New moms have a lot to think about, and right there up on the list is “how to lose the baby weight?” Post-baby weight loss is certainly a valid concern, but you want to approach it sensibly and safely.

Get Moving

This seems like a no-brainer: the more energy we use, the more weight we lose. Once you get your doctor’s OK to exercise, start slowly and set reasonable goals. Hospitals often offer post-pregnancy weight loss classes; check with the hospital where you delivered to see if they have a program you can join. Just getting out of the house and moving can be great for your metal health, too. Most babies love motion, so just going for a neighborhood walk can be a great way to start. Bad weather? Try cruising the mall with your stroller.

Breastfeed

There’s a reason you gained all that baby weight: to nurture your growing baby and to ensure that you can produce enough milk to feed her. I know from experience that breastfeeding makes you ravenous. Fill up on healthy food choices, follow the advice of your pediatrician, a lactation consultant, or your doctor, and you will find that many of the pounds drop off with little effort. (See this hub for more on breastfeeding).

Drink Enough Water

Certainly if you’re breastfeeding, staying hydrated is crucial to producing enough milk. Sometimes our bodies confuse dehydration with hunger, so if you drink plenty of water throughout the day (again, follow your doctor’s recommendations), you’ll not only feel better, but you may avoid making poor food choices.

Plan Ahead

You’ll be so busy with your new baby that you may find eating a sit-down meal at regular intervals is a challenge. To avoid snaking on junk food, keep low-calories snacks on hand. A bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, almonds, low-fat yoghurt, baby carrots, whole wheat crackers, and pretzels are easy choices if you have them handy in your kitchen.

Be Realistic

You’re not going to fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans a month after your baby is born. Losing weight after having a baby is a long process. After all, it took you 9 months to gain the weight, so it will take some time to take it off. Your body has done great things for you: nurtured and nourished and delivered a baby. If you’re breastfeeding you’re providing the sole nutritional support for another human being. That’s quite a feat!

Respect the changes you've gone through, and set realistic and obtainable goals for yourself. You have enough pressure on you as it is: don’t add to it by expecting perfection. Just treating yourself to a new outfit that really fits and flatters the shape you’re in now can do wonders for your self-perception.

Post-baby weight loss is a major concern of moms, but you’ll get there. You may never look the same as you did pre-baby, but achieving and maintaining a healthy weight will benefit you both.