Keep in shape as a new mum

How To Keep In Shape As A New Mum

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes. One of the most significant changes is an increase in weight. Most women worry that after having their baby, they won’t return to their normal weight and dress size. The thought of not being able to slip into those pretty dresses and skirts, cause some women to develop anxiety about their weight. We spoke to Damilola Ladejobi, a premium weight loss consultant and the CEO of one of Africa’s leading healthy lifestyle company (Askdamz). She gave us 5 tips on how to cope and keep in shape as a new mum.

How To Keep In Shape As A New Mum

[Mum’s, there is a legit reason why you’re always tired]

1. Nutrition

Nutrition is especially important for breastfeeding mothers, whose bodies will deplete their own stores of nutrients if not taking them in through your diet. You should be eating at least 1,500 calories a day while breastfeeding, and if you eat less you will not only be shortchanging yourself, you’ll be shortchanging your baby. “You can’t produce quality milk if you are not eating enough.”

2. Breastfeeding and Exercise

The good news is Breastfeeding burns calories. It can help mothers lose extra weight gained during pregnancy. If you can lose a couple of pounds before then, that’s OK, but you really don’t want to cut your food intake dramatically during these early weeks. You need the energy, and you need the calories for breastfeeding. As an expert, I normally advise that one of the easiest ways to begin a postpartum exercise routine is by walking. And you can even get your Babies in on the fun! Indeed, one of the more popular forms of organized new-mommy exercise involves walking stroller workouts.

3. Use your Babies

Who says you have to exercise alone? Your Babies can seriously form part of your exercise plan – a toddler is as good a weight as a dumbbell! When they start to get older, you can also include them in your exercise. I would warn that extreme demands like marathon training should be put on hold by the Mum until after the baby’s first year

[Mums, get your weaning meal timetable guide ]

4. DO NOT COMPARE

Resist the urge to “compare and despair” when it comes to your body and someone else’s body.

5. Sleep When your Baby Sleeps

Sleep is a medical necessity even for new moms.” Sleep is also an important way to guard against postpartum depression. You need as much rest as you can gather, it might come little by little but trust me….it is very very important.

Lastly, don’t try to take on the super Mum role, you’ll end up exhausted which won’t help your baby in any way.

Always remember that what you eat as a new mum will not only show on your body, it will show on your baby’s too.

Scroll to Top