Post-Baby Slim Down: Getting Your Body Back

 
This was my second pregnancy and it seems to be a little harder to lose the weight than it was the first time. Having twins might have something to do with it. Or the problems I had the first time where I couldn't eat for a couple of weeks and had to eat a no-fat diet for awhile. This time I had zero problems and can eat normally. Here are some tips for getting back into shape after you have a baby.

Reclaim Your Pre-Pregnancy Stomach

Crunches don't always work. During pregnancy the outermost stomach muscles have to separate to make room for your expanding uterus. Even after the uterus shrinks back down, they may still be separated (diastasis recti). If this is the case, crunches could do more harm than good. To find out more about diastasis recti check out BeFit-Mom.

One thing that you can do right away after birth to strengthen your abdominal muscles is to sit up straight, shoulders down. Draw your belly button in towards your spine. This is an easy exercise you can do anywhere, sitting down or standing up. It will help prevent back pain and make your abs firmer and flatter. 

Wait until your doctor gives the okay to do other, more strenuous, exercises. This will usually be about 6 weeks postpartum. If you are just starting an exercise regime, remember to start slowly and build from there.

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Ways to Get Rid of Bloat and Excess Fluids

Drink lots and lots of water. Eat high fiber foods as well as foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, apricots and spinach. The potassium will help to counteract the sodium that is helping to retain water. Also avoid foods with lots of sodium. 

Cardio exercises are very important in getting rid of belly weight. This can be as simple as a power walk with your baby in a stroller. Keep your abs pulled in and your spine straight.

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Healthy Eating Tips

Don't cut too many calories after you give birth. You still need the energy, especially if you are breastfeeding and cutting too many can make you keep or even gain weight. 

A good idea is to get rid of all the junk food and soda in your house. Make a list of healthy snacks you can eat if you feel hungry. 

If you are breastfeeding you do need extra calories, but make sure they are healthy calories. You should aim for 1,800-2,000 calories a day and an extra 500 if you are breastfeeding.

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Breastfeeding can help you with losing weight as well. I know it helped me the first time, and I'm sure it's helping this time as well. It doesn't always work so easily for everyone, you might have to add in some exercise and make sure you eat healthy to see a big difference. It's hard to be patient when you want your body to be back to the way it was before. I know it is for me. I know everyone says this all the time, but it took 9 months to gain the weight and it might not come off immedietaly

Remember that nothing is the same after you have a baby. Go easy on yourself and feel proud. You just made a human being (or two)!

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