I am a big believer in relaxation, breastfeeding, rest, and proper diet to help moms slowly return to their pre-baby bodies. I work with celebrities who have to look a certain way before they get back into the limelight and there is an unrealistic pressure to be rail thin after having a child.
Pregnancy is a big experience for the body to undergo and a woman must be supported throughout.When a mother perceives stress, she floods the body with stress hormones most notably cortisol, which actually contributes to the development of belly fat. Which means that last little bit of “pooch” that doesn’t quite appear to be loose skin from pregnancy could in fact be belly fat produced over time as a response to stressers.
Here are my seven “Glow Tips” for managing postnatal stress and snapping back to the pre-baby body:
1. Relax
It’s not a competition to lose the weight. Focus on bonding and enjoying your baby, and the weight will peel off when you’re not in “freak out mode.”
2. Stay Hydrated
Continue with drinking tons of fluids, especially water. Three liters of water daily can increase your metabolism by 33% and it will ensure that you produce more milk.
3. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is Mother Nature’s answer to weight loss. Nursing your babe regularly will burn up to 600 calories per day.
4. Exercise
Don’t go crazy, but moderate exercise 3 to 4 days per week will ensure steady weight loss. Do activities you enjoy: yoga, cycling, roller blading, swimming, jogging, but make sure you have your doctor’s clearance to start after 6 weeks postpartum.
5. Breathe Deep
Meditation and breath awareness exercises have been proven to reverse the stress response in the body and help induce a sense of peace and calm.
6. Take Glow Time
Every mother needs some time for herself, to recharge the batteries, whether it’s taking a warm bath, getting a massage, reading a good book, watching a movie, or going to lunch with friends, or find time for nurturing yourself so you can feel at ease and appreciate yourself.
7. Eat Glow Foods
Plant-based foods that are nutrient dense, low in calories, and give bang for the buck. You can find a list and healthy recipes in my book Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy.
If you can incorporate some or all of these Glow tips into your arsenal, then you will find a smoother transition in the postnatal period. Pick up a copy of my bestselling book Mama Glow to learn more.
