Q. I'm managing my diet after childbirth, but I'm not losing weight. Why is this happening?

The physical changes following childbirth are incredibly drastic. Many believe that eating less, as they did before, will bring back their pre-pregnancy weight, but it is rarely that simple. From a modern medical perspective, the increased blood volume and fluids from pregnancy often linger, and the stress of childcare triggers cortisol, which significantly slows down the metabolic rate. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is viewed as a severe depletion of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. Specifically, we focus on 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo). The Spleen is the central axis for absorbing and transporting nutrients; when its function is weakened, energy efficiency drops and metabolic waste accumulates. This leads to the buildup of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid/metabolic waste) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis). When these wastes block the body's discharge pathways, the body perceives a 'state of emergency' despite a restricted diet and clings to fat more tightly. Consequently, forced fasting can actually worsen Spleen Deficiency and lead to a rebound effect (yo-yo dieting). What is needed now is not extreme caloric restriction, but rather replenishing the weakened energy to restore the body's innate ability to burn fat. I recommend assessing your current recovery level to determine the most supportive approach for your body.