“Eating healthy for two or three” as the case may be, during pregnancy is necessary to sustain the life of your growing baby. Post-baby weight loss should be gradual but intentional as you embrace the joys of motherhood and bonding with your newborn.
With that said, both scenarios require a health-conscious responsibility to eat balanced nutritious meals to aid your baby’s development and your recovery after childbirth.
Having a health-focused mindset from the beginning sets you up for success and reduces the pressure to shed excess weight immediately after giving birth.
Let your body be your guide as you heal and enjoy bonding time with your newborn – as you incorporate these 4 best practices for post-baby weight loss:
1. Breastfeed your baby exclusively for at least 6 months if you can.
Some studies on the subject matter suggest that exclusive breastfeeding from 0 to 6 months may help with post-baby weight loss as the body may burn extra 400 – 500 calories daily to produce breast milk.
These studies point to unhealthy lifestyle habits as reasons why some nursing mothers do not lose weight with exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
These unhealthy lifestyle habits include:
A) Overeating and excessive weight gain during and after pregnancy
B) Lack of physical activity or unwillingness to exercise even if safe to do so
C) Eating more calories to satisfy an increased appetite associated with the breast milk-producing hormone – prolactin
The key takeaway message here is that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after childbirth may help you lose weight if you maintain the right balance of calories needed for weight loss and milk production. Guage your body and seek out a certified nutritionist for expert advice if necessary.
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2. Prioritize daily walks with your baby for exercise time and better sleep.
Walking can easily be incorporated into your daily routine as a form of physical activity to help you lose post-baby weight while pushing your baby in a comfortable and high-performance baby stroller.
Increase your walking intensity by either brisk-walking or jogging if cleared by your doctor to burn even more calories and reduce belly fat.
Walking is a wonderful form of exercise for families to enjoy together. Not only can walking be done anywhere but it can help relieve stress, increase bonding time with your baby, and positively impact quality of sleep for all participants.
3. Use the practice of babywearing to your advantage.
Babywearing is the act of holding your baby close to your body by carrying them in a sling carrier with reinforced straps for snugness and back support. Babywearing helps soothe a crying baby, makes them sleep longer, and is conducive for breastfeeding in public.
Having a newborn to care for should not limit your movement and day-to-day activities if you are a naturally active person.
Carrying your baby in a sling carrier to perform light cleaning duties around the house or walk briskly outdoors can contribute to post-baby weight loss.
4. Eat a healthy nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
Maintaining a health-focused mindset in choosing nutritious foods and staying hydrated is beneficial during and after pregnancy.
Eating healthy helps with quick recovery after childbirth, increased energy, and helps you sleep better.
This cuts the time to lose post-baby weight significantly and gets you closer to feeling good about yourself and enjoying your sweet baby’s milestones. Leave a comment below if you have tried any of these 4 best tips for post-baby weight loss and indicate how it has helped you!