Why Does it Take So Long to Lose Weight After Pregnancy?

For many new moms, it does seem like you’re never going to go back to your sexy, pre-pregnancy body and lose that extra weight. But if you put your mind to it, postpartum weight loss will happen. Just give it time.

What does this often seem like such a hopeless situation?

You’re still eating for two if you’re breastfeeding. Breastfeeding makes you hungry. It’s not a good idea to restrict calorie intake right now. However, you can definitely control the quality of the types of calories you ingest. Being a nursing mother does not excuse you to consume a diet that is high in sugar and empty calories.

You may not be getting as much cardio exercise and as you would like. Your body needs to rest, and your baby needs around the clock care which is exhausting.

Being a mom of a newborn will take a lot out of you, doing feedings and diaper changes every four or so hours for the first month or so. Remember that this too shall pass.. and it will be on to the next exciting phase, sleeping through the night, fun times with your little one, and more freedom and self care time for mom.

Wondering why you’re not losing pregnancy weight as fast as you’d like? Here are some factors of your life that can influence the outcome of your postpartum weight loss: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Breastfeeding moms return to their former body shape than moms who bottle feed. This happens for a few reasons. One, because breastfeeding causes your uterus to contract and shrink itself back to its normal size. Two, because baby Is taking calories from you. Breastfeeding moms are likely to feel some cramping in the lower abdomen that happens while baby is nursing. This is the uterus contracting, stimulated by the hormones released during breastfeeding. If you experience this mild discomfort while nursing baby, it’s a good sign that your body is doing the job it is supposed to-- working to shrink your womb and your waistline back to its former size. Before you know it, you’ll see your old friend Aunt Flow again– yikes!

The quality of your diet.

If you indulge in a lot of empty calories like junk food such as chips, fried fatty foods, sweets and high fat meats, your postpregnancy weight loss journey is more likely to be difficult.

Yes, you are probably hungry especially if you’re nursing. But you do have a choice as to what to put in your body in terms of nourishment.

So enjoy a wide assortment of healthy foods. Consume lean protein, whole grains, a colorful array of vegetables and fruits, healthy fats that come from nuts, seeds and fruits like avocado and coconut, and limited amount of fat from dairy.

The amount of exercise you’re getting.

Especially for moms of newborns, you’re not likely to be getting in a lot of cardio exercise after just having had a baby. This will gradually increase after your baby begins to sleep through the night and you yourself can get the needed rest to heal your body and bring your energy levels back up. Keep exercise in mind as a goal to strive for, but don’t push yourself. After pregnancy your body needs to rest and repair.

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