Summary:
A mother shares her experience gaining 100 pounds during pregnancy due to cravings, stress eating, and bed rest, leaving 80 pounds postpartum. Despite initial success through extreme dieting and excessive walking after her C-section, she regrets prioritizing rapid weight loss over bonding with her newborn. Her journey highlights the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum body image, the dangers of obsessive weight loss behaviors, and the importance of self-compassion during new motherhood.
What This Means for You:
- Avoid extreme postpartum restrictions: Over-exercising post-C-section risks delayed healing, while severe calorie deficits can impair breastmilk production and mental health.
- Reframe “baby weight” expectations: The American College of Obstetricians recommends only 300 extra daily calories during breastfeeding—not “eating for two.”
- Prioritize bonding over body goals: Infant developmental windows are brief; deferred playtime for workouts may foster long-term maternal regret.
- Critical warning: 12% of postpartum women develop eating disorders—seek professional help if weight fixation interferes with childcare.
Original Post:
I gained exactly 100 pounds during my pregnancy. Between indulging every craving and bed rest, I retained 80 pounds postpartum—far beyond typical “baby weight” (placenta/fluids average 10-15 lbs).
Post-C-section, I walked 4-6 miles daily while restricting to 1,200 calories of tuna, cabbage, and protein shakes. Though I shed 60 pounds by my son’s second birthday, my fixation caused:
- Missed infant bonding milestones
- Exacerbated diastasis recti from premature core strain
- Anxiety transferring to restrictive feeding habits
My turning point came when I realized my son associated playgrounds with my calorie-tracking app instead of shared joy. Now pregnant again, I’m partnering with a perinatal nutritionist and pelvic health PT to prevent repeat cycles.
Extra Information:
- ACOG Nutrition Guidelines – Explains science-based pregnancy weight targets by BMI
- Postpartum Support International – Free helpline for body image/eating disorders
- C-Section Recovery Timeline – Safe return-to-exercise protocols
People Also Ask About:
- Q: How fast should you lose postpartum weight?
A: Experts recommend 1 lb/week max while breastfeeding to maintain milk supply (Johns Hopkins Medicine). - Q: Can over-exercising post-C-section cause harm?
A: Yes—premature intensity risks incision dehiscence and pelvic floor damage (UPenn OB/GYN). - Q: Does “baby weight” ever become permanent?
A: 75% lose excess weight within a year with gradual diet/exercise adjustments (Mayo Clinic). - Q: When to seek help for postpartum body hatred?
A: If negative thoughts occupy >1 hour/day or disrupt infant care (National Maternal Mental Health Hotline).
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Jane Morton (Stanford Pediatrics) emphasizes: “The fourth trimester demands energy conservation—not calorie deficits. Extreme postpartum dieting alters prolactin levels, potentially reducing milk production by 40%. Sustainable loss begins only after breastfeeding establishes at 3-4 months.”
Key Terms:
- Post-C-section weight loss complications
- Healthy postpartum calorie intake breastfeeding
- Diastasis recti prevention after pregnancy
- Perinatal eating disorder warning signs
- Fourth trimester body image strategies
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