7 Tips for a Busy New Mom Trying to Lose the Baby Weight

This is a collaborative post.

do you want to lose the baby weight? Many new moms realise that losing weight after having a baby is not always easy. The changes your body has gone through are intense and largely uncontrollable, and while some might phrase it as “eating for two,” you’ve been doing incredibly important work nurturing yourself and your baby. 

There is nothing wrong with weight gain during pregnancy, as well as maintaining that weight for months or even over a year after giving birth. It can be hard but try not to let society’s unrealistic expectations of women or pictures of celebrities with personal trainers and nutritionists on call pressure you.

However, if you want to lose your pregnancy-related weight, there are some tips that can help. 

For more first-time parenting tips, check out this article at BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/parenting-tips-for-the-first-time-parent/.

Here are seven tips to try to lose the baby weight. 

Breastfeed if you are able

Did you know that breastfeeding can be a great way to shed some postpartum weight? 

Producing milk for your newborn utilizes the stored up fat that your body worked hard to produce during pregnancy. Of course, there is no pressure to breastfeed if you are unable to or do not wish to. Consult a doctor if you are concerned about your ability or inability to breastfeed. 

Avoid diet fads and trends

Oftentimes, trendy diets may seem like the best way to lose a large amount of weight, especially if you see it advertised everywhere online or by your friends in person. 

However, it is more likely that a trendy diet does not take your specific needs into account and any weight you may lose could come right back, along with some more serious health consequences. 

Always talk to a doctor or nutritionist before changing your eating habits in an extreme way.

Exercise regularly to lose the baby weight

Moving your body is not only a great way to boost your endorphins and devote time to self-care, but it can also be key to losing weight. 

After pregnancy, your body may be very different, but gentle exercise is a great way to get accustomed to postpartum life. You can even include your baby on some walks if you struggle to find solo time. 

Eat more, smaller meals

Research shows that multiple smaller meals throughout the day, rather than 3 larger ones, can actually be a lot better for our health. Allowing your body to be replenished more throughout the day can actually speed up your metabolism, boosting your weight loss efforts. 

It is also a great way to train yourself to respond to hunger signals, rather than ignore them, the first step to eating more intuitively.

Avoid processed foods

Processed foods that include refined sugars, saturated fats, and often many calories, frequently do not include very many nutrients and can cause weight gain rather than loss. Try following an everything in moderation approach.

Try choosing whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein that will make your body feel satisfied and energetic. If this is a dramatic change from your usual diet, consider consulting a nutritionist or doctor to help guide you.

Don’t pressure yourself

There is absolutely nothing wrong with holding onto weight after giving birth. Your body needed that weight to support a growing baby. There is no use pressuring yourself to be superhuman, as this extreme self-induced pressure can actually cause more stress than is necessary.

Set realistic goals to lose the baby weight

Setting small, realistic goals can be a great way to keep yourself motivated and inspired while also allowing time for recovery from the amazing thing your body did. 

Talk to a doctor or trainer to see what timeframe is realistic for you.

Putting on baby weight just shows that your body has produced and cared for a life other than your own, which is an incredible feat. 

However, it makes sense that some new moms may feel less like themselves if they look different from how they used to. With some gentle exercise and healthy eating habits, you can be your healthiest self alongside the newest member of your family.