancy weight prevent not just excess fats but possible complications. Too much weight gain can result to emergency C-section delivery. A surgery that can put you and your baby’s life at risk.
Getting back into shape postpartum is not as simple as eating less and working out more. You want to make sure that what you’re doing is healthy for you and your baby. It is critical to consume enough amount and eat the right food. Your body needs sufficient energy and nutrients to take care of the baby. A good guideline is not to lose more than one and a half pounds per week.
Cutting calories is one of the main targets to get back into shape. However, it should be done carefully during postpartum. Women loses 500 kcal per day when breastfeeding. Therefore, if you’re breastfeeding, you should have 500 kcal more per day than what you need pre-baby to maintain a healthy diet. Monitoring your calorie intake and making sure that you don’t consume less than you need ensures you’re losing weight in a healthy manner.
As mentioned, breastfeeding helps burn calories. It is healthy and one of the best ways to lose baby weight. Breastfeeding is a great bonding experience for you and your baby. In addition, it ensures that your baby is getting the right nutrition they need. Breastmilk is 100 times better than formula milk.
Of course, working out is also one of the best and healthy ways to get back into shape after pregnancy. It helps you lose fats and gain muscles. Unlike crash diet which reduces both fats and muscles. Crash diet or limiting yourself to eating certain types of foods can make you weak. It is the opposite of what you need when taking care of a baby.
Getting back into shape after childbirth is more challenging than pre-baby. Especially when you are still adjusting to caring for your infant. Baby care can consume a lot of your time. You may find it difficult to insert working out in your daily routines. It can be the least of your priority. However, you should not deprive yourself with self-care. The changes in your body after giving birth can be frustrating which may lead to stress and depression. It is unhealthy. Remember, you need to be healthy for you to take care of your baby well.
Isabella Whitmore is a mother of two. She likes writing articles about health, fitness, family, motherhood, and households. You can find some of her work at https://electrickettlesplus.com. An appliance website that offers premium electric kettles which guarantee safety for the whole family.