One of the hardest things to do is lose weight after you've had a baby. I gain a lot of weight when I'm pregnant. I want my baby to be as healthy as possible. It's also an excuse to eat what I want. It's even harder to lose weight when you're 40. I have talked to several moms who had a baby and tried to lose the weight. We all found weight watchers to work best. I lost 21 pounds over the last 6 months. It has been very slow. I'm curious how other moms have lost the weight. One thing is for sure, it's not easy.
Breastfeeding is a great way to help lose the baby weight. Not only is it good for baby, but good for mom too!
I had a baby less than two weeks ago and I'm so wanting to start exercising again, but I know my doctor wants my episiotomy to heal and for my body to settle. I gained 47 lbs with pregnancy, I've lost 23 already somehow. I'm hoping to lose at least another 10 by the six week mark, but I won't hold my breath. I was big on exercising before pregnancy, hitting the gym 3 times a week and also in my job I spend all day on my feet walking around a factory, so I'm active. I was a healthy size 8 when we conceived. Now I don't think a size 14 would fit me on the bottom. I plan to go back on a low-carb diet after Thanksgiving. I was following a low-carb lifestyle for the three years before I got pregnant. It initally helped me lose 25 lbs, with the exercise, but then I just maintained for the years after that. I liked it because it was a strict lifestyle that helped me stay on track. I also felt better doing it. When my husband and I would have a "cheat day" and eat carbs, we always felt miserable afterwards. I won't say try the strict Atkins necessarily, but try a lighter version, like the South Beach Diet.
Lisa,
I had a baby 6 months ago and I am also finding it so hard to lose the weight. I have tried Weight Watchers and it has been hard for me to always keep track of the points, especially when I make meals at home. I was thinking about trying the low carb diet. That way I know what foods I can and can't eat. How do I go about starting it? I am such a carb addict and I am sure that I will lose weight with this plan. Thanks for any help you can give me!
Christen
i am a mom of two and a PT. weight training is sooo helpful, along with breastfeeding, in getting back to prebaby shape. my husband and i own a holistic helath center in brentwood and we have a great circuit training class that is perfect for new moms getting in shape.
it's m, w, f in the morning...6-7am so we moms can go when our hubbies are still home to be with the baby! it's hard to get out of bed that early, but lets face it, we're not getting any real sleep these days anyway! if you're interested, it's detailed online at
http://www.bcoh.org/Pages/Classes_and_Events.html
ps: i think walking is the other next best exercise for new moms after weight training. be carefull of your knees and feet if/when you go back to running as our ligaments are still really loose from the hormome "relaxin" (that allows our pelvis to spread to deliver our babies) for @6 months.
I lost my weight by joining a stroller fitness class! It was the perfect way for me to bond with my baby and exercise at the same time! You shoudl check out The Mommy Movement. http://www.TheMommyMovement.com They have cheap prices and their classes accommodate both stay at home and working moms!