10 tips to reduce belly fat after Pregnancy : My Schedule

Motherhood and Pregnancy Belly fat

Congratulations on entering this beautiful and the most cherished phase called “Motherhood“. Birthing is not an easy feat and we all vouch to it. My mom often used to say that “Birthing” does not just entails giving birth to a new life, it is a re-birth for the new mum as well. Re-birth in the form of changes her body goes through and the emotional transformations. A new mum herself is changed emotionally as well as physically and same happened with me as well. As soon as I came out of OT after having C-Sec (due to long twists of Umbilical cord around my baby), I felt as if it was a new life and I had changed there and then.

Emotionally it is a long journey, but usually the most challenging and worrisome task faced is to “reduce the belly fat”. The grumpy discussions of mums who haven’t lost that belly fat keeps on haunting over in our minds. I also felt the same and never knew how my body would look after birthing my baby. I refrained from buying many trendy clothes then. Though I had the plan ready for reducing my belly fat, I was sceptical of all the actions. So, here, I’m sharing you all the points, which I ensured to reduce my belly fat to pre-pregnancy situation, not exactly flat, but near to flat belly in less than 4 months.

Congratulations of becoming a Mother , mama and attaining motherhood. Are you looking out for some realistic ways to reduce your belly fat or reduce your tummy after baby birth? Here are 10 things I followed to get a flat tummy post pregnancy in 4 months. #postpregnancy #bellyfat #tummy #weightloss #tips #motherhoodtips #motherhood #mama #maternitybelt #bellywrap #cardio #walking #hydration

Some reasons why you still look like Pregnant even after giving a birth?

  • A life was being developed in your uterus for almost 9 months taking nutrition from your body. Uterus needs 6 to 8 weeks to return to its pre-pregnancy size, so have some patience.
  • You should congratulate yourself on having a healthy pregnancy, which made you gain weight. While we do lose some weight after birthing (of the baby, amniotic fluid, blood), still we have an added fat retained and deposited in the belly region.
  • Loose muscles : Pregnancy was responsible for stretching most of the abdominal and pelvic muscles, hence they won’t be as tight as they were in the pre-pregnancy phase.

Thus toning up the tummy region or reducing the belly fat becomes the most concerning area, more so if you are becoming a mum for the 2nd time.

10 tips to help a new mum reduce her Belly fat (the way I went)  :

1. Breastfeeding :

As soon as you have a new born in your hands, start breastfeeding. It not just helps your new born develop immunity and resistance, but it also helps you in reducing the belly fat by burning up calories. It also releases “Oxytocin” hormone, which quickens up the uterus contraction phase. Our body has to work hard to produce this nutritious milk for our baby and this helps in burning the calories. You might also feel exhausted after breastfeeding sessions, which proves this fact.

2. Hydration :

I remember guzzling litres of water, lemon juice, mint juice throughout the day. The next day of baby birth, I was offered Spiced lemon tea, full of vitamins to heal up my body. I used to rely only on :

Lukewarm water :

Which flushes out the body toxins. Adding lemon to it helped me more in burning the adipose fat of the belly and surrounding areas. Thrice a week, I used to add honey to warm lemon water and drink it as the first thing in the morning.

Green Tea :

Green Tea fastens the fat burning process, hence intake of a cup of Green tea, after slight exercise gives a great result. It is also full of antioxidants, so green tea should be regular in your routine.

Cucumber – Mint water :

Atleast once a day, this refreshing water was a part of my routine. Cucumber, not only helps in hydrating, but it is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals and has detoxifying properties. It also curbs the appetite and hence helps you reduce the extra fat.

Spiced Tea :

I started with Spiced lemon tea, right from day 2, including spices as pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and lemon, which does not allow accumulation of fat in the body. Cinnamon is a great healer.

Congratulations of becoming a Mother , mama and attaining motherhood. Are you looking out for some realistic ways to reduce your belly fat or reduce your tummy after baby birth? Here are 10 things I followed to get a flat tummy post pregnancy in 4 months. #postpregnancy #bellyfat #tummy #weightloss #tips #motherhoodtips #motherhood #mama #maternitybelt #bellywrap #cardio #walking #hydration

3. Support Belts/ Maternity Belts/ Belly wraps :

Many maternity belts are available, check basis your waist size with your doctor and start wearing it soon. I started wearing it on Day2 and continued it for around 2 months. Not just it provides your back a good support and helps in maintaining your posture, it also  accelerates uterus shrinking back to its normal level and speeds up the process of reducing your tummy. Do check with your doctor before using it.

4. Walking :

Well, it isn’t like running or jogging for miles, but it involves comfortable small walk sessions, atleast 2-3 times a day (for 20-30 minutes). Starting off with walking is the first step towards fitness after baby birth. You can start strolling with your baby as well to have a quality time together once a day. Walking in nature always boosts up your energy. Just be careful of any mosquitoes or bugs, before taking your baby for a stroll.

5. Nutritional Diet :

Never go on “Diet”, after birthing as dieting will hamper your breast milk quality and quantity both, which your baby needs the most right now.

