Q. When should I start my postpartum diet, and what is the best way to approach it?

Many women feel rushed to start strict dieting immediately after childbirth. However, postpartum weight loss should not be about simply cutting numbers on a scale, but rather a process of restoring the body's disrupted balance. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), a phased approach is essential: First, the restoration of Qi and Blood (氣血) is the priority. It is vital to replenish depleted energy to prevent postpartum wind-syndrome (Sanhupung). If you attempt rigorous weight loss while suffering from Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), you are more likely to experience extreme fatigue and postpartum depression. Next, we focus on eliminating Blood Stasis (瘀血) and Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮). Blood stasis refers to the residual blood and toxins remaining in the uterus, while phlegm-fluid represents metabolic waste. Once these are cleared, your metabolism improves, creating the ideal internal 'environment' for weight loss to occur. Then, we move to the stage of improving metabolic efficiency—essentially restarting the body's engine. Through tailored herbal medicine, we increase your basal metabolic rate and reduce edema to correct your overall body shape. Finally, we establish sustainable lifestyle habits. Instead of strenuous exercise, start with light walks to recover muscle strength. The key here is creating a body resistant to the 'yo-yo effect' through a diet tailored to your specific constitution. 'How safely' you return to your pre-pregnancy state is far more important than 'how quickly.' Let's examine your current physical condition together to find the most appropriate timing for your journey.