How soon after having the baby can I begin to diet and exercise?

Question

I'm really freaked out by the weight I'm gaining in pregnancy and would like to hop on the diet train as soon as I'm able. Any ideas as to when this is?

Yes. I am planning to breastfeed for atleast a year if at all possible.

Answer 1

It depends on if you are breastfeeding about the dieting but if you are breastfeeding then you need to eat a well balanced diet anyway so dieting is right away. Exercise is 4 to 6 weeks once the doctor "releases" you then you can start your normal routine. (4 wks for vaginal, 6wks for c-section)

Answer 2

First, breastfeeding increases metabolism and will help burn off a few pounds. Second, most doctors recommend that you wait until after your six week checkup before dieting or doing any heavy exercising. Just keep in mind that when you diet that you will need to eat enough food so that you can produce milk for your baby. I felt very hungry all the time when I was lactating. Additionally, some of that weight is the baby plus fluid weight.

Answer 3

Me too! I am 5 2 110 and have gained a pound a week ever since I first found out i was pregnant and I am now 30 weeks and have gained 32 pounds so i am geussing I am going to gain 40 pounds. I only wanted to gain 25. I have read if you breast feed u shouldnt t reduce your calorie intake u should increase it to 500 calories. But i know you can exercise as soon as you feel capable. Good luck and dont worry you'll lose the weight.

Answer 4

Frist of all if your still preg. DO NOT try to lose weight it's okay and normal. Second if you decide to BF your baby you will lose weight a lot faster and it's GREAT for your baby especially those frist days when your milk hasen't come in yet. Your weight will practlly fall off w/o doing much at all. And if you don't decide to BF you'll usually get the OK for the Dr. at your 6 week check up postpartum unless there is an underlying issues he might say to wait a little bit longer.

Answer 5

you should wait 6 weeks to exercise and if you are breastfeeding then you don't go on a diet. You need extra calories for the breastmilk. Besides breastfeeding burns calories and helps you lose weight. So they say, my baby is 6 weeks old and I am not seeing any weight loss yet.

Answer 6

Whatever is comfortable to or for you.If you were active during pregnancy or before heck theres no reason at all not to be now.
Notice how the hospital wants you up and walking !
Well there then! That reminds me I remember straining to
actually do situps to the hundred mark..(okay I got there a
few times but mostly fifty or sixty+) And I was almost month pregnant.But unaware of it at" that" time..I even fell backwards
over the back of a front end of a couch..I knew I was pregnant then,atleast five months or less..My point is your not with child
anymore.

Answer 7

Well if your breastfeeding dont diet too much. Just eat very healthy and do light exercises. But you should not exercise, till you stop bleeding, till your healed up eg. stitches. And until your body starts to feel more normal, usually 6 weeks. Dont worry about the weight gain until it is safe for you to do something about it.

Answer 8

Depends on whether you breast feed or not. If you do, you'll have to continue to eat well and increase your caloric intake for the baby. If you don't, then I would imagine you could start dieting when you are physically ready and when your doc says it's ok. If you have a c/s, it may take you a bit longer to feel "ready".

Answer 9

I think as long as you keep the nutrients for feedings up, it is okay to start now. It is probably better to start sooner than later. Breastfeeding will definentally help burn those unwanted lumps on the hips, and thighs. Good luck and congrats.

Answer 10

you can keep walking even after you have the baby right away but if you feel tired rest I wouldnt push yourself untill about your 6 week check up and you talk to your Dr