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6 Tips for Postpartum Fat Loss
Congratulations on your new baby! Releasing stored fat that accumulated during pregnancy may be at the top of your list of concerns. If you are a new mom please hear my heart, your body did an amazing thing growing a baby! You were pregnant for 9 months so it takes time to adjust postpartum. There are lots of hormones adjusting and changing and if you’re breastfeeding you are still growing a human just on the outside of your body! Grace is a big component but there are things you can do to help your body lose weight without compromising your breastfeeding journey. Here are 6 tips for postpartum fat loss.
Bookmark these other useful resources for new parents:
- Postpartum Support Groups in Des Moines
- Postpartum Support International Group: Climb Out of the Darkness
- Organized Activities for Babies and Toddlers in Des Moines
- Des Moines Indoor Play for Kids
- Des Moines Parent Event Calendar

Prioritize Nutrition
Focus on whole foods, including carbs, proteins and fats. This will provide essential nutrients for your recovery and help you maintain energy levels.
Here are some easy snack ideas:
- An apple with almond butter
- Eggs and avocado
- Smoothie with frozen berries and fresh spinach
- Handful of almonds or cashews
- Turkey and hummus roll-ups
- Chia pudding (so many variations of this my favorite now is pumpkin)
- Oatmeal with berries adding protein powder
Stay Hydrated
Water plays a key role in metabolism and can aid in weight loss. Also is essential for breastfeeding moms to be hydrated. Consider adding electrolytes for added benefit. Something like FASTer Way Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix
Postpartum is an excellent time to start fresh with an exercise routine!
Following a safe progression is key. A plan is key to success. Keep it to 30 minutes a day and always listen to your body. Ideally, moms would see a pt for their pelvic floor before high-intensity exercise and be cleared by their midwife or ob-gyn.

Get Adequate Sleep
Prioritize sleep over things that can wait like folding laundry and deep cleaning the house. Sleeping when the baby sleeps can be really helpful. My goal for new moms is to get 6-8 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. It may not be all in a row and that’s ok. Communicate your needs to those around you. People want to help so please ask when you need it.
Reduce stress
Sometimes easier said than done. Postpartum can be a stressful time so utilize your village. Don’t have a village contact me and we can chat about ways to create one. Stress can cause our bodies to hold onto extra weight so working on stress reduction techniques can help weight to be released.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can help burn additional calories, aiding weight loss. Plus, it offers numerous health benefits for both you and your baby. However, when breastfeeding there is a balance to eating enough calories, exercising, and not affecting milk production. Eating whole foods, strength training, and working with a certified coach can help breastfeeding moms achieve their fat-loss goals.
Remember this is a journey! Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace! Say NO to comparisons! What works for one mom may not work for another mom. That’s ok.
When you work with me you’ll learn protocols that have helped thousands of postpartum women burn fat, get fit, and radiate confidence. The best part? It won’t put a huge dent into your day or be just another dreaded thing on your to-do list. I’m on a mission to help moms feel great, look great, and be healthy and strong for their families! If you’re ready follow the link for more info.
Join my next round!
About Shannon Lee
Shannon Lee has worked with women and families in some capacity for 20 years. Eleven years ago she became a birth doula and the rest is history! She is a lifelong learner so she has added many skills: pediatric sleep consultant, FASTer Way to Fat Loss Coach, Hypnobabies childbirth instructor, postpartum doula, and breastfeeding counselor. She assists families from pregnancy through age six! She has been blessed to be in attendance as a birth doula to over 600 births and counting. Shannon is excited to now add a birth assistant to her skills and to support families in this new role.