Having a baby changes everything — from your life to your body. While welcoming a newborn is always a joyous and blissful event, more often than not, the delight gradually tapers down and hit an all-time low, with some entering a state of depression. Post-natal depression can be triggered by a series of factors, and body weight is definitely one of them. Losing weight after pregnancy and trying to achieve your pre-natal figure is always difficult and the struggle is real. With the stress of handling your precious bundle of joy and the pressure of being a perfect mother, you sometimes begin to wonder if your tummy is ever going to shrink, whether the baby weight will eventually go away and if your body will ever be the same again.
To make matter worse, you keep stumbling into the profile of celebrity moms on Facebook and Instagram and begin to drown yourself in self-pity as these celebrities seem to sashay out of the hospital with their eight hundred-dollar sunglasses with a baby cradled in their right arm as though they were never pregnant. Despite what is being reported by Hollywood’s gossip channel TMZ or portrayed on social media platforms, the reality is that having popped out an actual human being is definitely going to have a major impact on every aspect of your body and it can take up to a full year for your body to recover fully.
But Why Do I Still Look Pregnant After Giving Birth?
One of the many dilemmas that will affect new mothers after their pregnancy is the fact that they are constantly checking themselves out in the dressing room mirror and stressing their minds out with questions like “why do I still look like I am several months pregnant?”.
If this sounds all too familiar, we assure you that it is perfectly normal to retain the pregnancy bloat for a while. Always remember that you had a baby in your womb to feed for nine whole months. Right after you deliver, your body has already begun its natural process of shrinking your belly back to its original state, or at least somewhere close to it, but bear in mind that it is an entirely slow process.
Scientists have indicated that it usually requires an approximate four weeks, or maybe slightly longer depending on the individual, for your uterus to tighten to its normal size. At the same time, you will notice your weight dwindling down by about ten to twenty kilograms in the first couple of weeks — a positive sign that your body is actively getting rid of the excess fluid. Furthermore, it will also take some time for your hips and pelvic area to adjust back to their pre-natal state, so it is pretty much customary for things to be out of whack for a while.
Can I Lose My Baby Weight, and How?
Why, certainly you can! But before you eagerly jump off the couch and knock yourself out on a fancy workout plan or diet, it is highly imperative that you gradually pace yourself and ease into light exercises to keep your body out of harm’s way and injury-free. Having a baby is no trivial feat, and even the fittest CrossFit moms may experience some hindrance in getting back to their regular exercise routines. Except for the first pointer on the list, it’s best you consult with your doctor before attempting or engaging in any serious exercises.
1. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is highly encouraged if your body has ample supply of it. Not only does breastfeeding build the bond between the mother and her newborn, but it also helps you burn calories and lose weight, effectively eliminating some of the fats that you have gained during pregnancy. So, if you are breastfeeding, this is the worst time for you to go on a diet as restricting your calories can adversely affect your milk supply and losing too much weight drastically can actually result in the discharge of toxins that wind up in your milk.
2. Light Cardio
When your wound heals, you may want to consider incorporating some light cardio into your routine but bear in mind that you may not be able to fully tolerate or undertake the same vigorous activities like you used to before you got pregnant — not for the moment, at least. Start off slow and steady with a stroll in the park for about fifteen minutes a day, twice or thrice a week. If you feel your body tolerate more over time, up the pace by brisk walking.
3. Strength Training
Strength training is a vital aspect of any weight loss program, and even more so for your post-natal recovery. It aids in increasing your metabolism, promotes lean muscle development and bestows upon you the much-needed strength to care for your newborn. As with the other workouts, start off with light weights, even if you are a veteran lifter before. You can opt for exercises that work several muscle groups at a time, such as assisted lunges or chair squats. Remember to keep it simple and do not place too much pressure on yourself as you have a new baby and a whole new life ahead of you.