The stress of caring for your newborn and recovering from your C-Section delivery can feel overwhelming, but that doesn't mean you should put yourself last - mummy deserves some love as well, especially after having undergone such a difficult surgery!
While weight gain during pregnancy is normal, almost half of women gain more than the recommended amount of weight1, which can lead to health risks over the long term, but also decrease your chances of conceiving again2 if you intend to have another child in future.
So how can a busy C-Section mummy like yourself work your way back to a healthy weight? Here are five effective tips to help you lose that baby weight!
Be patient
Any type of healthy and sustainable weight loss takes time - a study by the World Health Organization found that women lose an average of 4.7kg in the time between two weeks and two years after giving birth3, so don't feel pressured if the scales aren't moving fast enough!
Eat healthily
Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain, choose lean meats, limit sweets and salt, and controlling your portion sizes will help to promote healthy weight loss4.
But don't crash diet
Crash-dieting may be the fastest way to lose the extra pounds, but doing so also deprives your body of the nutrition it needs to heal and recover from your C-Section delivery, and affect the quality and quantity of your breast milk5.
Breastfeed if you can
Besides being the best source of nutrition for your newborn, breastfeeding also helps with weight loss - studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers lose more weight than non-breastfeeding mothers6.
Start light exercises
As a C-Section mum, it is doubly important to check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise programme. Once you are given the okay, start slowly with light exercises, such as pelvic floor exercises or going on a daily walk with your baby. Don't worry if it doesn't seem intense enough - studies have shown that the frequency of exercise is more important than the intensity of exercise for weight loss7!
By simply following these five research-backed weight loss tips, you should see gradual but steady weight loss.
While you're getting your body back in shape, don't forget to minimise your C-Section scar with Dermatix® Ultra, our clinically-proven scar reduction gel that's safe for nursing mums* and only needs 2 quick applications each day.
With visible results in as little as 3 months8, you'll be getting back the midriff that you can confidently show off before you know it!
