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Why is losing weight postpartum so hard?

The Challenge of Postpartum Weight Loss
Losing weight after childbirth is a journey fraught with challenges, and many new mothers find themselves grappling with the complexities of shedding those extra pounds. While the desire to return to pre-pregnancy weight is common, the reality is that postpartum weight loss is often a slow and difficult process.
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact
One of the primary reasons postpartum weight loss can be so challenging is the significant hormonal shifts that occur during and after pregnancy. After giving birth, women experience a dramatic drop in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can affect metabolism and fat storage. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased cravings and changes in appetite, making it harder to stick to a healthy diet.
Sleep Deprivation and Its Effects
Another critical factor is sleep deprivation, which is almost a rite of passage for new parents. The demands of caring for a newborn often lead to disrupted sleep patterns, which can have a profound impact on weight loss efforts. Lack of sleep is linked to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can promote weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Furthermore, fatigue can diminish motivation to exercise, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Breastfeeding Considerations
Breastfeeding, while beneficial for both mother and baby, can also complicate weight loss. Many women find that their bodies hold onto extra weight while nursing, as it requires additional calories to produce milk. This biological response can make it challenging to create a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. Additionally, the energy demands of breastfeeding can leave mothers feeling hungry, leading to potential overeating.
The Importance of Patience and Realistic Expectations
Experts emphasize that postpartum weight loss is not an overnight process. It took nine months to gain the weight, and it often takes just as long, if not longer, to lose it. Most women lose about half of their baby weight within the first six weeks postpartum, but the remaining weight can linger for months. This reality can be frustrating, especially in a culture that often pressures women to bounce back quickly after childbirth.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Ultimately, the key to successful postpartum weight loss lies in a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, gentle exercise, and self-care. New mothers are encouraged to focus on nourishing their bodies and finding joy in movement rather than fixating solely on the scale. By understanding the unique challenges of the postpartum period and allowing themselves the grace to heal and adjust, women can navigate this journey with greater ease and success.

Is it normal to lose 20 pounds in 1 week postpartum?

So all in all, it’s not uncommon to lose up to 20 pounds in the first few weeks postpartum. Of course, every woman is different and some may find they lose weight faster while others may take longer. It also depends on how much weight you gained during pregnancy.

Why am I not losing weight even after breastfeeding?

Many factors can impact a person’s weight, and some people do not lose weight while nursing. Breastfeeding uses calories, but many other postpartum factors, such as lack of sleep, stress, and hormone levels, can affect weight.

How long does it take to lose weight postpartum?

You should plan to return to your pre-pregnancy weight by 6 to 12 months after delivery. Most women lose half of their baby weight by 6 weeks after childbirth (postpartum). The rest most often comes off over the next several months. A healthy diet with daily exercise will help you shed the pounds.

How much weight should I have lost 3 weeks postpartum?

Approximately 11 to 13 pounds are lost immediately following childbirth, and an additional four to five pounds are typically lost during the next several weeks. Overall, it is typical for women to gain 24 to 30 pounds during pregnancy.

When do you lose baby face fat?

The fat under our eyes starts to decrease the earliest, beginning in our twenties, and is followed in our thirties by the beginning of the loss of fat in the temples and parts of the cheeks. The superficial fat tends to persist unless there’s major weight loss.

Why is it so hard to lose weight while breastfeeding?

While breastfeeding burns about 500-700 calories extra per day to fuel milk making, this may not always contribute to weight loss postpartum – many factors like pre-pregnancy weight, diet, physical activity level, etc will impact weight loss after birth (Institute of Medicine, 2002; Dewey, 1994).

Why is it so hard to lose weight after having a baby?

“There are several reasons why some women struggle to lose weight after having a baby,” Ross says. Lack of sleep, breastfeeding and elevated cortisol levels (due to stress) can all contribute to an increase in appetite, Ross says. Not to mention, all the other demands new moms are trying to keep up with.

When do you lose your baby fat in your face?

The fat under our eyes starts to decrease the earliest, beginning in our twenties, and is followed in our thirties by the beginning of the loss of fat in the temples and parts of the cheeks. The superficial fat tends to persist unless there’s major weight loss.

How to lose 20 pounds in a month while breastfeeding?

How to Lose 20 Pounds While Breast-feeding

  1. Breastfeed as often as the baby shows hunger cues and avoid giving the infant formula.
  2. Decrease your caloric intake to around 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day.
  3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
  4. Exercise for 30 minutes or more, on most days of the week.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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