Things You'll Need:
- Dr.'s clearance to resume exercise.
- 25 minutes, 3-5 days a week.
- Light hand-weights, 3-10 lbs.
- Books, magazines &/or videos specializing in pregnancy or post-pregnancy work-outs.
- Strong desire to attain your goal!
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Step 1
Perhaps the most obvious solution to this problem that so many women have encountered is to NOT get "out of shape," in the first place.
While I am NOT suggesting that an expectant mommy allow herself to become "pregorexic," so many women take the term "eating for two" literally!
Your doctor or midwife can tell you just how many calories you will need per day, as a pregnant mommy, as well as tell you how much weight gain is appropriate. -
Step 2
Increase the protein in your diet while pregnant! Not only is this good for mommy & baby, but it is thought to help make the actual act of childbirth easier!
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Step 3
Once you have delivered your little bundle of joy, one of the best things you can do for your baby AND yourself is breastfeed! The act of nursing causes uterine contractions and helps to shrink your uterus back down to it's normal size.
Breastfeeding moms also require up to 700 ADDITIONAL calories per day--almost double what an expectant mommy requires! Nurse your baby and you'll be a calorie-burning machine! -
Step 4
Once your health-care provider gives you the green-light to resume physical activity, pick up one of the popular pregnancy magazines, or search online for "post-partum exercise tips."
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Step 5
Consider "baby-wearing," and purchase a sling or wrap. Wear your little one around the house as you go about your daily routine or step outside and take a walk! (Of course you can push your baby in a stroller for a nice little jaunt, also.)
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Step 6
Aim to get at least 25 minutes of your desired exercise, 3-5 days a week. (Less if your health-care provider prescribes, or more if you can handle it and your provider approves.)
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Step 7
Don't get discouraged if baby-weight doesn't come off right away! Remember, it took NINE months for your body to change shape for pregnancy--it could take that long, or even longer--for your body to change back!
Keep a positive mental outlook and whenever you feel down, just remember why you went through all that you did: That sweet little baby!
Comments
amylaine said
on 12/30/2008 Great tips.
ZenMommy said
on 11/8/2008 Grandma makes sense! That works too, I suppose! :-p
MotherDove said
on 11/7/2008 Great article! The only advice I got 22 years ago was from my grandmother-"Get up off your butt!" She wasn't as well-researched as you,lol! Thanks