How can I stay healthy after my baby is born?
After your baby is born start out with physical activity done at a moderate intensity. After you deliver your baby, your health may be better if you try to return to a healthy weight. Not losing weight may lead to overweight or obesity later in life. Returning to a healthy weight may lower your chances of diabetes, heart disease, and other weight-related problems. Healthy eating and physical activity habits after your baby is born may help you return to a healthy weight faster and give you energy. After your baby is born keep eating well. Eat foods from all of the food groups. See MyPlate in the Resources section for advice to help you stay healthy and fit. check with your health care provider first, then slowly get used to a routine of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, like a daily walk. This type of activity will not hurt your milk supply if you are breastfeeding. How may breastfeeding help? Breastfeeding may or may not make it easier for you to lose weight because your body burns extra energy to produce milk. Even though breastfeeding may not help you lose weight, it is linked to other benefits for mother and child .
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby gives him or her the right mix of nutrients in a liquid (breast milk) that is easier to digest than formula helps boost his or her immune system helps protect your baby from common problems, like ear infections and diarrhea.
Many leading health groups advise breastfeeding only for the first 6 months of the baby’s life. This means that you should feed your baby only breast milk during this time—no other foods or drinks. Experts suggest that women breastfeed at least until the baby reaches 12 months. In months 6 through 12, you may give your baby other types of food in addition to breast milk. Calorie needs when you are breastfeeding depend on how much body fat you have and how active you are. Ask your doctor how many calories you need. What else may help? Pregnancy and the time after you deliver your baby can be wonderful, exciting, emotional, stressful, and tiring—all at once. These feelings may cause you to overeat, not eat enough, or lose your drive and energy. Being good to yourself can help you cope with your feelings and follow healthy eating and physical activity habits. Here are some ideas that may help: Sleep when the baby sleeps. Watch a funny movie. Ask someone you trust to watch your baby while you nap, bathe, read, go for a walk, or go grocery shopping. Explore groups that you and your newborn can join, such as “new moms” groups.
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