Losing Pregnancy Weight

It can be frustrating to look forward to fitting into your old clothes once again, only to find that it can take time to get back to your pre-pregnancy size, commonly from 9-12 months.

While many believe breastfeeding is the ultimate postpartum weight-loss solution, it's not necessarily true. Breastfeeding moms burn 300–500 calories a day, but that may not be enough to shed extra pounds left over from pregnancy.

Losing 2–4 pounds a month is healthiest for you. The weight is more likely to stay off if you lose it in small increments over time rather than dropping a lot of pounds in a short period (which many fad diets claim they can do).

The best way to lose weight—at any age and under most circumstances—is regular exercise, a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Watching your meal and snack portion sizes also helps.

To get more exercise in:

Try taking a brisk walk each day with your baby in a stroller or carrier—or during your lunch hour if you’re back at work. That’s a good start to getting back in shape and keeping your energy up.
Find a friend who also wants to get started and walk with her.
Shoot for more moderate physical activity—the kind that gets your heart pumping for 20 minutes—3 times a week. Try a treadmill or jumping rope at home. You’ll see a difference within a few weeks.
Strength training, such as lifting weights, twice a week will also tone your muscles.

Once you’re in a routine of regular exercise, you’ll find you miss it if you skip a day, and soon you’ll be back in those pre-pregnancy clothes.