Weight Loss
Updated on 3 November 2023
Experiencing weight gain postpartum is a major concern among mothers. Childbirth brings a lot of changes to a woman's body. The weeks following birth are critical for a woman and her infant. It is essential to set the stage for long-term health and well-being. It is recommended that new mothers should consult their gynaecologist before attempting postpartum weight loss by themselves.
This article will provide information on what happens to the body postpartum, the importance of consulting a gynaecologist and tips that can help post-partum weight loss healthfully.
Studies have shown that weight retention postpartum is strongly linked to obesity and serious health consequences.
During childbirth, the amniotic fluid and placenta leave the body, which causes some weight loss. The new mothers can go back to their pre-pregnancy weight by 6-12 months.
Abrupt weight loss during the initial few months of childbirth can delay recovery. New mothers can test their bodies gradually after 6 weeks for postpartum weight loss.
Not everybody recovers at the same pace, and not every delivery is without complications.
The body is often fragile after the process of childbirth. It takes some time for the body to recover from this. As the mother's body heals, she must also provide for the child. Babies depend entirely on the mother for nourishment up to the first 3-6months of their life. Most studies advise new mothers to wait until the baby has gained 2 pounds before transitioning to the regime.
New mothers are advised to ramp up their calorie intake, especially when breastfeeding. Cutting down on calories too soon could affect the process of lactation. New mothers need to eat food that is nutritious as their body heals. Breastfeeding mothers intake 500-600 calories per day from their pre-delivery period.
A gynaecologist's involvement postpartum is as important as it was pre-pregnancy. They specialise in the health and disease field. It is helpful to follow up with the gyanecologist for up to 12 weeks postpartum. Under their guidance, one can plan weight loss based on their recovery phase. They will also choose the type of exercise depending on the type of delivery.
Ask the gynaecologist when it is safe to begin.
Breastfeed the child. Three months of exclusive breastfeeding can help mothers lose up to 2.7% of weight by 12 months postpartum.
The most significant amount of weight loss happens three months postpartum.
Exercise. According to ACOG, 30 minutes of exercise daily is highly beneficial postpartum. It can be 10mins walks three times a day.
Consult a nutritionist
Do not skip meals. A postpartum weight loss diet plan should be done under the guidance of a professional.
A calorie deficit is considered the key to losing weight. Be cautious about the nutritious intake. According to the CDC, women need 450-500 additional caloric intake while breastfeeding.
Eating 5-6 small meals a day is helpful. Most new mothers forget to eat well while taking care of babies. Skipping meals with inadequate sleep can overwhelm the body.
Avoid processed foods. It can cause weight retention.
Avoid:
Fast food
Microwaved items
Ready-to-eat foods
Potato Chips
Soda
Sweetened beverages like coke
Eat food rich in protein. Lean meat, soy, and eggs are excellent sources of protein.
Fibre-rich foods promote weight loss and bowel health.
Seafood is an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Care must be taken before consuming seafood. Sometimes mercury could be accumulated in fish meat, harming the baby.
Avoid caffeinated drinks during breastfeeding as this could pass from the mother to the infant.
Stay well hydrated. This is one of mothers' most important postpartum weight loss tips.
There is no "one size fits all" policy. Women should be realistic about their bodies. Returning to pre-pregnancy shape may not be possible for most women. Pregnancy causes lasting changes.
Some women have larger hips and a saggy belly.
The aim is to concentrate on the health benefits rather than the body shape. Do not overdo it. It is advisable to lose 1-2lb per week. Remember, rapid weight loss is not good for the body.
New mothers must consult their physicians for a postpartum diet plan for weight loss.
These postpartum weight loss tips will provide all the required information to take a step towards a healthy lifestyle.
If any inadvertent effects or changes are noticed in the body, they should be reported to the physician. New mothers need to choose wisely. Learning correctly about healthy pre and post-pregnancy information can go a long way. Remember, the main aim is to allow the body to heal while helping the baby reap the nutritional benefits.
You may also like: https://mylofamily.com/article/when-is-the-best-time-to-plan-for-post-partum-weight-loss-182650?
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Written by
Mittali Khurana
Mittali is a content writer by profession. She is a dynamic writer with 04+ years of experience in content writing for E-commerce, Parenting App & Websites, SEO.
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