susanandrews

Hello Everyone. I need help. I'm a 35-year-old mother to a beautiful 7-month-old baby girl. It's been seven months, seven friggin' months since I delivered the baby, however, this bulge has been a part of my stomach since the 3rd month of pregnancy, and now, it seems to have made its permanent residence there. During pregnancy, with the fluctuation levels of my hormones skyrocketing off the roof, I kind of gave in to my urges and gluttoned my heart out the whole nine months. My very caring husband did little to prevent these cravings and instead, encouraged me by taking me to fancy restaurants serving yummy and fatty food that only piled on the hankerings. He gained 15 pounds while I gained 25 pounds, that's the story of our pregnancy. After delivery, my husband has managed to shed off the weight gained whereas seven months later, I am still the same, that's my nightmare post pregnancy. I know it's not right to put the blame on him, but I need to vent out my anger, if not my weight. Please, someone, help me.

amanda_richards

Hahahaha... Susan, my apologies but I had a hearty laugh while reading your post. The way you explain your problem is really hilarious. And your husband is such a doll, he has managed to take such good care of you. I do hope I get the chance to introduce your husband to mine. Hopefully, some of his good traits shall rub off on my husband and he shall start paying more attention to my needs. Now coming to the point, there is nothing new regarding your complaint about post-pregnancy weight issues. Most of us face this problem. It is rather difficult for us to lose weight after giving birth, and even after breastfeeding, we tend to put on. Now there are multiple reasons to it. One reason could be less sleep. Sleepless women tend to gain weight and scientific studies have proved this. Another reason could be stress as stress hormones instigate weight gain and it is likely for you to eat more when you are stressed. So I would suggest you first tackle these issues, get a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep everyday and avoid taking stress upon yourself (leave your work at the office). We shall get back in touch after a week and let me know if my advice has helped you in any way.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

claire_evans

Hi Susan, I can empathize with you in every way as I too was a load of fat post my pregnancy. The weight seemed to pile on and on and there was nothing I could do about it. I mean, even after restricting myself to a healthy food diet, I was not able to help my weight issues. It was then I researched online and found a cure to this problem. Here are some tips to help you out:-

1. Make sure you eat breakfast. It's the most important meal of your day.
2. Fruits and vegetables will help you to cut down fat. Regularly eat papaya at least five portions a day.
3. Go easy on the fatty foods (sugary delicacies, fast foods, fizzy drinks, etc). I know this is a task but restrict these food items to one day a week (say Sunday's only). Make that day as your hog day.
4. Eat small portions of food at regular two-hour intervals. Avoid eating any unhealthy snacks in between.
5. Follow a fiber-rich meal plan (oats, lentils, beans, etc).

Combine this diet with an exercise routine. The exercise need not necessarily be extensive. You can start by just brisk walking to around 60 minutes a day and then gradually increase your speed to a trot. Also try and stretch your body with some exercises such as pelvic thrust, squats, etc. You can hire a personal trainer for this.

If you follow this regime, I can guarantee you will lose at least 10 pounds within the next month. However, it is all up to you if you can follow this with dedication. Let me know your views on this.

foxtrotcharlie

Thanks a lot, Claire. I'm not sure if Susan will follow the diet as mentioned by you, but I surely am onto this.

susanandrews

Thank you, Amanda. Yes, I am stressful these days because of a hectic work schedule that I follow. Regarding sleep, well I do wake up late, however, due to the midnight tantrums of the baby on one side and the loud snores of dear hubby on the other side, it is not very sound. I shall take care of this and try and sleep in the other room for a few days and check. Will let you know the results in a weeks time. And yes, we should catch up some time with our husbands along, I'm sure they'll get along like a house on fire.

Claire, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have taken to post the diet and exercise routine for me. To honor it, I will diligently follow it and put in all attempts to get my weight down. Shall update you in a week as well. Thank you once again.