When can I lose weight PP?
postpartum weight loss, postpartum nutrition plan, postpartum dietitian, new mom life, functional nutrition, women’s health
When can I start losing weight PP?
This is a common question I get as a functional practitioner, and I find it’s actually one that many women are afraid to admit.
So, I’d first like to be a safe space for you to say that you want to lose weight! It’s OK to want to feel stronger, fit into your clothes and just feel like YOU again.
I just want to make sure it’s done in a healthy way and that your body is ready for it. While weight loss is a great goal, it can be an added stressor on the body if it’s not ready.
How do you know your body is ready for weight loss postpartum?
You are out of the newborn phase (so 3 months minimum)
You are getting at least 4-5 hour chunks of sleep (so baby is only waking up 1-2 times or sleeping through the night)
You don’t have any excess bleeding
You don’t have extreme pelvic pain
You don’t have dizzy spells (this can be from blood loss and/or low iron from birth)
You have the mental space and energy to cook, exercise and wind down at night (if you’re not there yet, that’s ok!)
I think it’s important to be honest about where you are in your postpartum journey because I want you to have success in a healthy weight loss phase. Part of the success comes from being prepared for it. Of course, with anything there is never an absolute perfect time for a change, but there are better times than others.
Another tool I love to use is testing. I will run a full panel of metabolism tests for my clients to ensure their body is ready and to create a strategy for THEIR body. I’ll look to see:
Is there thyroid functioning optimally?
Is there body making too much insulin?
Is leptin resistance causing weight loss resistance?
And many other tests to get the full picture and a strategy tailored to their needs. They don't have to guess, stress or worry that they are doing something wrong for their body.
Questions about your next steps? Email me your questions! Kelseyscot.co@gmail.com
