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Postpartum Weight Loss

Women are an important target for physical

activity because they are:

At a higher risk than men for weight gain

Responsible for their families eating habits

Are able to influence the physical activity level of

their families

Lombard, Deek, Ball , Jolley & Teede, 2009

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Postpartum Weight Loss

During pregnancy a woman is expected to gain weight;this is normal and healthy.

The amount of weight a woman should gain differs forevery woman. However the following guidelines arerecommended:

A woman who is considered underweight is expected togain about 28-40lbs.

A woman of average weight is expected to gain 25-35lbs.

An overweight woman is expected to 15-25lbs.

An obese woman is expected to gain only about 11-20lbs.

March of Dimes, 2013

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Postpartum Weight Loss

Gaining the right amount of weight is essentialfor health of the mother and the health of herunborn child

After the birth of her baby, it is important for awoman to lose the weight she gained duringpregnancy

It is important because retaining the weight couldlead to complications such as: Long term maternal obesity

severe cardiovascular disease

Hypertension and others.

Gould-Rotherberg, Magriples, Kershaw, Schindler &Ickovics, 2011

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How to lose the weight

Some women believe that they can lose

weight if they breastfeed exclusively

However studies have shown that while

lactation might result in low to moderate

weight loss for a woman of average weight the

same is not true for overweight and obese

women

Lovelady, 2011

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How to lose the weight

Experts agree that physical activity and

healthy eating habits is the only way to

guarantee weight loss ( Mayo Clinic, 2013).

Physical activity also tones and tightens

muscles and firms up the body(The American

College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist,

2012).

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So why dont more mothers exercise

Women are often lethargic and sore after

delivery

In some cultures it is believed that a woman

who has just give birth should not engage in

physical activity

No time; they are often busy with the baby

and other responsibilities.

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So What do the Experts say?

Women should get clearance from before theyattempt any kind of activity (CDC,2011)

There are no official guide lines for

postpartum exercise but doctors recommendthat a woman who was active during herpregnancy can maintain the same level ofactivity( Mayo, Clinic,2013).

Other women are advise to take is slowly andgradually build up in duration and intensity.

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So What do the Experts say?

Experts also advise against dieting especially if

the woman is breast feeding

Dieting could affect the quantity and quality of

milk produced.

Eat Right Ontario, 2013