When you’re a sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and already super busy new mom, thinking about getting back into fitness can be overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone.

As a still “new” mom of a now 6 month old, I can tell you that getting back your pre-baby body doesn’t have to be complicated.  But before you go crazy worrying about workouts and what you should/shouldn’t be eating, let’s take a step back from fitness talk about the basics first.

Here are 4 things all new moms MUST do:

1. Be happy!  Let’s start here.  Seriously. You just had a baby- you have a lot to be happy about!  You have plenty of time to focus on fat loss. Instead of stressing about how the latest celeb went straight from the delivery room to her size 0 jeans, take some time to enjoy these moments and to revel in the miracle of your pregnancy and the birth of your sweet bundle of joy.  They say that time flies.  And it’s true.  You’ll never get these first few weeks back.  Remember what truly matters.  Don’t miss these moments by obsessing over a few extra pounds.
    
2. Set realistic goals!  When it does come time to get serious about your first few months as a new mom, make sure you keep your expectations in check.  It’s tempting to set unrealistic goals and then be frustrated when we aren’t where we “should” be. Although every new mom is eager to look like our old selves again, one of the most important things to remember is to be patient with yourself. Give yourself some grace and remember, it CAN be done… but it’s going to take time to get your body back.  How much time?  The National Women’s Health Information Center advises that about one pound per week is a safe amount of weight to lose postpartum, and will not affect your milk supply or the baby’s growth.  With the average woman gaining about 30 pounds during pregnancy, and typically losing around 18 to 20 in the first month, that final 10 pounds will push your postpartum fat loss goal to several months after baby makes an arrival.
    
3. Prioritize sleep!  It may seem impossible to get a full eight hours of sleep when you have a baby summoning you like clockwork throughout the night, but being sleep deprived will definitely make fat loss harder. In one study, new moms who slept five hours or less a night were more likely to hold onto their extra pregnancy weight than women who slept seven hours. Yes, it’s much easier said than done, but don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family or friends. The old adage, “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is still great advice. When you’re tired, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can promote fat storage.  Plus, when you’re tired you simply don’t feel like taking good care of yourself.  Moms who are exhausted are less likely to choose healthy food and are more likely to raid the pantry and load up on stimulants and sugar. In addition, if you’re low on sleep, you are less likely to have the motivation to exercise. When you sleep your body restores and rebuilds muscle, burns fat and resets hormones to prepare your body to be energetic, motivated and ready for the next day. Go to bed early, and until the little one is sleeping through the night, make it a priority to nap when your baby naps.
    
4. Find some accountability!  Having social support, whether through friends, or family (or awesome women in an online community) is key to reaching your long-term goals. We are social creatures by nature, and we feel good when we have someone who listens and can relate to what we’re going through.  Consider getting involved with mommy and baby fitness classes (You can workout and bond with your baby at the same time) or join a group workout if you belong to a gym.  Group training allows us not just to get a great workout, but to develop and foster friendships- many of which reach beyond the walls of the gym.  If you don’t have a local group, connect with moms in a similar situation as you online…. If you need a friend, the moms at MOMSANITY will keep you accountable!   The key is to establish a built-in support system and to make sure you have someone to help you on your journey.
   
   

Can you relate?  What helped you as a new mom?

By Kate Horney