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I recently had a baby and want to get back into shape. Any advice on how to lose pregnancy weight and stay healthy while breastfeeding?

Hello everyone,

I am a new mom and I recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. While I am thrilled with my new bundle of joy, I am struggling to lose the pregnancy weight and get back in shape. I want to make sure I am doing everything safely, especially since I am still breastfeeding.

Can anyone offer any advice on how to lose the extra pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle while breastfeeding? I would appreciate any tips, advice, or personal experiences that you may have to share. Thank you in advance!

All Replies

littel.beverly

Hello,

Congratulations on your new baby girl! It's important to be kind to yourself during this postpartum period and prioritize your health at the same time.

Similar to the tips already suggested, I also found it helpful to focus on gradual weight loss after giving birth while also making sure that my baby is getting enough milk. Here are some additional tips that worked for me:

1. Get enough protein: Eating enough protein is crucial for milk production and can also help you lose weight. I made sure to eat protein with every meal, such as eggs or Greek yogurt.

2. Snack smart: Breastfeeding can make you hungry, but it's important to choose healthy snacks. I kept healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and veggies on hand so I wouldn't be tempted to reach for something unhealthy.

3. Find a fitness buddy: Working out with a friend who is also trying to lose weight can be motivating and make the process more enjoyable. My best friend and I used to go for walks together while chatting, which made it feel more like a social activity than exercise.

4. Don't compare yourself to others: Don't get caught up in comparing your progress to others. Everyone's postpartum experience is different, and it's important to focus on your own journey.

Remember that weight loss after childbirth takes time, consistency and the focus should always be on nourishing your baby and your body. Celebrate every success you achieve, no matter how small, and be kind to your body throughout the process.

wisozk.jesse

Hello,

Congratulations on your new baby girl! As a new mom, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to prioritize your health. However, it is essential to focus on weight loss gradually and healthily.

One of the things that helped me after giving birth was to find a form of physical activity that I enjoyed. I started with some gentle exercises, such as walking or postnatal yoga, and gradually increased my intensity over time. Here are some additional tips that worked for me:

1. Keep a food diary: Keeping track of what I was eating helped in making better choices and staying accountable to my weight loss goals. Tracking my meals helped me identify what worked best for me.

2. Focus on quality sleep: Consistent quality sleep is vital for weight loss after childbirth. Although it may be difficult to get enough sleep with a newborn, prioritizing sleep can aid in weight loss.

3. Avoid excess sugar and salt: Consuming too much sugar or salt can lead to increased inflammation and fluid retention, making it difficult to lose weight. Reducing salt and sugar intake is essential when trying to lose weight.

4. Be kind to yourself: Remember to appreciate where you are in your journey, and be proud of every little step taken towards getting healthier. Accepting the changes that come with childbirth helps in making the journey relatively easier.

Remember, everyone's journey to weight loss will be different, and it's important to find what works best for you. Ultimately, sustainable healthy habits and lifestyle changes are key to successful and long-term weight loss.

clotilde.pollich

Congratulations on your baby girl! It's great that you are taking the initiative to get back in shape.

One of the things that helped me with postpartum weight loss was incorporating healthy habits into my lifestyle. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Try meal prepping: Prep your meals ahead of time, so you have healthy options on hand. This will help avoid impromptu unhealthy snacks and easy accessibility to junk food.

2. Eat more fiber: Choosing whole grains, fruits and vegetables can improve gut health, thereby leading to weight loss. Fiber-rich foods also keep us fuller for longer.

3. Get enough protein: Eating protein-rich meals can help maintain muscle mass and aid weight loss. Aim for high-quality protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs and legumes.

4. Use a pedometer: Walking is a great form of exercise, and using a pedometer can help track your daily steps. Try to aim for at least 10,000 steps per day.

Remember to pay attention to your body's needs and stay within your comfort zone when exercising. Most importantly, be patient with yourself as weight loss after giving birth can take time. The focus should always be on building sustainable and healthy habits that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Best of luck on your weight loss journey!

liza.pacocha

Hi there,

Congratulations on your new baby girl! I can totally relate to what you're going through as I too struggled with losing pregnancy weight while breastfeeding. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Eat a balanced diet: It's essential to make sure you're eating a healthy and balanced diet that provides enough nutrients for both you and your baby. Aim for a mix of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine.

2. Get moving: Start by doing some gentle exercises like postnatal yoga, stretching, or walking. As you slowly get stronger, increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. You don't need to do anything intense right away, as it's essential to let your body heal after birth.

3. Breastfeed your baby: Breastfeeding can help burn a lot of calories, so it's a great way to aid weight loss. Plus, it's a great way to bond with your baby.

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for milk production and helps keep you full, avoiding unnecessary snacking.

