After carrying around extra weight for nine months, it's understandable that you are eager to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. Weight loss after any pregnancy needs to be achieved gradually by exercising regularly and making healthy food choices. Up to two pounds per week is acceptable for non-breastfeeding women after six weeks have passed since giving birth. More rapid weight loss is not recommended since it can contribute to fatigue, nutrient depletion, and decreased breastmilk supply. It is not uncommon for women to lose 60 percent or more of the weight they gained during pregnancy in the first month after childbirth.
Subsequent loss is often slower, and women invariably experience intermittent weight plateaus.
In devising a healthy eating plan, be sure that you are taking in plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. It is important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet because certain nutrients may be low or missing in the mother's milk if her nutrient intake is low. Be aware of your portion sizes, and try to eat snacks to prevent becoming overhungry. Since Alice doesn't know your body size or activity level, she can give you only these general guidelines. Make an appointment with your obstetrician, midwife, or nurse practitioner, or get a referral to a regis tered dietitian, to determine a plan that is appropriate for you.