Getting Back in Shape Post-Baby

The challenge of getting back down to pre-baby weight is one many moms face. For some, the task seems impossible, either because no matter what they do it isn’t working or they are so busy with the new baby duties that they can’t find the time to do anything. Moms can often feel frustrated, desperate, or sad that they can’t get their old bodies back.

A good trick to losing the baby weight and getting back in shape is knowing what can be done, and working with that. The first thing that can be done is simple: breastfeed!! When a mother breastfeeds she loses anywhere from 200 to 500 calories per day! That’s an easy 500 calories off while bonding with their baby. Coupled with regular healthy eating (no eating for two!) and breastfeeding is one of the best ways to start ditching the baby weight.

 

If moms weren’t incredibly active prior to pregnancy, yoga and pilates are often the best way to start becoming active and sweating off those pounds. Both these exercise methods are great for strength building, something mothers often need after giving birth, and many of them already have classes designed for those who are post-partum. The holistic health aspects of yoga can also be very helpful to overall mom wellness and mindfulness, which moms to newborns often need.

 

If moms were active before pregnancy, going to back to the old routine as soon as doctors give them the thumbs up (especially true for those who have undergone caesarean births), is the best way to get back into shape. It will be a routine the body already knows, making it easy, but also giving the mom a sense of normalcy, which is can aide mom wellness. Again, it must be coupled with healthy eating.

 

When moms notice that the pounds are slowly falling away, the next focus should be on building strength. Often, mothers lose muscle strength in the last few months of pregnancy because they’re taking it easy, but it is muscle strength that is essential to a healthy body. Focusing on ab strength by doing crunches or sit ups will help flatten the tummy and build a good core. Focusing on arm strength by lifting weights or doing push ups can help when the baby needs to be carried or things need to be moved. Of course, never forget to strengthen legs for when the baby becomes a toddler and moms need to start running after them! 

As with any wellness or health goal, the key is to have a routine and to have the discipline to stick to it. Finding a support group often helps cement the habit and discipline needed to reach these goals. Find one by joining the MommyMundo community events!