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Weight Loss After Babies

Losing Weight After Having Twins, Triplets or More


It's a fact of life. You can't have a healthy multiple pregnancy without gaining weight. But now that your twins are here, why are those extra pounds sticking around when they're no longer needed?

Generally, a healthy pregnancy requires that a woman gain 15 to 30 pounds during the nine month gestation period. But that's for just one baby. Like everything about having multiples, more is required. Doctor recommendations vary, but most women gain about 35 to 45 pounds during a twin pregnancy, with about 10 additional pounds for every additional baby in a higher order multiple pregnancy. In most cases, about a third of the weight belongs to the babies, and Mom is left with the rest.

Getting your body back after a multiple pregnancy may seem like the least of your worries in the midst of caring for your darling duo. It may not be a concern until weeks, months or even years later, but eventually, most mothers have to contend with shedding the weight. It can be a huge source of frustration, especially for mothers of multiples, who not only have more to lose, but are also coping with the challenges of raising twins or more.

If you are trying to lose weight after a multiple pregnancy, here are some things to consider:

Patience Pays.

It's important that weight loss is achieved in a responsible manner. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous. Even though they are no longer inside you, your babies still need you to take care of yourself! It's much better to establish a healthy lifestyle, and allow the pounds to fade away gradually. Remember, it took nine months (more or less!) to put the weight on; give yourself at least a year to return to your original weight.

Keep your expectations realistic. Pregnancy impacts women's bodies in numerous ways, and sometimes it never returns to it's original condition. Aim for overall health rather than specific numbers. You may find that even if the scale moves down, you won't fit into your old clothes. Your hips might be wider, your feet may be larger and it's possible that your stomach won't ever be flat without plastic surgery. In the meantime, celebrate your body's changes. It's a small price to pay for the marvelous miracle of having multiples.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding.

Aside from the other benefits of breastfeeding, it may also aid weight loss. Nursing helps the uterus shrink to its original size. It also burns calories. Producing milk for just one baby requires more than 1,000 calories a day. However, breastfeeding can also delay weight loss during the duration of your nursing; your body relies on your fat stores to create breastmilk.

Diet Decisions.

It is crucial to avoid a diet that sacrifices nutrition in favor of weight loss. Now, more than ever, you need an adequate caloric intake. Whether you are breastfeeding or not, you need energy to keep up with those babies! Don't deliberately restrict your food intake. Instead, make sound nutritional choices. Stock up on lean proteins, high fiber carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep healthy snacks on hand so that your hunger doesn't get the best of you.

Be wary of fad diets, especially the popular plans that promise quick results by restricting certain kinds of foods. They may produce weight loss, but may not be advisable for your postpartum situation, so talk to your doctor about your specific nutritional needs.

Be Water Wise.

If you drank more than your fill during pregnancy, you thought your water woes ended with the delivery. Not so! Drinking sufficient water, especially if you are breastfeeding, is vital for postpartum weight loss, as hydration encourages the body to flush fat stores. Drinking water throughout the day can be a challenge for moms of multiples, who don't have an extra moment to breathe, much less drink! Try to always keep a glass or water bottle handy. If you can't stand the bland taste of water, there are several alternatives; try sparkling water (watch the sodium content), or flavored waters (watch for added sugar and calories).

Read on to discover the real key to losing weight after having twins or more.

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