When you have just given birth, you are in a post-pregnancy bubble for a while. The joy of having a new baby is incomparable to any other feeling in the world. After a while, though, you will start to want to get your old body back again. Pregnancy plays havoc with your body and makes you gain weight fast. Sometimes, it can be difficult to shift those extra pounds you have gained. While there is no magic trick to solve your body shape issues, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process.
Step 1: Start with easy exercises
It is crucial that you don’t dive into a super intense workout regime right away. You might be desperate to lose some weight, but killing yourself on the treadmill is not the right way to do it. Instead, you need to start small. You should take your baby for walks in its stroller and do some easy aerobic exercises at home. If something feels like too much of a strain, it probably is.
Step 2: Deal with stretch marks
Some women get prominent stretch marks after pregnancy and that, in itself, is normal. The problem is that the marks look horrible and can knock your confidence. If you want to get rid of them, you need to find a formula that works for you. Some people suggest the natural remedy of using cocoa butter while others say you should use a medical cream. Try a few different solutions and see what works best.
Step 3: Start breastfeeding
If you opt to breastfeed, you could find that your body slims down quicker than it otherwise would. Many women decide that breastfeeding is not for them, and that is okay. Some people are not comfortable with the experience, and every woman is different. You should know, though, that doing so will help you to lose weight.
Step 4: Change your diet
While you were pregnant, you probably gave into every single craving you had. I mean, why shouldn’t you have? You were eating for two. Now, it is time to adjust to eating for one. The bad news is that you might still get cravings for up to a year after you give birth. You should try to replace the naughty snacks you crave with healthy alternatives for the best results. For example, when you want sugar, you should eat some healthy fruit instead.
Step 5: Join a class
There are loads of classes for new moms, and you should consider joining one right now. If you are a member of a gym, you can ask about these groups. If you see other people exercising, you will have the motivation to do the same. It will not be easy, but if you want your body back, you need to workout on a regular basis. Joining a group will also help you to meet other mothers so that you get some much-needed social support.
Step 6: Get some sleep!
This step might sound ridiculous. How on earth can you get extra sleep when you have to deal with a crying baby? That is a valid question, but you need to know how vital sleep is to your body. If you are sleepy, you will overeat. Take naps whenever you get the chance to do so. You could get some sleep when you set your baby down for a nap. The more sleep you get, the easier it will be to get in shape.
Photo by Bikerider London | Shutterstock
Here’s What it Takes to Secure Those All-Important Non-Negotiables Ladies, let’s talk about non-negotiables—those must-haves…
Relax This Holiday Season... Let's face it. Things can get pretty hectic in December. You…
If not, no worries. Here’s how to boost sales and awareness fast… with zero budget.…
Up Your Influence. Here’s How. As careers progress, a leader’s ability to influence stakeholders becomes…