A new mother often finds her free time and flexibility in her daily schedule changing dramatically once a child enters her life. And her jammed packed day makes the task of losing weight after pregnancy very hard.

But they shouldn't lose hope. First, they're not alone in the battle and following these tips will make the journey much easier.

According to a Weight Watchers survey last year of 550 new moms, the desired amount of weight loss after pregnancy ranged from 50-60 pounds for nearly a fourth of the women to 100 pounds or more for about 10 percent of them.

Dietitians with the internationally known weight-control organization say the best bets for new moms to lose that extra weight are:

•  Eating healthy foods;

•  Avoiding junk foods they may have eaten during pregnancy;

•  Finding a balance between taking care of themselves and everyone else;

•  Setting realistic weight-loss goals;

•  Keeping track of what you eat, even the things from raids on vending machines;

•  Reducing portions of food at meals they eat at home, but especially in restaurants;

•  Eating frequent, regular, small meals, especially breakfast;

•  Drinking at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day;

•  Starting to exercise slowly, building up to a faster pace and longer distance;

•  Thinking about the positive example they're setting for their kids.

Karen Miller-Kovach, a registered dietitian and chief scientific officer for Weight Watchers International, said new mothers, especially women who are nursing, should first check with their gynecologists to get their opinions on losing weight.

Nubella tip: Find plenty of healthy meals and snacks in Nubella's 6,000-plus Recipe Database and Healthy Cooking Center to help you drop that post-pregnancy weight.

Nubella News, a division of Marketing Technology Solutions, Inc., offers content intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage our readers to seek prompt medical care for health issues and consult their physicians before starting a new diet, fitness regimen, or medical treatment.