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DESCRIPTION
The average pregnant woman will gain 25 to 45 pounds during her pregnancy. Sometimes more, sometimes less. As a rule of thumb, an expectant mother should gain at least 10 pounds by 20 weeks of gestation. During pregnancy, there is increased water retention due to hormones, the weight of the enlarging uterus including amniotic fluid, placenta and the growing fetus. An increased fatty insulation is deposited over the belly and backside, which may include the upper thigh area, and the increased weight in the breasts. This is needed for extra structural support and as a storage of energy that may be needed for the labor and birth process. The mother's blood volume also increases during pregnancy. After the birth, new mothers generally lose 15 pounds with the baby's birth and another 3 to 4 pounds the first few days after delivery. The remainder is used for sustenance during the first few months postpartum. Making breast milk, getting up several times a night to nurse, and dealing with the stress of a new baby definitely burn up the fat reserves. It takes the body time to reduce the extra tissue and fluids that were required for a pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers usually have more of a dramatic weight loss than non-nursing mothers.
Many new mothers will put on extra weight during their pregnancies. This is not unusual. Pregnancy and during postpartum breastfeeding is not a time to restrict diet. Most midwives worry more that the mother may not be gaining enough weight than too much, especially if her diet is nutritious and adequate to maintain a healthy pregnancy. The same follows for after the baby has arrived and the mother is breastfeeding her newborn. After the baby is born, the mother needs the proper nutrition to produce breastmilk and then provide necessary nutrients to her newborn and to maintain her own health. One of the nice "side effects" of breast-feeding your baby is that it does burn calories more efficiently.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Pregnancy Diet
Continue to follow your pregnancy diet while you are breastfeeding your baby and continue with any pregnancy nutritional supplements that your midwife recommends. Do not diet while breastfeeding. You will need slightly more calories and protein during breastfeeding. This is the equivalent of one peanut butter sandwich per day, as a suggestion.
The first 4 to 6 weeks of postpartum period should not be a time to be overly concerned with weight loss. A woman's body after childbirth will often change in appearance. If this is your first baby, then you may find that your hips may become fuller and rounder and your breast size will be greater, giving you more of that full-bodied womanly-goddess figure that is normal for women to be. You may not have the "pubescent girl" appearance any longer. You have left the "maiden" aspect of your life to become a "mother". Be prepared that it will take some time to be able to wear your pre-pregnancy clothing and you will be much more comfortable in loose fitting clothing with easy access to breastfeeding efforts (such as button-down or zipper fronts and loose fitting shirts that can be pulled up to expose the breast).
Exercise should be began slowly, depending upon your body and the recovery following your birth (cesarean delivery takes much longer to recover from than a vaginal birth, and a hospital vaginal birth usually takes longer to recover from than a homebirth). Do not over do it! If you are still having a lochia discharge (postpartum bleeding), if it turns bright red upon exercise, than you are overdoing it. You do not want to exhaust yourself at this time. You and your body are already going through a great deal of changing without adding further stresses to it. Having an understanding, supportive partner helps a great deal. Remember, it took you 9 months to have your baby. It requires some time for your body to return to a normal non-pregnant state.
NUTRITION LINKS
PREGNANCY & LACTATION
Vegetable and animal protein foods, serving sizes, and food groups used to assist pregnant clients and their midwives in planning a balanced daily dietary intake of sufficient protein to prevent potential complications of pregnancy.
GENERAL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION LINKS
REGULAR & SPECIALTY DIETS
MoonDragon's Client Handouts about nutrition and diet for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are available at the links below. Examples of sample diets and menus are given, including some holistic suggestions. Nutritional analysis for various foods and nutritional therapy information is also available.
POSTPARTUM CARE INFORMATION
Postpartum Care: Index
Postpartum Care: Weight
Postpartum Care: Diet
Postpartum Care: Bowel Movements & Urination
Postpartum Care: Bathing
Postpartum Care: Breasts & Breastfeeding
Postpartum Care: Perineal Care
Postpartum Care: Vaginal Bleeding (Lochia) & Menstruation
Postpartum Care: Exercise & Back Care
Postpartum Care: Sexual Intercourse
Postpartum Care: Contraception
POSTPARTUM VISITS
PostPartum Visit: Day One
PostPartum Visit: Day Three
PostPartum Visit: Day Seven
PostPartum Visit: 4 to 6 Week Visit
POSTPARTUM CONCERNS
Baby Care & Concerns
Fatigue & Exhaustion
Postpartum Depression (The "Baby Blues")
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your family member has questions about postpartum care.
You or a family member develops any unexpected and/or unusual symptoms.
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