So you have decided to take the plunge and become a parent. Congrats! We are so happy for you and wish you lots of joy. Your baby girl or boy may require new clothing for the first year and lots of snuggles, but you will eventually adjust to the idea of having a baby in the house. There will also be some pretty cool stuff you can do with a kid around.
Once your baby has grown a bit, you will realize that it is high time for some serious toiletteering. If you are looking for ways to lose some weight after having kids, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you about the latest research on weight loss after childbirth and how you can get back on track.
Postpartum Depression And Mommy Guilt
It would be amazing if after having children your health improved and you were able to fit back into your old clothes. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most mothers. A study from the UK revealed that 50% of new moms experience some sort of depression after having a baby. This is called Postpartum Depression and it is totally normal. It is also called Mommy Guilt because the baby’s needs are literally a reflection of your own. It is common for new moms to feel like they are at the beck and call of their children as many will only sleep when their baby needs feeding or is crying for some attention. This can make it difficult to find the energy to exercise, which in turn can lead to weight gain. It is important to note here that Postpartum Depression tends to be mild and lasts for a shorter period of time than other kinds of depression. Still, it is an issue that needs to be addressed and thankfully, there are some very effective treatments available. It is also crucial to realize that this is something you will get over. It is not your fault your health deteriorated after having kids. You did not choose to be born with a large toddler group camping out in your belly. This is a fact of life and you must learn to deal with it.
The Science Behind Weight Loss After Childbirth
The first step to getting back on track after childbirth is to understand how and why you gained weight in the first place. For most new moms, it was simply because their bodies needed extra nutrients to build the new baby’s body. Now that they have done that, your body needs to reverse the process and get back to its pre-pregnancy weight. There are several ways this can happen and one of them is through calorie restriction. Since the last time you weighed yourself, you probably exceeded your pre-pregnancy weight by a few pounds, it is important to stick to a calorie-restricted diet for a few weeks to get your body back to its pre-pregnancy weight. Another great way to shed off the extra pounds is to engage in physical activity. Even if it’s just taking the dog for a walk or going on a gentle jog, it will all help. And last but not least, it’s time for you to get back in the saddle and start working out again. If you are feeling overwhelmed or guilty about not being able to fit back in your old clothes, it’s time to confront these feelings. Remember, there is no shame in falling asleep at night while still wearing your babygrows. As long as your baby is content and healthy, everyone will feel happy and warm inside.