Postpartum weight loss

Golbat

I am reading a lot of posts from brand new moms. If you are one, congrats on your new baby! I am a mom (with older kids) and I have been to years of La Leche League meetings and I've picked up a few things.

Remember that it takes about six weeks to physically recover from giving birth, more if you've had a C-section. Allow your body enough time to recover from birth before you worry about weight. You wouldn't start a big weight loss plan right after any other major medical event, right? Also, your weight gain over pregnancy was more that just the baby - you will lose weight over those first six weeks just like you do as you have your period, only on a bigger scale. You can't really know how much weight you've put on from the pregnancy until after the six weeks are up.

You also need to get used to life with a new baby and the sleeplessness and stress involved. Be kind to yourself.

And then, if you are breastfeeding, if you start a weight loss plan before six weeks postpartum, your body will not have established your milk supply, and you could stop producing milk, or enough milk.

After six weeks, weigh yourself and see where you're at. Make goals that take into account that extra 500 calories you're burning by breastfeeding, if you are. And don't try to lose too quickly or you might affect your milk supply. Keep an eye on your milk supply, and ease up if you have more than a couple of days where your baby is feeding very very frequently. (A day or two probably just means your baby is going through a growth spurt - nothing to be concerned about. A few days might mean a supply dip, but eating at a lower deficit, drinking plenty of water, and letting your baby feed as much as he/she wants for a couple of days will most likely get your supply up again. If not, contact a lactation consultant, or go to a La Leche League meeting.)

Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories a day, if you are breastfeeding exclusively (no formula and until your baby eats any other food) you might find you lose weight without a lot of effort for a while.

Exercise is hard with babies, and tiny ones have a hard time being away from a warm body for even pretty short periods of time. Walking is one option, and you can Google around and see if there's a new mom walking group in your area. If your baby isn't happy in the stroller, you can research baby carriers and walk while carrying your baby around. Find one that's fairly ergonomic so you aren't holding all the weight on your shoulders. And take care of sun - a baby's brand new skin will burn like crazy if it isn't covered!

JenniferNoll

You rock!

jessicapk

I am not pregnant nor have I recently had a baby but read this out of curiosity. Great read for any man or woman when expecting a child or who just recently had one! This might make a good sticky or a start to one.

sardelsa

This is great, thanks for sharing!