All about Postpartum Weight Loss

Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. The average gain in weight for a normal woman during Pregnancy ranges between 25 and 35 pounds. During birth, this weight is reduced to about 12 - 14 pounds. However, an excess of about 12 - 21 pounds still remains with them, in the postpartum period. And, that causes a lot of anxiety and apprehension among new moms who start looking for speedy and successful ways to get rid of the extra poundage. They want to go back to their pre-pregnancy figures in less time. Often, they start dieting to hasten the pace of Postpartum Weight Loss.

Staying healthy should be the prior objective of any new mom. So, don’t try out any faster way of Postpartum Weight Loss. Give time to your body to get accustomed to the new changes in your body and lifestyle. Gradually, your body would be able to shed off the extra weight. In normal situation, you can go back to your pre-Pregnancy weight within 8 months after the day of your child birth.

If you are breast-feeding your baby, concentrate on your diet.

Here’s exciting information for you. Several literatures on Obstetrics and Gynecology have revealed that during the early postpartum months, breastfeeding can be an effective process to lose weight. In a normal condition, breastfeeding would help you to lose an average of 1 pound of your extra weight without hampering the flow of milk.

Sometimes, a low-fat diet is recommended for the Postpartum Weight Loss. However, this is a common misconception. A lactating mother needs more than 2200 Kcal per day. So, a lot-fat weight-loss diet can not provide you the recommended amount of energy and a nutritious balance as well. Remember, you may consume food items low in fat (and not fat-free) but try to supplement your diet with generous quantities of vitamins, essential minerals, healthy fibers, carbohydrates and proteins. Educate yourself about “eating right and eating good”, rather than craving for quicker weight loss. Keep yourself away from junk foods and crash dieting.

Exercising is always good for the Postpartum Weight Loss. Follow a light exercise schedule. This would assist you to minimize postpartum depression and maintain a healthy body even after the weight loss. The best time to start exercising is about 6 weeks after the birth. You can consult your doctor or visit local clinics for medical advices and post-partum health care services.