Are you 6 months postpartum and still trying to lose excess pregnancy weight? My reply to that is GOOD. You may be surprised by that and feel anxious to get back to your “pre-pregnancy body”, but this is not realistic. While you may return to a similar body type eventually, your body has gone through a major transition, it cannot return to what it was because of what it has gone through. The exciting news? This new body can be even better than before!
Healing and postpartum are often talked about in terms of mere days. While this is ideal in the culture we live in, our bodies do not abide by the same rules. Once you have a baby, you are forever in the “postpartum” period, that does not end after 6 months or even 2 years. The first 30 days postpartum are some of the most important and should really think about bedrest to support your healing and ability to care for a new life. 
Because healing is so important and so undervalued, I want to go through three steps that help us achieve the goal of HEALING rather than WEIGHT LOSS postpartum. If we have clear objectives, we will have patience with our bodies during this time rather than feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
#1. Eat to Nourish
Restrictive diets, restricted calories and major detoxes are not ideal during this first year postpartum. Your body just ran a marathon and now needs more, not less. With that being said, provide your body food it can use. Stick to whole foods as much as possible, avoiding processed foods and sugars that will cause more inflammation and slow down healing. Keep your protein and water intake high to replace the nutrients being lost in your breastmilk, this will also help your milk supply. During the first year your body may fluctuate in weight, but more than anything it will help you be the healthiest version of yourself.
#2. Movement
Movement is great and should be utilized, as long as you are listening to your body. If you notice spotting throughout the day, this means you are doing too much activity. Let this be your guide. If you are doing too much, rest more. If your body is handling this level of activity, continue. There are some great resources that can help your body transition back into moving in the postpartum period. A few of my favorites are BirthFit, Expecting and Empowered, and Foundation Training. You can find them online.
#3. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help the body heal and recover. It can help restore proper posture once you no longer have a large belly pulling you forward, and to counteract the effects of breastfeeding, carrying a car seat and sleeping in odd positions. Whenever I see a woman postpartum I also focus on the pelvis and pubic bone, ensuring there is proper alignment as the body is healing.
-Dr. Sophie Mills