Yummy Mummies: Maintenance after Pregnancy

The most important thing to remember on the road to being a yummy mummy is that it took nine months for your body to change shape and gain weight; the least you can do is give it nine months at least to significantly recover from its ordeal.

Try not to judge your body by comparing it to that of your favorite actress who just gave birth is a good place to start. There is no assurance that she did it the right, healthy way, and while the results are quick to be seen, it causes a lot of damage in the long run.

How do you lose all that pregnancy weight?

There are a number of tricks to being a yummy mummy, and most of them revolve around eating right, getting enough rest, and exercising right. Eating a well-balanced meal that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and poultry and low-fat dairy products is a great place to start. Eat slowly, and chances are that you won’t indulge in overeating. Drink plenty of water, vegetable and fruit juices, and go easy on the caffeinated and aerated drinks. Also check for trans-fat levels in pre-packages food.

Can I exercise too?

Exercising is great.  But remember that more strenuous exercising should begin ideally after four to six weeks of delivery (or your first post-pregnancy check-up). You can start with walking and light stretches can begin almost immediately. Yoga, water aerobics and light Pilates has also proved very helpful for weight loss. For those who are short on time or who do not feel up to a scheduled exercise regime can put their baby in a stroller and go for a brisk walk, or in a secure sling and go for an easy jog. These will not only release endorphins which can help stave off unwanted post-partum depression, but it can also prove to be a nice bonding ritual between the baby and mother.

The most crucial thing of all is to accept that your body has gone through change, and some of it may be permanent (softer belly, slightly wider hips, bigger breast, thickened waistline), and this is perfectly acceptable. You created a beautiful baby and that makes you a beautiful woman too.