by Tamara Iannello

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2010

While there is nothing more joyous than giving birth to your child, there is nothing more frustrating than looking five months pregnant afterwards.  The battle to lose the pregnancy weight and reclaim your pre-baby body is a daunting task that every exhausted and overwhelmed new mom wishes she had the energy to face.  But it is possible – even with a newborn in the house.  Here are a few tips that will help you lose the pregnancy weight by the time your baby is crawling.

LOSE PREGNANCY WEIGHT WHILE SITTING ON YOUR TUSH   

Throughout history, women have wished for a magical way to lose pregnancy weight without having to move.  Lucky you – as a new mom, you have it.  It’s called breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding burns calories, and the only energy you have to expend is holding your new bundle of joy.  Furthermore, breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones that help pull the uterus back to where it’s supposed to be – essential if you ever want to get out of your maternity jeans.  Not only does breastfeeding help mom to lose the pregnancy weight faster, but it is great for baby, too. 

LOSE PREGNANCY WEIGHT BY EATING YOUR BREAKFAST  

Don’t skip breakfast because you’re too tired, too busy, too overwhelmed, or feeling too fat.  Skipping breakfast lowers your metabolism, not only making you feel sluggish, but also telling your body to store more fat.    A breakfast as simple and quick as a bowl of whole grain cereal will help you to lose the pregnancy weight by boosting your metabolism, enabling you to burn more calories throughout the day.  Eating a sensible breakfast not only gives you the energy you need to make it through the morning without diving into the chips and cookies by 9:30, but it also revs up your metabolism.

LOSE PREGNANCY WEIGHT WITH EXERCISE

Once your doctor gives you the okay to start a regular exercise regime, you will probably fantasize about taking an hour or so every morning to do a full body workout.  If you don’t have a live-in nanny, you may need to give up on this pipe dream.  Instead, find creative ways to insert exercise into your schedule in small increments.  Turn commute time into exercise time by contracting those abdominals while driving.  Suck the belly in, hold for as long as you can while still being able to breathe, rest for 30 seconds, repeat.  Use the same principle for your tush.  In the evening, put your baby in the stroller and take a brisk walk through the neighborhood.  The fresh air will calm and soothe baby, and the walk will tighten and tone mom.  Invest in a workout video that has five to ten minute segments for each body part.  It’s much easier to find five minutes here, ten minutes there throughout the day than to find an hour all at once.  And rest assured that you’ll be able to exercise straight through once your baby goes to preschool. 

Most importantly, be realistic with your goals.  It took nine months for your body to change, so don’t expect to lose the pregnancy weight in two weeks.  A simple plan that includes light exercise and a healthy diet is all you need to be back in your skinny jeans before baby’s first birthday.

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