Moms' Best Tips for Losing the Baby Weight

By Ellen Slotkin, Registered Dietitian

No one says it better than the moms who have been there themselves.

From the conventional to the creative - we have assembled our readers’ most popular recommendations gleaned from our survey of 700 real-mom Parenthood.com readers. Read on for practical suggestions for blasting those post-delivery pounds. Read on for suggestions, tips, and inspiration for methods for getting back into your pre-baby jeans!

1. “Breastfeed!” (35%) Thirty-five percent of Parenthood.com moms agree—breastfeeding is the best way to blast the baby weight. “Breastfeed as long as you can do so” suggested one mom. “Try exclusive breastfeeding a year or longer” recommended another.

Because breastfeeding increases your metabolic requirements by an average of 300 extra calories per day, it can certainly help you reach your weight loss goals, but should be undertaken along with a sensible diet and exercise routine. Breastfeeding, like pregnancy should not be an excuse to over-indulge. One reader commented “When it comes to eating when you are breastfeeding, pretend you are still pregnant. Ask yourself what would be good for the baby?”

2 “Forget about it!” (17%) It was a surprise to see in a survey about baby weight, but many Parenthood.com readers recommended not worrying about losing the baby weight; at least during the first six months. Parenthood moms suggested “Enjoying your baby” and noted “Taking care of a newborn keeps you too busy to eat.”

Health professionals agree, it is best to begin a diet and exercise plan when you are psychologically and emotionally ready to do so. It is not a bad idea to first get accustomed to your new routine (and ideally, to wait until your baby sleeps through the night) before you begin a baby weight loss regimen.

3. “Portion control and general healthy habits.” (15%) Sometimes the best advice is the simplest. Even if you ate less than perfectly during your pregnancy, Parenthood moms suggested getting back on track the sensible way.

Healthy habits (fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy sources) and practicing portion control are the way to go—no far-out fads or ridiculous restrictions needed!