Well, forget those sugary and spicy foods. High sugar and more carbohydrate rich food will lead to extra accumulation of fat in your body and more in belly region. Though laddoo’s will put your thoughts at a bay, since it helps in regaining strength and increases milk supply, you need to know that sugar in laddoo’s don’t help. You can get jaggery added instead of sugar and keep it less sweet. Well, I opted for Jaggery laddoo’s. Say a strict No to cookies, chocolates, packed juices, soda, and oily foods.

Oily foods are the worst enemy for your weight loss as well as for the new born. I still remember, my favourite food for around 2 months was a vegetable porridge with lots of Bottle guard (which burns extra fat), carrot and beetroot. This diet actually kept me healthy with a happy baby and pushed me a step further in reducing belly fat.

Opt for more of salads, with soaked nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts), fresh fibrous fruits, fresh curd (not cold), and baked munchies.

6. Massage :

I took massage for nearly 4 months (along with my baby). A good tight massage can distribute the extra fat in body and not allow more fat to accumulate. It also helps in improving the metabolism and a better metabolism means a faster burning up of the body fats and nutrients. I used to opt for a morning massage after a session of walk and it really helped me stay active, energized and in reducing belly fat.

7. No Stress and adequate sleep :

A new mum will always feel that, stress and lack of sleep are her companions now. But change that. I had a very clear routine as I could never gather a continuous 8 hour sleep. I used to take naps when my baby used to sleep and believe me new borns sleep for more than 16 hours a day, you have plenty of time to take a nap along with your baby.

It has been proven that new mums who sleep less than 5 hours have a really hard time getting rid of that excess weight compared to those mums who sleep 7-8 hours, more so during the night.

Stress and less sleep releases a stress hormone in the body which leads to weight gain and is a hindrance in your belly fat losing journey. So, be happy, calm, contented, ask for help and enjoy this phase.

8. Meditation and Breathing exercise :

Try to practise meditation, be it only for 15-20 minutes a day in the morning. It will keep your mind fresh, create an aura of positivity and help your body in every possible way. Along with meditation, practise breathing exercise, mostly called as anulom – vilom or deep belly breathing exercise. This exercise helps in rhythmic contractions of abdominal muscles which helps in muscle tightening and thus tones up the belly region. It’s not a magic, follow these practises daily to see the result.

9. Keep proper posture :

Usually after pregnancy, mums get into poor posture. But as you feel some strength, with maternity belt, try to sit and walk straight pulling your stomach. This will always help you in flattening your belly.

10. Kegels and Cardio :

To be honest, I was regular with my Kegels but somewhat irregular with cardio, which I started after a month of birthing. Kegels helps in strengthening and tightening your pelvic floor.  In Kegels, all you have to do is, tighten your muscles in the same manner as you would have tried to hold in your pee.

If you can, go for atleast 20 minutes cardio, 4 times a week when your baby is fast asleep. It should involve either professional trainer or go for planks, squats, twists, sit-ups, stretching, push-ups, jogging, crunches and more so yourself after discussion with your doctor. Talk to your doctor and trainer as in when you should start your exercises and what type of exercises should be  apart of your routine. We suggest you to never go against your doctors advice, as it is your body’s re-birth as well! Be patient, be soft with your body.

[Disclaimer : This post is written basis my personal experiences, but before going in for any diet or work out regime, do consult with your doctor, as all the things are based on the type of body you have and your birthing process].

Hope this post helps you in reducing your belly fat and attain a “near to” pre-pregnancy figure.

Happy Motherhood!

Love, Jhilmil

Congratulations of becoming a Mother , mama and attaining motherhood. Are you looking out for some realistic ways to reduce your belly fat or reduce your tummy after baby birth? Here are 10 things I followed to get a flat tummy post pregnancy in 4 months. #postpregnancy #bellyfat #tummy #weightloss #tips #motherhoodtips #motherhood #mama #maternitybelt #bellywrap #cardio #walking #hydration

Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 44 Comments

  1. Sajid Akhter

    Hi Jhilmil,

    This is a very good post with detailed information. I am sure this post will be of great help to all the new mommies with your excellent suggestions. Your tips on weight loss is to the point and will surely help new mommies get back in shape in quick time.

    Thank you for sharing this post. Have a good day. 🙂

  2. Amna shamsi

    I agree cinnamon really helps in weight loss as I am already using it and have noticed big difference . Exercising also helps to lose weight and tighten the muscles .

    1. Jhilmil

      That’s good to know that Cinnamon has worked for you!

  3. Priyanka Patwari

    This is really a great post for new moms.. Walking and drinking green tea is the est i think..

  4. Priyal

    I too have heard that cinnamon helps to reduce weight but had never tried but will definaltey ask new mom to be to follow all these steps if they want to reduce weight

  5. Rashmi Singh

    Wow very informative and helpful article for new moms. Would love share it with new moms.

