Birthing a child is the true definition of a rollercoaster. Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, a variety of emotions are felt, including happiness, sadness, and fear of the new reality.
Pregnancy isn’t like an elastic band, you cannot expect to revert to your former self immediately after you deliver your child. Following the birth of your child, you enter the postpartum period, which is marked by significant changes in physical, emotional, and hormonal levels.
All of these changes impact new mothers differently. However, the most difficult change of all is the physical change, which is weight loss. Being pregnant causes you to gain a lot of weight, and when the baby comes out, mothers hope to look like themselves again. However, feeling pressured to lose weight is not the best way to go about things. This article highlights the factors you should consider when trying to shed pregnancy weight.
Factors To Consider
If you read through social media looking at people, especially celebrities, who recently gave birth and have their bodies looking like their pre-pregnancy bodies in a few weeks after childbirth, you could become depressed. There are factors to consider, including age, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and so on.
Your metabolism slows as you age, making it more difficult to lose weight. Sandra Fikawati and Vina Giolisa Permata Sari’s study found that “exclusive breastfeeding for six months is the dominant factor associated with postpartum weight loss of the mother.” Hormonal changes after childbirth can also alter your metabolism, appetite, and energy levels, interfering with natural bodily adjustments.
Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic weight loss goals allows you to not only reach your goal but also enjoy peace of mind while doing so. There is no single fastest way to lose weight. Losing the extra weight gained during pregnancy usually takes 6 to 12 months and is a progressive process.
That’s not to say you won’t shed some weight after the baby is born. You would lose the weight of the baby, the weight of the placenta, and the weight of the fluid that surrounded the developing baby, which is known as amniotic fluid. Other factors influencing weight loss include physical activity, food, stress levels, and sleep. Therefore, do what is best for you in terms of your weight loss goals.
Healthy Eating
If you want to lose weight, don’t go about it the wrong way by depriving yourself of meals. You can still eat a decent meal while trying to lose weight. It all depends on what type of meal you eat. Overall, you must prioritize a well-balanced diet that contains a variety of food groups that are healthy for both you and your child. Use the portion control style of food plating to help you regulate your food intake. Also, practice mindful eating without distractions. This helps you know when you’re full so you can avoid overeating.
Exercise
Starting a fitness routine is a positive step forward. However, if you had a cesarean section or a tear during childbirth, you should avoid any intense activity until you have fully recovered.
Once you’ve healed, you can begin with simple exercises that won’t strain your body, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the activities as you get the hang of them. You can either go to the gym or engage in activities such as walking, running, or yoga to improve flexibility and core strength.
Bottom Line
Following the birth of your child, you enter the postpartum period, which is marked by significant changes in physical, emotional, and hormonal levels. However, the most difficult change of all is the physical change, which is weight loss.
A variety of factors contribute to postpartum weight loss, including age, breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and so on. Other factors to consider when attempting to lose pregnancy weight include setting realistic goals, eating well, and exercising.
