When and how should I start dieting after childbirth?
It is completely natural to feel frustrated when looking in the mirror after childbirth, and many new mothers feel a sense of urgency to lose weight. However, excessive fasting or restrictive dieting at this stage can lead to a long-term deficiency of vital energy (Qi) that may persist for years.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the postpartum state is viewed as Qi and Blood Deficiency (氣血虛), a state where both energy and blood levels are depleted. If you restrict calories too aggressively in this state, your body may experience increased swelling and a slower metabolism, which ironically makes weight loss more difficult.
💡 Postpartum Care Goals
The goal is not simply weight loss, but to expel waste products accumulated during pregnancy and restore weakened organ functions to create a body that can efficiently lose weight.
- Phase 1 (Postpartum to 6 Weeks): Focus on assisting the discharge of lochia and uterine contraction, and removing Blood Stasis (瘀血) (stagnant blood) to reduce edema.
- Phase 2 (6 Weeks to 3 Months): Focus on supplementing vital energy and increasing the basal metabolic rate. It is crucial to improve Spleen Deficiency (脾虛) (weakened digestive function) to enhance energy efficiency.
- Phase 3 (After 3 Months): This is the stage for active weight management. We combine herbal medicine tailored to your specific constitution with dietary adjustments to prevent the yo-yo effect.
Ultimately, the core principle is 'filling the body first before subtracting.' Since the optimal starting point depends on your individual recovery level, we recommend a professional consultation to determine the best approach for you.