A new mother has more on her plate these days than just having to adjust your whole life because you’ve brought a bundle of joy into the world. New mothers are also being pushed to loose all their baby weight in a month just like those celebs do in the magazines. For most women this is unrealistic but here are some tips to getting your figure back in your own time.
• Wait as least six weeks before even attempting to do any exercise other than the gentle postnatal pelvic exercises advised by your midwife. Speak to your doctor before resuming high-impact sport (usually from three months after the birth).
• Eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones, this will help to help curb the breastfeeding hunger and it’s also a great way to kick start your metabolism. Decrease calories very gradually. That way you'll be able to tell if it's affecting your milk supply.
• Don't run or jump as your ligaments will still be relaxed from pregnancy. This lasts between six and 12 weeks and any return to high-impact sport should be gradual. Exercise that was good in pregnancy is generally good afterwards - brisk walking, swimming and postnatal yoga.
• Don’t be worried about working up a sweat though, but do make sure you're drinking enough water to remain hydrated, especially if breastfeeding. Resistance training, for instance, with bands or light weights, is an excellent way to build-up muscle mass. A person with more muscle mass burns more calories throughout the day, even while sitting.
• Try to think about your posture and hold your stomach in, especially when pushing a buggy. By engaging your core stability muscle, you'll be helping flatten your stomach, as well as possibly preventing back problems.
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