If you’ve recently (or not-so-recently!) had a baby, you’re probably pretty eager to start losing that baby weight. I know that when I had my children, I was ready to think about a diet plan shortly after getting through the bleary-eyed phase of not knowing whether it was daytime or nighttime. Don’t be tempted to go on a crash diet, though! I know you’re ready to get back into your pre-pregnancy jeans, but give it time. You’ve probably heard the adage that it takes nine months to gain the pregnancy weight, and another nine to take it off. While it might not take that long, some moms find that they do hold onto the extra weight for a year or so after the baby is born. The most important thing when trying to lose weight after a baby is to stay healthy, for your sake and for your new baby’s!

*Eat when you’re hungry. Particularly if you’re breastfeeding, you may experience normal fluctuations in your appetite. When your baby is going through a growth spurt and your body begins making more milk, you may also need to eat more. Also, if you’re spending a lot of time walking and bouncing your baby (and let’s face it: you are!), you might be burning off more calories than you would expect. Don’t overdo it, but don’t starve yourself, either.

*Eat foods with lots of nutrients. You need to keep your energy up for the gargantuan task of mothering an infant. Don’t rely on empty calories; eat as many fresh, whole foods as possible. When friends call, asking if they can help, don’t be shy about asking them to bring you a meal or to stop by the grocery store to pick up some fresh fruit for you. Or take advantage of one of the increasingly popular grocery delivery services. Without adequate help, it is very easy to slip into the bad habit of snacking on whatever is handy, which is not always the food you need for good health and weight loss.

*Consider a diet plan that has nursing moms in mind. Weight Watchers, for example, offers a modified program for lactating mothers. When you attend the meetings, one of the leaders can give you all of the information about how you should be eating in order to lose weight and keep yourself and your little one healthy. Best of all, when you use Weight Watchers coupons, you can save money that you can always spend on diapers!

*Breastfeed if possible. In addition to being the healthiest option for your baby, nursing is also great for you… and for your waistline! Nursing moms burn about 300 extra calories each day, just by making milk! As previously mentioned, nursing also makes you hungry, so be sure you are making good choices so as not to work against yourself.

*Talk to your doctor before exercising. You may be eager to get back into your exercise routine, but easy does it! If you have had an uncomplicated delivery, you might be able to start a mild walking program after only two or three weeks, but double check to be sure. If you had a complicated delivery or a c-section, wait until your 6-week checkup to being exercising again, and even at that point, only with your doctor’s okay.

Remember, this too shall pass, and feeling fat after having a baby can be very temporary! Enjoy snuggling and cuddling with your newest little one, and don’t go on any rigorous diets at this point. Within a few months, your baby (and you!) will be sleeping more, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll have lost some of your pregnancy weight.

What are some of your secrets for taking care of yourself and losing weight after a baby is born?

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