Weight Loss After Pregnancy - an explanation from SLP Slimming

Weight Loss After Pregnancy.

The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 to 35 pounds. During the birth, new mothers shed about 12.5 to 14 pounds, leaving about 12 to 21 pounds of excess weight to be lost during the postpartum period. In addition, some new mothers may gain an extra 10-12 pounds during pregnancy, due to various medical conditions, in which case there will be more postpartum weight for them to lose in order to regain their pre-pregnancy figure.

Is it possible to lose weight and regain your figure after having a baby?

Having a baby does not mean you have to be fat. Lots of new mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figure within 8-12 months. True, it takes time for your body to get back to normal, but don't despair. Eat properly, get active and let nature do the rest.

Don't rush out and start dieting after the birth.

If you are not breast-feeding then don't rush out and start dieting. Instead, for the first three months or so after the birth, concentrate on healthy eating, and develop your own exercise plan. Then, when your body has begun to recover and when your period has returned to normal, start following a healthy, low fat weight-loss plan and you will lose weight just as easily as the next person.

How long before you reach your pre-pregnancy weight?

If your weight gain during pregnancy was no more than the recommended 22- 30 pounds, you should be able to return to your pre-pregnancy weight within about 8 months. This may sound slow, but you really can't lose weight much faster and stay healthy at the same time.

Breastfeeding may assist you to lose weight, at least during the 12 months after giving birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the process of breastfeeding releases a number of hormones into your body which helps your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. However, don't count on breast-feeding to improve your weight loss during the immediate postpartum period. Very often, it is only when the breast-feeding stops that the weight starts to come off.

If you are breast-feeding there is no reason why you should not go on a healthy, low-fat weight loss diet, but you should not drop below about 1800 calories per day, while feeding.

Exercise assists postpartum weight loss. Exercise helps you to adapt to your new situation. It will also help to relieve stress, minimize postpartum depression and renew energy levels. Exercise will not interfere with your ability to breast-feed. Breast milk is unaffected.

Set little exercise goals, like doing 10-minutes of exercise each day and then gradually increase it. The best time to start exercising is about 5-6 weeks after the birth. Always consult your doctor before starting exercise.