What are the methods for postpartum abdominal weight loss

The main methods for postpartum abdominal weight loss include adjusting dietary structure, moderate exercise, physical therapy assistance, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning improvement, surgical treatment for weight loss, etc. Postpartum abdominal obesity may be related to factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy, rectus abdominis muscle separation, and fat accumulation. Scientific intervention can help restore body shape.

1. Adjust dietary structure

During postpartum lactation, it is recommended to ensure a daily intake of 1800-2200 calories. It is recommended to prioritize high protein and low-fat foods such as chicken breast, broccoli, oats, etc., and avoid refined sugar and fried foods. Divide into 5-6 small and multiple meals per day, and dinner should be completed before 19:00. breastfeeding mothers need to increase their calorie intake by 500 calories, which can be supplemented through milk, eggs, and other sources. You can consult a nutritionist to develop personalized recipes.

2. Moderate exercise

After 6 weeks of vaginal delivery or 3 months of cesarean section, you can start with Kegel exercises and abdominal breathing, twice a day for 15 minutes each time. Add aerobic exercises such as yoga and brisk walking after 2 months, 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. Core muscle training should be conducted under the guidance of a professional coach to avoid worsening of rectus abdominis muscle separation. Warm up and stretch thoroughly before and after exercise.

3. Physical therapy assisted

Postpartum use of medical grade abdominal bands should not exceed 8 hours per day to avoid affecting blood circulation. Massage techniques from reputable institutions can promote lymphatic return, with 2-3 times a week being recommended. The treatment with instruments such as radiofrequency lipolysis and cryolipolysis requires the selection of qualified medical institutions and completion of 10-15 treatment courses. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has a certain effect on improving stretch marks during pregnancy.

4. Improvement of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that postpartum obesity is mostly caused by spleen deficiency and dampness deficiency, and can be replaced with tea drinks such as Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Coix seed. Moxibustion at acupoints such as Guanyuan and Zhongwan is performed three times a week, combined with cupping therapy to improve metabolism. Use buried thread for weight loss under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to avoid the risk of infection. Tonic Diet and dietotherapy, such as yam chop soup, red bean and barley Congee, can help strengthen the spleen and remove dampness.

5. Surgical treatment for weight loss

For those who still have severe rectus abdominis separation or skin laxity 2 years postpartum, abdominal wall reconstruction surgery may be considered. Liposuction surgery requires a body mass index of less than 30 and good skin elasticity, and should be performed in a tertiary hospital's plastic surgery department. The surgery carries risks such as hematoma and infection, and the recovery period takes 3-6 months. Breastfeeding should be completed and plans for a second pregnancy should be excluded before making any surgical decisions. Postpartum abdominal recovery requires a 6-12 month cycle, and it is recommended to measure waist circumference changes weekly instead of frequent weighing. During lactation, excessive dieting is not advisable, and the daily water intake should be maintained at 2000 milliliters. Ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep helps with the secretion of leptin hormone. If you experience abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, or other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. You can participate in professional postpartum rehabilitation courses and scientifically recover your body shape under the guidance of doctors and fitness coaches.