Source: AllWomenTalk.com
I cried when I had to wear my maternity pants home from the hospital after my baby was born. I thought I would be able to squeeze into my old jeans… but no way! So as soon as I got home, I began my quest to lose the baby weight. Within four months, it was gone, and although I never did wear those old jeans again, I fell in love with my new body. Here’s my advice on how to lose those extra few pounds you gained when you were expecting. The first one is the easiest!
1. Nurse instead of bottle-feeding
New mothers who breast-feed their babies, rather than bottle-feeding, lose their baby weight much faster, especially in the first six weeks. But not only is it better for your after-baby body, it’s better for your new baby, too!
2. Don’t gain it in the first place
Most women do NOT need to gain a lot of weight while they are pregnant! Don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse to eat everything you can get your hands on. Talk to yourdoctor about how many calories you need to consume while you’re expecting, and how much weight you should gain, and STICK TO IT.
3. Get your rest
If you’re sleep-deprived, you’ll be more inclined to eat foods that you shouldn’t, just to try and perk yourself up. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Doing the dishes or folding the laundry can wait!
4. Exercise
There are so many easy ways to squeeze in a little exercise with a new baby. It can help you lost the weight, get your figure back, and give you more energy. Check out some mom-and-baby workout DVDs from the library, or strap your new bundle of joy into the jogging stroller and go for a run!
5. Drink water
Whether you’re nursing or not, you need to drink water. A LOT of water, 64 ounce per day.
6. Switch to low-fat or skim milk
Nursing or recovering mothers need to drink milk, but it doesn’t have to be whole milk. My doctor recommended 2% or even 1% instead.
