Postpartum Obesity

Q Is it realistically possible to return completely to my pre-pregnancy weight? Or do I have to give up to some degree?

A. Many people get close to or recover their pre-pregnancy weight, but it takes time and consistency. Rather than being tied to a number, it is better to set losing weight healthily and maintaining that state as a realistic goal.

Q It's already been more than 2 years since I gave birth, but the weight I gained back then is still there. Isn't it too late to start care now?

A. It's not too late. Regardless of when you gave birth, if you start care to revive recovery and metabolism from your current state, you can definitely lose weight. In fact, now is the fastest start.

Q I'm 6 months postpartum, weight just won't come off, I'm unusually tired, and I feel cold a lot. Could there be another problem?

A. If extreme fatigue, feeling cold, and weight stagnation are present together after delivery, there may be a postpartum thyroid abnormality that needs checking. We recommend checking thyroid function with a blood test before care.

Q I'm 6 months postpartum, I have no time to exercise, and I'm always tired. Is there any care I can do at home in this situation?

A. Rather than grand workouts, start with things you can do briefly and often — walking, light stretching, regular meals, and staying hydrated. Even just taking a walk with your baby is a great help to recovery.

Q I can't sleep because of night feedings, so I'm always tired and keep craving sweets. Does not sleeping affect weight too?

A. Yes — lack of sleep increases appetite and lowers metabolism, greatly hindering postpartum weight loss. Even if perfect sleep is hard, taking care of recovery through short naps, sharing duties, and improving your environment helps with weight loss too.

Q I'm 5 months postpartum, and lately I keep feeling depressed, find it overwhelming to care for my baby, and sometimes even have frightening thoughts. Can I get counseling for this too?

A. If postpartum depression is severe or you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, mental health counseling comes before weight loss. Don't endure it alone — seek help immediately from a nearby psychiatry clinic or mental health helpline.

Q I'm 2 months postpartum, and suddenly I have a fever, severe lower abdominal pain, and increased bleeding again. Before getting care, is this okay?

A. Fever, severe abdominal pain, and increased bleeding are danger signs that need emergency OB-GYN care before postpartum care. Postpone the weight-loss consultation and visit a hospital immediately.

Q Can I take Korean medicine for postpartum weight loss while breastfeeding? I'm worried it might affect the baby.

A. Korean medicine or any weight-loss program during breastfeeding must be discussed in advance. We proceed only with formulations confirmed safe during breastfeeding, so please tell us about all medications you are taking together.

Q I'm 4 months postpartum. When can I get back to my original weight? I keep feeling impatient.

A. It varies greatly from person to person, but it usually returns gradually over 6 months to a year. Rather than starving out of impatience, steadily managing in line with your recovery is better for both results and health.

Q With my first, the weight came off by itself, but almost a year after my second it still won't budge. Why is recovery so hard this time?

A. After a second child, age, accumulated weight, less recovery time, and lack of sleep can overlap and slow recovery. This is a time to actively help metabolism and circulation rather than just waiting for natural recovery.

Q It has been 7 months since I had my first baby, but my weight still hasn't returned to what it was before pregnancy, and the swelling in my lower belly and legs won't go away. Why is that?

A. The weight and fluid gained during pregnancy don't disappear right away, and when breastfeeding, lack of sleep, and reduced activity are added on top, recovery slows down. Rather than crash dieting, it is safer to help your body recover first and lose weight gradually.

Q It has been 3 months since I had my second baby, but my face, hands, and feet are still swollen and my weight hasn't changed. Is this fat, or is it swelling?

A. Right after delivery, it is often more about retained fluid (swelling) than fat. As the fluid retention resolves, the weight tends to come down too, so managing swelling is key in early recovery.

Q I'm breastfeeding, and since I was told I need to eat well, I eat a lot — but I feel like I'm just gaining more weight. How should I eat?

A. While breastfeeding, extreme dieting is off-limits, but the key is eating 'in a balanced way' rather than 'a lot.' Eating regularly with a focus on protein, vegetables, and whole grains, and cutting down on sweets and late-night snacks, addresses both recovery and weight loss.

Q I'm 6 months postpartum, and because of childcare I eat meals carelessly and end up bingeing at night. Could this habit be why I'm not losing weight?

A. Yes — skipping meals and bingeing at night is one of the biggest obstacles to postpartum weight loss. When lack of sleep is added on top, appetite control becomes difficult and metabolism drops too.

Q I live in Dong-gu, Incheon, and I'd like to try postpartum care. What is the order of the consultation when I first visit?

A. At Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic in Dong-gu, Incheon, on your first visit we listen in detail about your delivery timing, breastfeeding, and lifestyle, examine your pulse and body condition, and then decide the care direction together according to your recovery. If you are breastfeeding, we consult with safety first.

Q I'm 7 months postpartum and about to start care now. Roughly what stages does postpartum weight loss go through?

A. It usually proceeds as: checking recovery status → tidying up swelling and circulation → restoring metabolism and losing weight → maintenance. Rather than losing aggressively from the start, we build up recovery first and advance step by step.

Q I'm 5 months postpartum. Does postpartum care really help with weight loss? Won't the weight just come off on its own over time?

A. Some weight does come off naturally over time, but in many cases lack of sleep and irregular meals actually cause it to stagnate. Care that supports recovery and revives metabolism leads to more stable weight loss.

Q It has been 8 months since I gave birth, and other areas have slimmed down a bit, but only my lower belly won't go in. Can postpartum care help tidy up belly fat too?

A. After delivery, the lower belly is an area where a stretched abdomen, stagnant fluid, and weakened core muscles overlap, so it is the last to tidy up. It improves when recovery is supported along with metabolism, circulation, and gradual core strengthening.