Real mums tell how to lose the baby weight

Your body goes through incredible changes through pregnancy with weight gain part of the experience for most. But once you have delivered bub it’s understandable you’ll want to be able to fit into your favourite jeans again. We asked our panel for any tips, groups or activities they could recommend to help with how to lose the baby weight. Here are their answers:

Laura: I’m not and have never been skinny. I put on roughly 19kg with both of my pregnancies and was told by everyone that I was going to have huge babies! They were so wrong; my first baby was 3.1kg and my second was 2.8kg, even though she was three weeks early. This time around, I lost the baby weight by following a ketogenic diet. I started it at around four months ago and have lost about 7kg (so I’m back to my pre-baby weight). There is loads of information online, such as on dietdoctor.com, which has free online meal plans and videos explaining how it works. As I started to lose weight, my energy levels returned so I went for occasional bike rides and walks at East Coast Park or Bedok Reservoir with the pram. I’m currently midway through a nine-week Couch to 5K app and I’m feeling good!

Lorraine: I’m still losing the baby weight from my number two and it’s been a lot harder this time around. Cutting out carbs, sugar and exercise are the trick to losing the weight!

Abigail: For me, breastfeeding worked wonders, so I was lucky. Also, getting out and walking each day – either outside or (better for Singapore) in an air-conditioned shopping centre! Remember that when you stop feeding, that’s when you need to focus on eating healthy food and getting some exercise. It can be hard when you’re working and have kids, so don’t stress out; do what you can when you can. I found lunchtimes at work the best so I could have family time when I got home.

Kathryn: Stress, constant jiggling and rocking the baby, breastfeeding and a dairy-free and soy-free diet (my kids both had allergies) all help with weight loss! I’m not really into exercise, but WeBarre has a great mums and bubs baby-wearing barre class that I really enjoyed.

Katy: I managed the baby weight by keeping fit and healthy while pregnant. During my first pregnancy, I took part in classes at Mom In Balance, Pilates at PowerMoves, yoga at Mother & Child, and I did my own running, swimming and gym sessions. I also continued playing netball and touch rugby during my first trimester. During my second pregnancy, I did the same but without the classes because I was too busy with my toddler. Postpartum, I made sure to eat well and gradually rebuild my exercise routine. I also found that regular visits to Danielle Barratt at Physio Asia and Alexis Coutier at The Osteopathic Centre allowed me to return to full fitness safely.

Mariel: I’m still trying to lose the baby weight. I’ve joined a running group in my condo.

Did you do pre- or post natal yoga? If so, with whom?

Lorraine: I did pre-natal yoga with my second and not my first. It was the best decision I made as the delivery was so easy and quick. I had control of my contractions and pain due to learning how to breathe properly. I did this in Hong Kong at a place called The Yoga Room.

Katy: I did pre-natal yoga at Mother & Child.

Abigail: Yes, this was a lifesaver for me! It helped to prepare my body and also to keep myself balanced with my toddler and her tantrums! I went to The Yoga School at OCBC Centre for pre-natal yoga.

For more see our Mums & Babies section:

When to wean and stop breastfeeding

Morning sickness: How to stop it and what can cause it

Abdominal separation: Here’s how you can help fix it

first appeared in the Kids guide 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!