Remember that each body is different and losing pregnancy weight can be slow and gradual, but it's essential to prioritize your health and be patient with yourself. Give yourself some grace, enjoy the journey, and don't forget to celebrate every baby step towards your goal. Best of luck on your journey!

wwest

Congratulations on your new baby girl! The postpartum period can be challenging, so I'm glad you're taking steps to prioritize your health as well.

One thing that helped me lose my baby weight was incorporating more vegetables into my diet. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which means they can help you stay full for longer periods. Here are some other tips that worked for me:

1. Avoid skipping meals: Skipping meals might seem like a quick way to lose weight, but it can backfire by leading to overeating later in the day. Try to eat three meals a day with healthy snacks in between to keep your metabolism going.

2. Practice mindful eating: Mindful eating involves being present and fully engaged in your meals. Sit down to eat, put your phone away, and take the time to savor every bite. This approach helps avoid overeating and making unhealthy choices.

3. Opt for healthy fats: Not all fats are bad for you. Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help you feel full and satiated, leading to less snacking.

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help keep you full, speed up your metabolism, and get rid of toxins in your body.

Remember, everyone's weight loss journey is unique, and it might take time to see the results you want. Being kind to yourself, celebrating your small wins, and focusing on healthy habits can make a huge difference. Good luck!

bwalter

Hi there,

Congrats on your new arrival! I'm a new mom myself and have been trying to get back into shape since having my baby, so I understand what you're going through.

One thing that helped me lose some of my pregnancy weight was incorporating more home-cooked meals into my diet. I found that cooking my meals from scratch made it easier to control the amount of oil, salt, and sugar in my food. Here are some other tips that worked for me:

1. Take it slow: It can be tempting to try to lose a lot of weight quickly, but it's important to be patient and take things slowly. Remember that your body needs time to heal after childbirth, so don't overexert yourself.

2. Find an accountability partner: Having someone to hold you accountable can be helpful, whether it's a workout buddy or a friend to share healthy meal ideas with.

3. Manage stress: Stress can hinder weight loss progress, so it's essential to manage stress levels. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques helped me keep stress levels down.

4. Try breastfeeding-friendly workouts: Look for workout routines that are safe for breastfeeding mothers. YouTube has some great free videos with postnatal exercises that are safe to incorporate while breastfeeding.

Remember to be patient, kind to yourself, and celebrate every little progress you make. Focus on healthy habits that will benefit you in the long run and work towards a healthy lifestyle rather than smaller dress sizes. Good luck!

jessica45

Hi there!

Congratulations on your new baby girl! I'm sure you're over the moon with your new baby, but it's understandable to also want to regain your pre-pregnancy body.

After giving birth to my baby, I tried several weight loss programs, but to no avail. My lactation consultant advised me to focus on losing weight gradually rather than trying crash diets. As a result, these are steps that helped me with the process:

1. Adequate rest: Getting enough sleep is essential when it comes to weight loss. I focused on getting enough rest, which meant sleeping when the baby is sleeping.

2. Engage in light exercise: It is important to engage in light exercises that do not overexert you. Taking walks, doing yoga, or Pilates are excellent light exercises that can help you lose weight gradually.

3. Water intake: Drinking enough water helps with milk production and weight loss. I made sure to carry a water bottle around the house to remind myself to stay hydrated.

4. Healthy food choices: While I was losing weight, I avoided junk and sugary foods but didn't deprive myself from eating what I crave most times. Instead, I opted for smaller portions and tried to make healthy choices.

Losing weight after pregnancy can be tough, but being patient with yourself and appreciating the successes along the way is important. I hope these tips help you achieve your weight loss goals while being healthy for both you and your baby.

richie19

Hi there,

Congratulations on your new addition to the family! It's natural to want to lose the pregnancy weight after birth, but it's essential to do it safely, especially if you are still breastfeeding.

One of the things that helped me during my postpartum journey was to focus on building healthy habits rather than trying to lose weight too quickly. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Eat small, frequent meals: Eating smaller meals more often can help keep your blood sugar levels stable, preventing overeating and promoting weight loss. I planned ahead and kept healthy snacks on hand to avoid making unhealthy choices.

2. Incorporate weight training: Strength training can be an excellent way to build muscle and speed up metabolism, promoting weight loss. I incorporated weight lifting into my postpartum regimen slowly and gradually.

3. Take breaks: Being a new mom can be highly demanding, so it's essential to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Taking a break for 10-15 minutes in between feeding sessions may give you the time to regroup your thoughts and recharge.

4. Be patient: Be patient and kind to yourself because it takes time for the body to recover after giving birth. Celebrate any progress made, no matter how small.

As a nursing mother, it's essential to make healthy choices, stay hydrated and get enough calories to keep up with breastfeeding needs. Overall, remember that building healthy habits takes time and consistency, but it's rewarding and worth it in the end.

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