On average, a woman gains 25-35 pounds during pregnancy. Immediately after delivery, a new mother might shed 10-15 pounds, leaving 10-25 additional pounds on her “new” body. For many women, it can be a source of great shock and disappointment to discover they can no longer fit into their clothes from before the pregnancy.
Losing weight after pregnancy takes time, patience, and dedication. A realistic goal is to lose 1 or 2 pounds per week. For an extra 10 to 25 pounds, that can take anywhere from 2 months to 2 years.
Losing weight after pregnancy can be a difficult and lengthy process, but it is possible to achieve your desired results with some time and effort. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself with regard to how long it will take to see results, and to commit to sticking to your plan even when progress is slow. Remember that there is no quick fix when it comes to losing weight, but with perseverance you can reach your goal!
If you’re looking to shed some postpartum weight, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Give your body the time it needs: It’s normal to feel like you want to jump back into everything you were doing pre-pregnancy, but it’s important to remember that your body has been through a lot and needs time to recover and readjust. You’re not just returning to your old state – you’re in uncharted territory as a new mother and your body needs time to get used to this new way of being. After you give birth, resist the urge to diet for at least three months. Instead, focus on staying active and moving your body. You can use your menstrual cycle as an indicator of when your body is ready to take on a more intentional program of diet and exercise; when it normalizes, you’re ready to go.
Start your post-pregnancy exercise routine slowly: Your body is still healing, and it needs time to adjust. Going for a walk with your baby in the park is a great way to start, and it will help get your body ready for more intense exercise later on.
If you want to set yourself up for success, keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and fresh foods. This way, when you’re feeling hungry, you’ll only have good options available to you. Instead of eating 2 or 3 large meals, try having several smaller ones throughout the day. And don’t try to starve yourself – that won’t do any good for your new baby, and you’ll probably end up binging later to make up for it.
Give yourself a break. The post-pregnancy period is exhausting and challenging enough without adding extra guilt, shame, and unrealistic expectations to the mix.
Losing weight after pregnancy can be tough, but it’s definitely possible. Every body is different, so instead of comparing your postpartum weight loss to other new moms, focus on sticking to a slow and steady path. This will help you achieve the long-lasting results you’re looking for: a body that looks and feels better than it ever did during or before pregnancy.
Losing pregnancy weight can be a difficult and daunting task, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our program is designed to help you safely and effectively lose weight, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
