Weight Loss After Pregnancy

Many women struggle with weight loss after pregnancy for a number of reasons.

Firstly, unlike men their priorities need to change. I realise this is a very sexist comment, but generally speaking this is true. The mother tends to be the primary carer and looks after the baby most of the time.

Obviously the need to breast feed reinforces this situation. In terms of time off work this is quite rightly tailored towards the mother having the biggest amount of time off, and men generally carry on as normal.

The point I am trying to make here is that a woman's life is completely transformed after having children, whereas a mans isn't necessarily going to be.

With this in mind it is understandable why so many women fail to lose their pregnancy weight and consequently face an uphill battle with their body shape, usually for the rest of their lives.

Weight loss after pregnancy should be a high concern for a new mother alongside the care of their new baby, for the following reasons: -

To return the body back in to its pre pregnancy state as quickly as possible which will help to avoid placing extra stress on the joints, heart and lungs and the body as a whole.

If the mother feels good about herself, content and happy then she is much more likely to be a good natured carer than if she detests the way she looks and feels.

Finally, it takes a lot of energy to look after a baby, initially coping with sleepless nights and constantly feeding and changing, not mention keeping the little one entertained. With any excess weight most tasks feel harder and more challenging.

To summarise, whilst losing weight it isn't always the most practical or easiest thing to do after having a baby, the effort it takes is well worth it. This time should be for enjoying the new arrival and being proud of what has been acheived, not a time to feel bad about yourself.

You must devise a plan of how to lose weight after pregnancy that fits easily in to a baby care schedule, involves the baby and family and is fun and rewarding. Don't ignore the weight you've gained, it won't go away on its own.