Postpartum Weight Loss

Women are an important target for physical activity because they are:
At a higher risk than men for weight gain Responsible for their families eating habits Are able to influence the physical activity level of their families

Lombard, Deek, Ball , Jolley & Teede, 2009

Postpartum Weight Loss

During pregnancy a woman is expected to gain weight; this is normal and healthy. The amount of weight a woman should gain differs for every woman. However the following guidelines are recommended:
A woman who is considered underweight is expected to gain about 28-40lbs. A woman of average weight is expected to gain 25-35lbs. An overweight woman is expected to 15-25lbs. An obese woman is expected to gain only about 11-20lbs.

March of Dimes, 2013

Postpartum Weight Loss

Gaining the right amount of weight is essential for health of the mother and the health of her unborn child After the birth of her baby, it is important for a woman to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy It is important because retaining the weight could lead to complications such as:
Long term maternal obesity severe cardiovascular disease Hypertension and others.
Gould-Rotherberg, Magriples, Kershaw, Schindler & Ickovics, 2011

How to lose the weight

Some women believe that they can lose weight if they breastfeed exclusively However studies have shown that while lactation might result in low to moderate weight loss for a woman of average weight the same is not true for overweight and obese women
Lovelady, 2011

How to lose the weight

Experts agree that physical activity and healthy eating habits is the only way to guarantee weight loss ( Mayo Clinic, 2013). Physical activity also tones and tightens muscles and firms up the body(The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist, 2012).

So why dont more mothers exercise

Women are often lethargic and sore after delivery In some cultures it is believed that a woman who has just give birth should not engage in physical activity No time; they are often busy with the baby and other responsibilities.

So What do the Experts say?

Women should get clearance from before they attempt any kind of activity (CDC,2011) There are no official guide lines for postpartum exercise but doctors recommend that a woman who was active during her pregnancy can maintain the same level of activity( Mayo, Clinic,2013). Other women are advise to take is slowly and gradually build up in duration and intensity.

So What do the Experts say?

Experts also advise against dieting especially if the woman is breast feeding Dieting could affect the quantity and quality of milk produced.

Eat Right Ontario, 2013