Postpartum Weight Loss

When it comes to loosing weight after a baby, patience is key. Many new moms feel overwhelmed and even bogged down by the idea of shedding the extra weight. It is important to realize that all women experience these initial feelings after birth. Remember you just brought a new life into the world!

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an essential part of losing weight after having a baby and it is especially an important aspect to consider if you are breastfeeding. The best way to eat fewer calories is by decreasing the amount of empty calories you are eating. "Empty calories" are the calories from added sugars and solid fats, in foods like soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, whole milk, and fatty meats. Look for choices that are low-fat, fat-free, unsweetened, or with no-added-sugars. They have fewer "empty calories."

Choose My Plate

Visit the Choose My Plate website to create a personalized plan, based on your age, height, weight, physical activity level, and stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding status (pregnancy and breastfeeding options display upon providing your gender and age). You will have the option to register to save your profile if you want.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is best for moms and their babies for several reasons. Besides providing nourishment and helping to protect your baby against becoming sick, breastfeeding may help you lose the weight gained in pregnancy. Moderate exercise and eating less can help breastfeeding mothers lose weight. View some of the benefits:

• A great time to lose weight after pregnancy is while breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding may make it easier to lose weight because you are using extra calories to feed your infant.
• Women who breastfeed exclusively for more than 3 months tend to lose more weight than those who do not.
• Those who continue breastfeeding beyond 4 to 6 months may continue to lose weight.

Staying Hydrated

While you are breastfeeding, your need to increase your fluid volume. Drink enough water and other fluids to quench your thirst. A common suggestion is to drink a glass of water or other beverage every time you breastfeed. Some beverages, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks, contain added sugars. Limit your intake of these beverages.

Caffeine

Use caution when drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. These substances pass from your bloodstream into your breast milk and to your baby. Drinking a moderate amount (less than 200 milligrams) of coffee or other caffienated beverages does not affect your baby. Some baby's may tolerate caffeine better than others.

Postpartum Exercise

One other thing to keep in mind if you want to try losing weight after a baby: Exercise does a body good. And even though you're super busy, you can always find ways to start exercising with your baby. Some ideas could include taking out the stroller, doing yoga (some programs are specifically designed to do with your baby), or doing crunches while your baby is playing next to you on the floor. Always make sure you've gotten permission from your physician before starting back on your exercise routine. Besides helping you with your weight loss after delivery, a nice walk with your baby in a nearby park or playground is a great way to meet other moms.