After giving birth just over a week ago to my son, it might be appropriate to write about the extra baby weight and some realistic expectations and real medical facts. Although it may not be directly related to physiotherapy I still feel it is an important topic worth mentioning.
Once the baby comes out, why o why does the tummy not go back to the way it was? Well first of all you have breast tissue, increased blood supply and for the first 6 weeks you still have an enlarged uterus. In fact, depending on the size of your baby you might not look that much skinnier than when the baby was inside you.
The most important thing to remember is slowly is the key to healthy weight loss, especially if you are breast feeding. Starving your self is not a responsible way to lose weight, especially as you are now responsible for not just your self but also your newborn, and your baby needs to grow (you don't want to put your baby on a diet with you) The body needs to heal and it does this with the right nutrients. You need to be drinking plenty of water and eating from all the different food types in a
balanced diet.
Exercise is also another key way to lose weight, finding the sport that you like and enjoy is always a good start to keep you focused, but don't over exert yourself. You need to listen to your body; rest post birth is important in your recovery. In fact the body takes 2 years to fully recover after birth, although most feel fine much much sooner than this time frame. Within the first 6 weeks post birth it is very important to listen to your body and go and take the mid-day nap when the baby is sleeping.
A healthy happy mummy is a healthy happy baby. But if your are suffering from any aches or pains and would like to book an
appointment, please contact me on 0544485086 or by email to
tamaramay.physio@gmail.com. I can arrange to see you privately or through
Leumit in Bishvilaych Women's Comprehensive Medical Centre in Givat Shaul,
Jerusalem or a home visit if you live in Gush Etzion.
