A woman gains between 25 and 35 pounds on average while she is pregnant. A new mother might lose 10 to 15 pounds of that during and right after giving birth. This leaves between 10 and 25 pounds of extra weight on the "new" body of the new mom. When a woman gives birth, she may find that she can't fit into the clothes she wore before she got pregnant. This can be shocking, sad, frustrating, and even hopeless.
It's not a fool's errand to try to lose weight after giving birth, but it's not easy, either. It takes patience, a realistic outlook, a positive attitude, and, when it comes down to it, persistence and dedication. A reasonable goal would be to lose no more than one or two pounds per week. So, that can take anywhere from 2 months to 2 years for an extra 10 to 25 pounds.
There is no quick way to lose weight after giving birth, at least not one that will last. So, the best way to succeed is to start off with realistic goals about how long it will take to get the results you want and the determination to see the process through, no matter how long it takes.
Now that you have the right mindset, let's talk about some ways to get rid of that extra weight after giving birth:
Don't jump right into it: When you've just given birth, your body needs time to adjust to the changes it's been through over the past 9 months. This goes against the normal advice to "do it now." Remember that you are not "returning" to the state you were in before you got pregnant; you are in a new state you've never been in before. You are in the body of a new mother, and it will take time for this body to get used to how you are now. Don't try to lose weight in any way for at least three months after giving birth. Don't worry so much about exercise as long as you stay active and move around. You can use your menstrual cycle to tell when your body is ready to start a more planned diet and exercise plan. When it returns to normal, you're good to go.
Slow down: Your body is still getting back to normal after giving birth, so starting a hard-core workout routine right away might be too much of a shock for it to handle and do you no good at all. Walking with your baby around the block or in the park is a great way to start, and it prepares your body perfectly for more extensive and intense exercise later on.
Set yourself up for success. This means keeping your kitchen stocked with fresh, healthy foods, especially snacks, so that when you get hungry, you have only good options. You'll get much more out of your day if you eat several small meals instead of just two or three big ones. And don't try to go without food. You won't be doing your baby any good, and you'll probably end up bingeing later to make up for it.
Don't be too hard on yourself. The time after giving birth is already enough of a hassle and a source of fatigue on many levels. Don't weigh yourself down more with guilt, shame, and expectations that are too high.
It's not easy to lose weight after giving birth, but it can be done. Each person is different. Instead of comparing your rate of weight loss after giving birth to that of other new mothers, focus on staying on the slow and steady path to the long-term results you want: a body that glows more than it did before or during pregnancy.
