Baby is 2 months old but your flabby tummy persists. “I still look pregnant” is a common cry! There is unfair pressure on you to instantly regain your figure but it will come back gradually, although it may not return exactly as before. So watch what you eat and keep active. How long until you get your figure back? There is no “quick fix” – it depends on individual metabolism. So concentrate on your wellbeing, enjoy baby and be patient.
• Pelvic floor exercises – start immediately after birth in order to prevent future gynaecological problems. Imagine stopping and starting the urine flow – pull inwards and upwards – hold the contraction – 10 times slowly and 10 times fast.
After your 6-week postnatal check- up if all is well, begin serious abdominal exercises. Start gently – build up gradually – don’t strain.
• For abdominals – lie on the floor facing a bed or sofa. With knees bent hook toes under bed. Place hands on your thighs. Breathe in – lift up head, shoulders and upper body – slide hands up to knees and breathe out. Work those tummy muscles! Relax back down, don’t flop – control both up and down movement. Repeat 6 times – gradually build up to 24 repetitions each day. Hooking your feet under protects your back, which took the strain of pregnancy.
• An hour’s brisk walk each day in the fresh air is beneficial to you and baby.
Eat a well balanced diet of fresh wholesome food in order to regain your health and shape. Breast-feeding will use up fat stores in the body and help weight loss. Dieting can be dangerous, particularly when breast-feeding. Baby is your priority. You need more cals if you are breastfeeding If you are not, an average of 2,000 cals a day (300 less than during pregnancy) will help your body regain its strength and shape. Generally speaking cut back a bit (minimum 1,200 cals) makes quality not quantity a priority.
What you eat can make a difference to how you look and feel.
Eat more:
fibre
fresh food
fish and chicken
fruits &vegetables
low fat foods
Eat less:
processed foods
red meat
fats
sugar
salt
biscuits and chocolate