Banish the post-baby weight gain for good and get back in shape! These top tips will help you lose weight safely in that post-pregnancy period.

1. Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding burns calories – as many as 500 extra calories a day! But if you're breastfeeding, you should never try to diet. Not only can it affect your milk supply, it's also vital that you fulfill your extra calorie needs with healthy foods like lean proteins, vegetables and fruits. Instead, just cut back on high-fat snacks and sugar-laden junk food with little nutritional value.

2. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks

High-sugar foods and beverages are not only nutritionally empty, they pack on the pounds as well. Make sure you limit sugary foods and beverages: Treat yourself to no more than two desserts every week, stop drinking sodas and cut down on candy bars.

3. Get enough sleep

As any parent of babies knows, sleep is a very precious commodity, but squeezing in a little more may actually help you lose weight. Research shows that not getting enough shut-eye actually increases your risk of being overweight. Experts believe this is linked to hormone imbalances as a result of sleep deprivation: Insufficient and poor-quality sleep causes the body to produce increasing levels of a hunger hormone and decreasing levels of a hormone that makes you feel full, which can lead you to eat more than what you need.