One of the little surprises that can catch a new mom after she's had her first baby will face her in the mirror. She may have read about it, she may have heard other women talk about it but she somehow didn't think it would happen to her.

She will look about four months pregnant, and she will have some unwanted weight to lose. And it will take awhile. This can be disappointing the first time around. But be encouraged, it is a temporary situation that every new mom deals with, and that unwanted weight can gradually disappear. Some patience, and healthy eating habits and exercise can do the trick.

The Mayo Clinic has some practical suggestions and strategies to help you reach your goal of healthy weight loss.

"When you were pregnant, you may have changed your eating habits to support your baby's growth and development. After pregnancy, proper nutrition is still important — especially if you're breast-feeding. Making wise choices can promote healthy weight loss after pregnancy."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss-after-pregnancy/PR00147