Q. How is postpartum weight loss different from regular dieting? I'm wondering if I can just stick to my usual diet and exercise routine.

Many people struggle when they apply general dieting principles to the postpartum period. It is crucial to understand that the body's internal systems are completely altered after childbirth. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, the body is in a state of severe deficiency of Qi and Blood (氣血). Specifically, there is often a buildup of Eohyeol (瘀血, blood stasis/stagnant blood) and Dameum (痰飮, phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste). If these wastes are not properly expelled, the body feels heavy, edema (swelling) persists, and this often translates into stubborn weight gain. Furthermore, many women experience Bi-heo (脾虛), a condition where the function of the Spleen (digestive system) is weakened. If you force a restrictive diet—such as strictly eating only chicken breast or salads—the body perceives this as a 'crisis' and enters a survival mode, attempting to store energy more aggressively. This results in a vicious cycle of extreme fatigue and stagnant weight loss. Therefore, the correct sequence for postpartum recovery is not starving, but first clearing metabolic waste, replenishing vital energy, and then gradually boosting the metabolism. Since joints remain lax due to hormonal changes, excessive exercise can be harmful. We recommend assessing your current stage of recovery first and establishing a step-by-step plan tailored to your body's needs to prevent postpartum wind (Sanhupung) and chronic fatigue.