Snapping Well vs. Snapping Back After Pregnancy

New moms have to adjust to many changes after giving birth. Not only are they tasked with caring for their bundle of joy (on very little sleep at that), but their bodies are also going through their own process of recovery. Hormonal changes affect new moms physically and psychologically, making the first few weeks and months after pregnancy a serious adjustment period. This is only made more difficult by the pressure to “snap back” or return to pre-pregnancy form in society. Watching celebrities get back into shape so quickly can make some new moms feel like they’re doing something wrong even though they don’t have the same resources as famous people. While a baby can bring great happiness and joy into her life, a new mom is still a person with feelings, emotions and insecurities independent of their child.

The most important thing for new moms to remember is that your body is still undergoing healing. Having a baby doesn’t mean your stomach will shrink back to its original size (remember the world’s confusion when Kate Middleton emerged from the hospital with a round stomach after giving birth to her first child back in 2013?). Your uterus takes about four weeks to contract back to its former size. Additionally, your cells, which swell up during pregnancy, will reduce in size with the release of bodily fluids. Everything will take time to get back to normal, and everyone’s body has its own schedule for getting back to normal. There’s no use forcing your body to conform to another person’s timeline when it has one of its own.

It’s difficult to estimate when your body will return to its normal size. Some women drop weight quickly, others experience fundamental changes in shape and size. Factors like genes, how much weight you gained during your pregnancy and how much you exercised, influence your postpartum figure. Before taking steps towards weight loss, however, check in with your OB-GYN so that you’re on a plan which fits with your body’s needs. Limiting your energy intake or over-exercising can have serious consequences on your body, and affect your ability to care for your child.

Here are some basic steps you can take before embarking on a more specific plan:

• Ensure your diet is full of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as grains, seeds, legumes and beans. Avoid too many starchy foods like white rice, pasta and bread.
• Watch your portion sizes and snacking.
• If you exercised during your pregnancy, you can begin with some gentle exercises and stretches. But if you’re a newbie, then you should begin with very basic training. Pace yourself!
• Pelvic exercises are a good way for new moms to strengthen their core and tighten their stomach muscles.
• Go for walks with your baby. You can get fresh air while making sure you have an eye on your newborn.