Sunday, June 23, 2013

Post Pregnancy Weight Loss Challenges

By Trishia Serinton


All women gain weight during their pregnancies, it is unavoidable, of course. There is extra fat deposits around the mid-section of the mother during pregnancy which is referred to as 'baby weight', and of course while pregnant, the baby's weight is also a big factor. It can be quite difficult for most women to shed this extra weight after they have had the baby. If the mother had some extra weight before pregnancy, it can actually make the process even tougher.

Below, we will be discussing some of the basic ways to get rid of unwanted weight after a mother has delivered her baby.

1. Don't forget to stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water after pregnancy to make sure that dehydration is not an issue. Constantly drinking fluids can help keep the stomach full and control the amount of unhealthy foods that may be consumed. Be sure to have lots of fluids, but don't have so many that it could be harmful, listen to your body.

2. Avoid strict dieting

This may sound as surprising advice but trying to lose weight by following a strict diet can reduce the amount of nutrients that you passed down to your baby through breast milk. While this is not strictly proven, it must also be borne in mind that eating a healthy, nourishing diet is sufficient to allow for slow and natural weight loss rather than a rapid drop in weight. Losing weight the healthy way and getting all of the proper nutrients can be aided greatly by eating fruits and vegetables frequently.

3. Exercise regularly

Plain old exercise is still quite effective. Excess calories can be burned in many ways, including cardiovascular exercises like aerobics which will maintain muscles and bone density. Exercises can include a brisk walk, jogging, swimming and cross-training. Mood is greatly affected by exercise as well, due to the release of endorphins. When the new mother uses exercise to lose weight, it has the added benefit of helping to reduce stress levels. Before anyone begins a new exercise program, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor, to ensure it is safe.

4. Breastfeeding should be continued

The baby receives essential nutrients and fats from breastmilk that helps build antibodies for the newborn, and gives them the important nutrition they need. At this time, the full effects that breastfeeding has on weight loss can not be truly determined. Either way, weight loss should have no bearing on your decision to continue breastfeeding a baby.

5. Be sure to stay well-rested

After the pregnancy is over and the baby is delivered, there can be more effects on the body that have to do with the stress of caring for the newborn. When a new mother is able to get 7 hours or more of sleep every night, research has shown that this contributes to helping lose weight from the pregnancy.

Synopsis

These are certain basic and simple steps that can help mothers lose the weight they have gained during pregnancy.




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