Post pregnancy brings a lot of changes to the woman’s body. Along with hormonal changes, the physical aspects also change a lot and that is something the new mother has to deal with. One of the most common changes is the increased weight and a visible stomach.
Earlier, women did not pay attention to these changes but we are living in 2023. Women are cautious about how they are looking and how they feel. That’s why, they are often wondering about a single thing – how to reduce the belly fat or tummy once I have delivered my baby naturally?
In this blog, we will talk about this aspect of life and learn some of the best tips and tricks to make sure you start feeling beautiful from inside and out.
Home Remedies For Weight Loss After Delivery: Tips For Flat Tummy After Pregnancy
It may look like getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight and looks is impossible, but this is far from the truth. There are various home remedies that you can implement to reduce the tummy. These remedies have been in the works for a long time and are still as effective as they were decades ago. Before discussing more, let’s straight away dive into those solutions.
1. Breastfeeding For 6 months
Breastfeeding is a natural practice. The mother is lactating and she gives out milk which is very healthy for the baby. But that’s not all to it. If you breastfeed your child for at least 6 months after the delivery, it can effectively work to shed those extra kilos.
How is that? Since the body has to produce milk, it consumes the stored energy (approximately 850 kcal). So, in short, your body is burning calories for breast milk production. This is why it is one of the top solutions for weight reduction.
2. Weight Loss Diet Plan
Nothing proves more effective than a dedicated diet plan. Although there is a common myth that when a woman is nursing, she has to eat for 2 people. This isn’t true. Yes, your body needs those extra calories but not so much. If you eat 300 to 500 more calories, that’s enough.
This completely depends on your current body weight and is used to maintain proper functioning. But remember, when you are preparing a diet plan, switch from high fat food items to nutrient-rich meals. Also, drink plenty of water, eat protein, and reduce your salt intake.
3. Engage In Safe Exercises
There is another misconception. People recommend not working out when you are in the postpartum stage. But this is wrong. You can indulge in a workout. All you have to do is ensure that you are taking it slow and not indulging in strenuous activities. There are some exercises that you can easily perform at home. Here are some options.
- Breathing exercises with abdominal muscle contraction
- Brisk walking for 15 to 20 minutes
- Exercises related to your pelvic muscles
- Exercises performed with your baby, including rock-a-baby squats and baby glider
4. Drink Water With Fennel Seeds
A lot of people believe in this fact that fennel seeds can do magic. It is indeed true. Mix fennel seeds in a glass of water and begin drinking it. You can start after your delivery and continue for some weeks. This will help reduce the belly fat and also make sure that you get sufficient water. Hydration is one of the basic keys for a healthy lifestyle and weight management.
5. Postpartum Support Belt
One of the best ways for weight loss is wearing a girdle or support belt, specifically designed for the postpartum period. This belt tightens your abdominal muscles and reduces those flab that’s present around your stomach.
This girdle provides better posture along with protecting the incision. This is more beneficial when your delivery was done through a C-section. But the process also works for normal delivery. There is a significant reduction of lower back pain. Something common after delivery.
6. Detoxification At Home
Don’t worry, the detoxification method is completely safe to carry out at home. It is one of the most effective remedies for reducing tummy fat after natural delivery. Unlike other detox processes where the aim is to stop eating basic meals and leave you malnourished, this one is different.
It can in fact improve the functioning of your liver and kidney along with weight loss. Here are some of the methods for safe detoxification. These can be performed from the comfort of your home.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day
- Drink plenty of water and try to drink at room temperature
- Indulge in the comfort of herbal tea or weight loss drinks (consult with your nutritionist)
- Eat food rich in fibre to flush out toxins and improve gut functioning
- Consume meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids
7. Get Sufficient Rest Time
You think that you have rested enough during pregnancy and should be continuously engaged in activities now. Yes, you have to be active but this is not the way to do so. Make sure you are resting and giving that precious time to yourself. Your body is tired after performing such a laborious task.
Now it deserves some love and care. So, make sure you focus on getting rest along with working out and meditating. There has to be a balance between the things you do.
Also Read:- Normal Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy – Discover The Risk Factors
Wrapping up
Reducing tummy fat is one of the major concerns of every new mother. What to do, what to eat, and what to avoid – so many questions keep revolving in our heads. But all you need to do is indulge in a healthy lifestyle, eat the right food, and focus on yourself. Slowly, you will see that everything is falling into place and tummy fat is disappearing.
These remedies discussed above can help you achieve those weight loss goals after pregnancy. But everyone’s journey is different. Also, consult your doctor about the changes you are facing and the solutions you are planning. This will help you decide what is right for your body at the current stage.
References:
- Thabet AA, et al. (2019). Efficacy of deep core stability exercise program in postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis: A randomised controlled trial.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6454249/ - Behan E. (2019). Losing weight while breast-feeding.
https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/breast-feeding/losing-weight-while-breastfeeding - Weight gain during pregnancy. (2013).
https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Weight-Gain-During-Pregnancy