Pregnancy Baby Bulge
Beat the After Pregnancy Baby Bulge
You have brought that beautiful bundle of joy into the world. Now, what about your body? You can beat the pregnancy bulge with a few simple tips and tricks.
Pregnancy is a good time in your life. Your body is the home for a new life form. That means that your child gets their nourishment from you. Doctors recommend only gaining weight during pregnancy to accommodate your baby’s needs. That is fine when your belly is sticking out like a torpedo, but afterwards you don’t want others thinking that you are still “with child.”
One thing that is important to remember is that your body has had to adjust to having another life inside of you. It took time to gain the weight and it will take time for your body to go back to the way it was and feel comfortable. Time is your friend, not your enemy.
With that said, here are some tips for you.
* Breastfeed your baby – Breastfeeding helps to bring you closer in the baby-mom bonding stage. Also, it helps you to lose that belly bulge that much faster. The process uses up more calories than bottle feeding and provides enhanced immunity for baby. Each time your baby latches on, you increase your calorie burn. So, breastfeed as long as you can.
* Start off with walking – After you have had your post-pregnancy check-up, give walking a try if you feel like it. Walking is a great overall exercise to strengthen the entire body and increase cardiovascular health. As you feel comfortable, increase your pace and distance.
* Watch what you eat – This is good for baby as well if they are breastfeeding. Increase your food intake with healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains to increase your stamina (you’ll need it). Having energy can reduce your stress level because you aren’t tired and frenzied.
* Drink lots of water – This comes up a lot. Hydration is important for so many reasons. Your body uses water to bathe the cells and also to increase skin integrity. So, drink as much as you can stand. Drinking before meals also increases fullness so you eat less.
* Set realistic goals – Work with your doctor to come up with a schedule that will benefit your body and your life. Doing too much too fast only serves to discourage you. One day at a time is the way to a lasting weight-loss program after baby is born.
* Use baby – Use baby as a tool, not an excuse. Need to lift weights? Use baby as your weight. This gives you time to spend with baby and get a workout. Use a jog stroller to walk with baby. They get fresh air and you get a workout.
That baby bulge didn’t get there in two days and it won’t be gone in that time either. Use these tips to help you get rid of the bulge over time and safely.
