Having a baby is an incredible experience that changes a woman’s life in every possible way, including major changes to her body. If you have recently given birth, you may feel unhappy with the extra weight you are carrying, lack of muscle tone, and sagging breasts. Although these bodily changes are normal after having a baby, many women feel discouraged and want to get back to their pre-baby body as soon as possible.
Women who were at a healthy weight before becoming pregnant should be able to get back to it within around three months of giving birth. The process could take a year if you were significantly overweight prior to pregnancy. In either case, doctors urge you to tread lightly for at least the first six weeks postpartum. You are still recovering from the birth itself and trying to do too much too soon could set you back. It requires a firm commitment to eating right and getting exercise regularly, both of which can be hard to do under normal circumstances, let alone with a newborn in the house. Here are some tips for helping you get back to yourself after the baby comes.
Start by Walking Whenever You Can
If the weather permits, put your new baby in a stroller and walk around the block a couple of times. If that is manageable, try to go for a little longer the next way. Try to work up to 20 minutes and eventually aim for a goal of 30 minutes. You should strive for up to 30 minutes of walking three to five times a week. This burns approximately 150 calories and builds up your tolerance for more strenuous exercise.
Don’t Forget Strength Training
If your stomach looks and feels flabby several weeks after your baby’s birth, consider adding strength training to your workout routine. You can take up weight training with a personal trainer, but you don’t even have to leave the house for strength training. Look for opportunities in everyday events, such as doing lunges as you push your baby’s stroller. You can even incorporate your newborn into your routine by doing lunges while holding him or her.
Watch Your Diet and Get as Much Sleep as Possible
New moms should do their very best to stay away from foods that don’t provide any nutritional value, such as chips and soda. The most important thing you can do to stay healthy and get back into shape is eat a balanced diet. Every day, try to include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in your diet. This is especially important if you breastfeed your new baby. Finally, drink as much water as you can to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Rest is important, too! Try to take advantage of the times your newborn is sleeping to get caught up on sleep yourself. Even just spending the time while your wee one is napping resting your eyes and putting your feet up will help you feel refreshed and restored when your baby wakes up.
The Mommy Makeover
If diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to give you the results you desire, another option is the Mommy Makeover. This is a series of plastic surgery procedures that help you reduce stretch marks and unwanted body fat. Two of the possibilities include a tummy tuck with liposuction or a breast lift with the added option of breast implants.
However you choose to bounce back after having a baby, remember that you are worth it. You need to take care of yourself so you can care for your baby.
