Why new mothers should wait six weeks before losing pregnancy weight

Tuesday, November 03, 2026

Scroll down to read the article

Once the first six weeks have passed, mothers who are recovering well can begin considering gradual weight loss.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

WhatsApp Image 2025-04-22 at 07.39.48 (1)

Article
Related

For some women, the weight gained during pregnancy may prompt a desire to get in shape as soon as possible after delivery.

However, with breastfeeding placing new demands on the body, how soon is it safe to begin losing weight?

“Even when a mother doesn’t eat enough, her body may keep producing milk by drawing on its own nutritional reserves. The consequences can eventually become apparent in her health.”
“If you don’t eat, the body will utilise what you have to produce milk, then you will start having problems as a mother,” she adds.
Some breastfeeding mothers may experience hair loss, brittle or weakened nails and persistent backaches, which she says can be associated with nutritional demands during this period.
Once the first six weeks have passed, she notes mothers who are recovering well can begin considering gradual weight loss. Ms Mathenge recommends starting with gentle physical activity rather than restricting food.
“Producing breast milk requires additional energy, and a breastfeeding mother needs about 500 kilocalories more per day than she needed before pregnancy,” she says.

Cutting back too heavily on food can therefore leave the mother without enough nutrients to meet both her own needs and those of her nursing baby.
“If the nutrients are not enough, the body will start using what she has stored in her body, like the fats and the glycogen in her body. And then that starts compromising her own health,” she explains.
Instead of aggressive workouts or restrictive diets, she recommends starting with manageable activities such as a 30-minute walk or 10 minutes of simple stretches at home.
“Mothers do not need to remain in bed throughout the recovery period, either, “ she cautions, adding that prolonged inactivity can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, in which blood clots form in the veins.
The appropriate level of activity will, however, depend on the mother's recovery and the type of delivery she had. Women who delivered through Caesarean section should consult their doctors before undertaking strenuous exercise and should first be assessed to establish what is safe for them.

Weight gain is another important indicator. “Babies are expected to gain about 20 to 30 grammes a day, or approximately 210 grammes a week. If a baby is not gaining weight as expected during clinic visits, the mother should have the feeding situation assessed.”
She also notes that changes in the baby's stool may warrant attention. However, stool colour alone cannot establish whether a baby is getting enough milk, so concerns should be discussed with a health professional.
For the mother, persistent weakness and fatigue may signal that she is not meeting her own nutritional needs. She also identifies unusual food cravings as a possible warning sign.
Rapid weight loss is another reason for concern. Losing about a kilogram in a week or two, she says, may indicate that the mother is losing muscle as well as fat.
Ms Mathenge, however, advises against using weight loss supplements while breastfeeding. “Some products may contain ingredients that could harm the baby or interfere with milk production.

Why new mothers should wait six weeks before losing pregnancy weight

Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

When did we become afraid to tell our children no?

Recommended for you

Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

In the headlines

Court allows Cedars Restaurant developer to pursue case against Karen residents

Police-KDF shootout, attacks on officers raise alarm over security

Here’s how 13 rabbits set foundation for commercial farming enterprise

PREMIUM Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

PREMIUM I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

PREMIUM WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

PREMIUM When did we become afraid to tell our children no?

PREMIUM Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

PREMIUM I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

PREMIUM WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

PREMIUM Court allows Cedars Restaurant developer to pursue case against Karen residents

Police-KDF shootout, attacks on officers raise alarm over security

PREMIUM Here’s how 13 rabbits set foundation for commercial farming enterprise

Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

When did we become afraid to tell our children no?

Airbnb says guests shouldn't have to wash dishes as new rules take effect

I invested Sh13m in politics, lost it all and now I’m running broke!

WhatsApp funeral scams: How mourning families lose money

Court allows Cedars Restaurant developer to pursue case against Karen residents

Here’s how 13 rabbits set foundation for commercial farming enterprise