  6. Princy Khurana

    i tried some of these and they really work. i lost my belly in about 6 months and it feels great. great list

  7. Ruchi Verma

    I am so happy to read this and other than little yoga I am not doing anything, but you make me realised must have to work more on myself

  8. Emma

    Hello guys
    Most people fight for their “perfect body” for weeks, months, or years. Some even struggle for a lifetime.
    Sadly, the people who do succeed in losing weight usually regain everything within a year or so. It can be truly disheartening, all these soldiers pushing the frontline forward only to regress soon after.
    But there is hope!!!!
    Thankfully, my friend, health expert, coach, nutritionist, and trainer Brian Flatt has developed a secret weapon that his clients are using to drop 1–2 pounds EACH DAY during the first weeks.

  9. U K

    OMG, I must admit this is one elaborate post I have read in recent months with such bang on Tips which will help so many moms after Delivering a baby. Impressed. Sharing this on Twitter right away.
    Cheers!!

    UK
    https://fashionablefoodz.com

    1. Jhilmil

      Thank you so much, it has all what I did, so wanted to share with the world!

  10. Khadija

    Thank you for these amazing tups. I am going to share this with my friend who is 7 months pregnant now

  11. Neha

    These are some really useful tips to lose belly fat. I used to be grumpy when my mom made me wear that maternity belt but I guess I should be thanking her.

  12. richa mina

    great tips to lose the post-pregnancy fat. very comprised and nice list for anyone to follow. keep up the good work

  13. Akanksha

    I was nodding my head on every point as I also reduced my belly fat in 3 months after pregnancy. Mine was not c-section though. I did waist training with the corset for about 1 month and ate salads in main meals. I went for long walks and also had lots of water, warm water and green tea.

  14. Ashh G

    Great tips! I have seen water and green tea help a lot. Cutting on carbs like rice, potato and chapati etc help to a great extent.

  15. Mri

    Post pregnancy weight is something most women dread! This post is gonna be really helpful for them all!

  16. Rakhi Parsai

    I really wish I had tried some of these after my first pregnancy as I had some major issues going back to the pre pregnany body and size. These are some really great tips that every pregnant lady should keep in mind and positively use as well.

  17. Sarah

    This is an absolute must read for all expecting moms and new moms … losing weight is something which gives sleepless nights to all new moms.

  18. drbushran

    Shedding those extra kilos post pregnancy is not easy. This post will help a lot in long way

  19. Prerna Sinha

    I had also gained a lot of weight after both of my pregnancy and thankfully, now, I have lost my weight with help of yoga and gym.

  20. Prerna Sinha

    I had also gained a lot of weight after pregnancy. I have now lost that weight with the help of gym and yoga!

  21. jhilmildsaha

    Oh God I wish i knew all this. Really helpful tips I will share this with my expecting cousin

  22. Varsh

    These are some great points. New moms are asked to rest but they can do light exercises to get fitter and back to normal soon.

  23. Judy

    Breastfeeding and light exercises is what worked for me. Thanks for other tips as well I am sharing this post to my family and friends for their good use.

  24. Papri Ganguly

    Losing belly fats after pregnancy is a task. Maternity belts are some what really helpful

  25. Ishieta

    Excellent article… So good to know that we can lose the weight and thank you for sharing the specific tips to do so.

  26. Snigdha

    Drinking lukewarm water, meditation and breast feeding worked in my case but still I have a little tummy area which I need to reduce. Very nice tips by the way.

  27. I am already regretting that I never did any research to reduce belly fat post pregnancy. I have started walk regime now but all this info would have come in handy a year ago. Thank you for sharing because there’s always a next time ?

  28. Rajshree

    Wow this is such an informative and detailsd post. I have been struggling with this issue for a while now, will surely try these methods. Thanks

  29. Rhythm Sitlani

    This has been such a concern for my elder sister, definitely going to tell her the tips and cannot wait to see the results.

    1. Jhilmil

      To see the results, you really need to wait after following these tips:). I’m sure if she follows these tips 100%, you’re gonna see the results!

  30. This is a very thoughtful post for all those mother’s struggling with their physical appearance after child birth, many often undergo postpartum depression. Your post will be encouraging n helpful.?

  31. Humaira

    Amazing and informative post. Motherhood is the best gift of God. Very useful tips for the newly moms. Great thoughts.

  32. Jiya B

    These are amazing tios and I can vouch that I was sucessful to shed my belly fat by following a healthy eating and regular excersise regime.

  33. Pavneet

    This is a nice write up with proper info which will be very helpful to all the new mommies or the mom who still have that belly fat.

  34. ADITI CHIB

    So many tips. Easy to do also. Will share with my pregnant friend so after that she would loose weight easily…

  35. Issie

    Hi Jhilmil. That’s a great tips, it would be very helpful to me after pregnancy. During pregnancy, I kept walking for soft exercise and I did not forget to wear Maternity Belts to support my baby. So, I can use the belt further after pregnancy to reduce belly. Here is maternity belts that i found a positive result http://www.womensedge.org/best-belly-bands-maternity-belts/. I’m thinking to buy a new one to be a gift for my friend who have a good news with a new member coming. What do you think about that? By the way, I intend to follow your tips. Thank you very much for your great sharing.

  36. Harvey Lee

    It looks easy and useful tips which will surely help to reduce belly fat. I will keep these all tips in mind. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Jhilmil

      Thanks for coming by and reading:)

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