Finding start weight postpartum - need help

hjma
hjma Posts: 29 Member
in Getting Started
Hey everyone,
I'm 5 weeks postpartum. In the last 3 weeks I've weighed myself several times. Each time is drastically different. The highest number was 12 pounds higher than the lowest.
What's the best way to get an accurate start weight? I do weigh myself the same time (first thing am) and in the same amount of clothes.
Also, I am on a restricted diet where many things I can eat are salty so I'm probably retaining water now.

Replies

  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    Give it time. Like another month. Are you breastfeeding? If so be careful of your diet, make sure calories are big enough to feed 2. Hang in there. Get some sleep.
  • mommazach
    mommazach Posts: 384 Member
    Get a water app. When I was postpartum I was also breastfeeding. I needed the extra water to keep up milk supply, but if you are eating a high sodium diet, you will tend to retain water. Get rid of it by drowning it out.
  • hjma
    hjma Posts: 29 Member
    Yes, I'm breastfeeding exclusively. I don't plan on dieting since I have to watch what I eat for an intolerance in the baby. I'm trying to keep up with water but life gets busy :).
  • pebble4321
    pebble4321 Posts: 1,132 Member
    I wouldn't worry about an "accurate start weight", that's going to be a pretty meaningless number in the longer term. Your body has a whole lot going on right now, and so do you with a new baby in your life.

    Just weigh yourself every day or every week (whatever feels best for you) and record it. Over time you will see some trends - up, down or staying around the same number.
    Also keep an eye on how your clothes are fitting, how your energy level is going, and if you wish, you could also take some measurements (waist etc).

    Once you have a bit of data from all these items, you are in a better position to decide whether you want to introduce a small deficit (allowing for breastfeeding) or whether you want to keep things as they are for now.
  • hjma
    hjma Posts: 29 Member
    Thx!

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