The study, published by the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care on Informed Health Online, found that the healthiest timeline for losing baby weight is in three to six months. Trying aggressively to lose weight more quickly than that can negatively impact breastfeeding.
Why Gain Weight During Pregnancy
Women need to gain weight during pregnancy because it helps nourish the baby and prepare for breastfeeding. But gaining too much weight during pregnancy can be harmful. The average recommended gain is 25 to 35 pounds. Any more than this and there is a higher risk of the woman getting gestational diabetes, as well as complications for the baby. Limiting the weight gain to a healthy amount also makes it easier to lose once the baby is born.
Weight Loss and Breastfeeding
Many women find that the weight comes off fairly easily after giving birth because the body retains more water, which goes away quickly. Breastfeeding also speeds the process. Even though the body requires extra calories during breastfeeding, it also burns many more calories. So if you decide to nurse your baby, your weight loss efforts may be a lot less onerous.
Exercising Postpartum
It is best to begin exercising slowly after giving birth. Start by slow walks with the baby whenever you have the energy. Wait to begin anything more rigorous for after your six-week checkup. The German study found that exercising did not increase weight loss after giving birth. However, getting outside with your baby can make you feel better and get you back on a gradual road to fitness.
Here are some other tips to help you get back your pre-pregnancy body.
- Cut out junk food, especially if you're nursing. Eating healthy will help you lose weight, and the nutrients will be good for your baby.
- Get as much sleep as you can. This may be a pipe dream for the first few months, but sleeping more has been shown to aid in weight loss because if you're tired, you're more likely to eat junk food and refrain from working out.
- Drink water. This will not only keep you hydrated but also help your body produce enough milk for breastfeeding. Also, many people mistake thirst for hunger, so drinking more water may help you eat less.
- Go easy on yourself. Your body has just given you the miracle of a new baby. Enjoying this time and indulging yourself are good for both of you. It took you nine months to gain the weight, so give yourself time to take it off.
Remember that many celebrities who appear in bikinis three weeks after having a baby have chefs, personal trainers and nannies to help them along. And even with all of this help, they still often resort to unhealthy weight loss methods. In the real world, moderate exercise, a healthy diet, some sleep and plenty of time are the best ingredients in a postpartum weight loss recipe.
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