When are you not considered post-partum anymore?

[Anonymous]

so, i'm still 20lbs up after giving birth (i gained 57...oops). my baby is 4 months old, but i haven't lost anything for a month and if i don't kick it up a notch, i have a feeling i've lost all there is to lose without trying. but people keep saying, but yeah, you're still post-partum dont worry about it yet. when are you not considered "just had a baby leeway"? is it 9 months? i feel like i need to set a goal or i may end up this weight forever.

[Anonymous]

Are you still breastfeeding? That is the only thing that has kept me losing weight...

[Anonymous]

I say give yourself a year. This is important if you're breastfeeding, but even if not, the first year is the hardest. You may not be getting enough sleep, and you probably don't have lots of time to dedicate to cooking and exercising. Once spring is here, go for long walks with the baby--for exercise and fun. And then revisit the weight issue after baby's first birthday.

[Anonymous]

I would say the first year is considered postpartum. Especially if you are breastfeeding, as the PP noted.

However, if you gained on the high side, you probably *will* need to kick it up a notch, since that wasn't all baby weight. But you've lost 37lb in 4 months, so that's great! You just might need to put in a little extra effort if you want to lose the rest. I exercised pretty rigorously while nursing, and it didn't affect supply at all. And I found that it energized me when I was on little sleep. Unfortunately, it probably won't just "fall off" without you putting in the effort.

[Anonymous]

I always thought the postpartum period was the first 6 weeks after birth. After that your uterus has shrunken back to it's original size and you are no longer under the care of your OB/midwife and, assuming there are no complications.

With Spring coming, it should be easier to get out and enjoy a long walk most days. That plus cleaning up your diet a bit will probably lead to some weight loss.

[Anonymous]

Ha, ha. I've been wondering this same thing! For the first couple of months, I felt pretty good about myself because I knew I looked "good for having just had a baby." A low bar, I know, but I was happy to reach it. Now, at 9 months, I've wondered if that still applies. My stomach needs MAJOR work, but I hate crunches and ab workouts, so I think I am going to keep with the "just had a baby" excuse for a few months longer.

To OP, it sounds like you're doing great. Having a baby during the winter (and especially this winter!) is tough from a weight loss perspective because you can't get out for walks with the little one as easily. My guy was born in June and we took the longest walks from very early on, which helped me lose weight, but more importantly, helped me feel good about myself. Hopefully, better weather will give you the chance to walk more and shed those pounds you don't want anymore. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

As soon as the post-partum depression goes away, years later...
Sorry, that was me.

Technically the 4th stage of birth (post-partum) lasts 6 weeks - when your uterus goes back to its permanent (though not original) state, and your birth practice assumes you are fine and lets you go.

To become leaner and stronger: cut calories a little, do a little cardio. Build muscle by eating more protein and lifting serious weights.

Tummy: don't focus on ab work, because bodies cannot lose fat in specific areas with specific exercises - the equation is simply more exercise with less calories equals less fat. Believe me, you already have the ab muscles, and they will tone naturally with your general core exercises. What you need to do is burn off the layer of fat over your existing six-pack...