How to attain proper weight loss after pregnancy is a popular question among moms attempting to return to their girlish figure they had before the beautiful addition to the family. The average weight gain during pregnancy has been between 25 to 35 pounds (while there have been some much greater cases). During deliver, new moms drop on average 12.5 to 14 pounds, leaving about 12 to 21 pounds of excess weight to be lost during the postpartum period.

So how do you lose weight safely and properly after your pregnancy? One good way to lose some of your pregnancy weight is to breastfeed! Many women do not like the feeling of the child nibbling on their breast as they feed, but look at it this way - it helps you lose weight and also nourishes the child better than store bought milk.

One of the reasons your body puts on weight during pregnancy is to help store the caloric energy it takes to breastfeed your baby- that's about 200 to 500 extra calories per day. Therefore take advantage of losing calories the way your body naturally intended - breastfeeding!

Exercise is highly recommended and some say it should be started immediately after returning home. But I disagree. Give your body time to recover; if you want to exercise immediately you should start with easy and gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, Pilates, or yoga.

Now keep in mind, I am a researcher and writer, so it is a good idea to consult your doctor so that he or she can explain you the benefits of exercise. From my research, those benefits include physical and mood benefits and also it will not interfere with your breastfeeding. Your doctor would advise you an exercise program and it up to you to stick to it. Get a buddy to exercise with you if you aren't motivated or scared to go work out in public with the extra weight on you. It always helps.

During the initial weight loss after pregnancy recovery period however, if you feel up to it you might consider taking your newborn for an old fashion stroll. Walking is a excellent form of exercise that will not only help improve your health and help you lose weight, but also clear your mind and help you fight back against possible post partum depression.

Next to exercising, a healthy diet is the best way to lose your pregnancy pounds. Talk to your doctor about what foods are important for the continuing health for you and your baby. However, focus on nutrition, not on weight-loss diets! If you're breastfeeding, your baby's nutritional needs outweigh your weight loss goals.

Most women I know found that after their second child, the weight seemed to melt off. Good news to second birth moms; not so good for first timers.

After 2-3 months, when you feel your strength is returning and when your period has returned to normal, you can start following a healthy, weight loss diet, and taking more vigorous exercise. But don't aim for fast weight loss, and really listen to your doctor. For optimum health, aim to lose no more than 1 pound per week, and continue to focus on eating nutritious foods.

This is the best and healthiest methods especially when you are dealing with weight loss after a pregnancy. It can be difficult to put your personal goals aside for the sake of the baby. You have to remember; getting back your girlish figure is not as important as maintaining a healthy baby. Of course if you are a celebrity mom, there may be room for argument...or not!

CH