How to lose baby fat
I am in a WhatsApp group of women who gave birth the same month as I did and one thing that we are all currently struggling with is how to lose the baby fat. After the excitement of the baby has cooled down and we finally can have a second look at us, we have realized that the hardest bit about being a mum is not taking care of our little ones, but to go back to our desired weight. Some are not bothered but most of us are.
So how then can you comfortably shed those kgs off?
Eat for one, drink for two
With my firstborn, I was fed by my mum like a pig. I appreciate the care I was given but all that food was not necessary. I had a full thermos of soup, milk, and porridge not forgetting that meals started at 6 and I fed every 3hours. I had njahi (black beans) as a side dish all through.
All these are just too much for one person, especially when the baby is still a newborn. Do not eat round the clock, I know you’ve been advised to but it’s all pointless, trust me. Eat only if your body demands so. This myth that we have to eat for two should be hugely discouraged.
Once you understand the biology of breast milk production you will then realize that fluids are what you need most to hydrate. Just eat your normal meals and portions then drink more. Even water only is enough when taken in plenty.
Breast milk production is a natural process and no amount of coercing will change it. Yes, they are foods that may boost the production but lack of them does not have much effect either. Ever wondered how people in the desert or poverty-stricken places still manage to breastfeed and have healthy kids, or those with no knowledge of these galactagogues.
If you want to increase your breast milk, the secret is to breastfeed as often as possible. Breastfeeding is more a supply and demand process; the more the baby suckles the more the milk you will produce.
So now that you know, stop eating to increase breast milk!
Eating healthy
Avoid junks, keep it healthy. Lots of fruits, and fruit juices, vegetables and soups are recommended not forgetting plenty of water.
To motivate you to a clean healthy eating, stock your house with healthy snacks. Avoid too much wheat and sugar as well, two culprits that will lead you to an early grave.
Keep yourself active
You just gave birth, you are not sick. Give yourself a month or two to rest so that your body can heal. Then from there keep yourself active with light house chores. Do not strain though, keep it light as much as possible.
Breastfeed, Breastfeed, Breastfeed
Did you know that breastfeeding alone can make you lose 600-800 calories a day? Most mums actually just lose weight by breastfeeding, no exercise no dieting.
Breastfeed your baby at least 8 times a day, which is every 24hours.
Increase your fluid intake
Every time you feel the urge to eat, reach out for a glass of fresh juice, water or even yogurt. These will keep you feeling full as well as hydrated.
Take walks
Walking is a safe way to lose postnatal weight. Take short walks around the estate, you can take the baby with you, put him/her in a stroller for ease. You both deserve a breath of fresh air.
Instead of sending your nanny to the shop, take it as an opportunity to exercise and walk to the shop.
Walking around the house or your compound is still okay, so long as you are not seated down the whole day.
Do not restock your wardrobe
This will leave you with no choice but to lose the weight. Especially when you want to leave the house and you realize that you have no fitting dress to wear.
This is my current strategy. I am not big on exercising unless it is my only resort and having no clothes that fit is my last stroke. My husband is in full support of no clothe’s shopping until the weight and the belly has gone down. So it looks like I have no much choice on this one.
Hit the Gym
This should only be after your doctor has assessed your healing progress and advised that you can start. For CS mums, the gym is not advisable at least until 6months post delivery.
Look for a personal trainer who is well versant with post-pregnancy exercises lest you do more damage to your body. Start slow and build up.
You can also look up on YouTube and Google on some post-pregnancy exercises that you can do at home. There are lots of sites, videos, and blogs on the same.
Avoid Stress
Especially if you are the kind that stress-eats, avoid stress like a plaque. Deal with it as soon as it kicks in. I know taking care of a newborn, yourself and others can be overwhelmingly especially for a first-time mother. At least it gets better with subsequent kids.
Stress leads to the production of cortisol which is responsible for sugar cravings. And we all know what that means.
There is no excuse to sit and complain as you continue adding up the kgs. The earlier the better before those fats get too comfortable in your body and become difficult to get rid of. And don’t wait until you are done with getting babies to now lose the weight. It will be so difficult to shed the pilling weight.
You can create time between your baby’s naps and come up with a 30minute routine for your indoor exercises.
Don’t stress about it though, take it easy. After all, it took 9months to gain all that weight; it is only common sense that it might take the same duration or even more to shed all that.
Daisy Chepkoech is a Freelance Blog Writer, Social Media Manager and Trainer. She is also the Marketing Director at Dake Business Solutions. Daisy holds a Bachelors degree in Communication and Media Technology from Maseno University.
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