Speak up: How Pune bounce back into shape after pregnancy

Everyone says having a baby changes your life, but feeling unfit and exhausted is not what you expected. Puneites share their mantra to knock off those extra pounds.

New mothers should eat foods rich in protein and fibre
Women are supposed to put on weight during pregnancy, but only between 9 and 12 kg, not more than that. Some women become very conscious about their weight after childbirth. They should be encouraged to maintain a good health, rather than being anorexic.
However, women are advised to get back to their normal weight, what they weighed when they got married, and not to what they weighed before getting pregnant. New mothers should eat foods rich in protein and fibre to provide the required nutrition to babies.
—Dr Meeta Nakhare,
consultant gynaecologist

Leading an active life can help maintain weight
Though I have always been on the lighter side, I thought I would put on weight after childbirth. Thankfully that did not happen; probably because of my job profile. I am constantly on the move and have to work for about 12 hours daily, with just two off days in a month.
I wake up early in the morning and attend to my family. So, I do not have to take out time for workout; rather I do not have time for it, as my work and family keep me on my toes all day. I think an active lifestyle can help maintain one’s weight even after pregnancy.
—Salma Khan, mother of one

I watch my diet as I have to think about the baby and myself
Weight gain is always an issue for new mothers, but all I do is watch my diet. I avoid all kinds of fatty and oily foods. Besides, such foods are not safe for the child also. I have always been conscious about my eating habits, but now I take greater care, as I have to think about the baby’s health too. During my pregnancy, I prayed for a normal delivery and luckily I did have one. After the delivery, I went for a proper body massage for 40 days, as it is important for the baby and me. It also helped me shed a few kilos and within two months of my delivery, I am back to my regular weight.
—Chitra Shripad Sapkal, mother of one

Running around the baby keeps me fit and active
Before pregnancy, I used to be very thin, but now I have gained a little weight. Though I do not wish to grow too fat, putting on a little weight is good for me. Now, I am trying to be in good health by maintaining a proper diet. Apart from that, running around the baby keeps me fit and active.
After becoming a mother, I have become very careful about my health, as the baby is affected by what I eat. Hence, I make sure not to eat oily and spicy foods.
—Jahnavi Jagtap, mother of one

I would like to eat healthy foods cooked in less oil
Women suffer from calcium deficiency after childbirth. Therefore, I am keen on consuming healthy foods cooked in less oil to make up for the loss of calcium and proteins after delivery.
My mother and mother-in-law have given me some valuable tips and have suggested some home remedies to keep myself fit.
Whatever I eat affects my baby directly, so I make sure that I do not take any spicy food. Besides, I get my body massaged with til oil twice or thrice a week.
I have been advised bed rest and exercise by my doctor so as to maintain my health and weight. My family ensures that there is not much noise or chaos in my room, as silence is another important factor for the mental and physical fitness of the mother and the child.
—Ashwini Jojare, mother of two