Monitoring your diet, breastfeeding, drinking water and being patient are important. But the key to any successful weight reduction is exercise. You're probably rolling your eyes and muttering, "Yeah, right!" under your breath. Unfortunately, it's a fact, and the sooner you accept it and implement it, the sooner you'll achieve your weight loss goals. The benefits or regular exercise are numerous, and it's the best thing you can do for your body, and thus your babies.
Even if you had a regular routine before babies, it may be difficult to establish an exercise habit after they're born. Time constraints, child care concerns, and an overall lack of energy may defeat your desire to make exercise a high priority. But, the longer you put it off, the longer that baby weight will stay with you.
First, check with your doctor. Depending on how you delivered, you may have to wait until your body is completely recovered. In some cases it is only a matter of days; others are advised to refrain from exercise for several weeks.
Walking is one of the cheapest, most convenient and most effective forms of exercise. Put your babies in a stroller and head outside if the weather is nice, or inside to a mall or shopping center if it's not. Find a walking partner to keep your motivated. Encourage your spouse to join you; it's a great opportunity for communication and togetherness.
If you can't get out of the house, check out the numerous home exercise options. You can spend a little (video exercise routine) or a lot (treadmill) and fit in a workout while the babies nap. (Trust me, they will sleep eventually!)
If you have reliable child care, attend an exercise class or join a gym. Exercise makes a great getaway. Taking a break from caring for babies is important for all mothers, and if you use the time to exercise, more's the benefit. Get together with other mothers of multiples to try yoga or pilates while you share support and advice about raising twins.
Some facilities even provide on-site care so that your multiples can go with you. Check with your doctor before taking young infants to drop-in childcare facilities, especially if they were premature. Many mothers of singletons enjoy "Mom-n-Me" classes designed for mothers and babies, but be aware that many of these programs require one-on-one parental involvement so twins or multiples would be excluded.
No matter how you accomplish it, make exercise a must. Try these links to other sites on the About network for more information on postpartum weight loss.
