Going on a strict diet immediately after childbirth is neither the healthiest nor the safest approach, says obstetrician-gynecologist Flora Huseynova. Speaking on Sağlam Radio (93 FM), she emphasized that the postpartum period is a delicate phase marked by major physical and psychological changes, and recovery should take priority over rapid weight loss.
“After birth, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes: blood loss, hormonal shifts, sleepless nights, breastfeeding, and overall fatigue add to the strain. Cutting calories or restricting nutrition at this stage can lead to anemia, increased fatigue, weakened immunity, and a decline in breast milk quality. For breastfeeding mothers, proper nutrition is especially important, as breast milk is the baby’s sole source of nutrition — and its quality and quantity depend on the mother’s diet,” Huseynova explained.
She warned that crash diets or unbalanced eating plans aimed at rapid weight loss can reduce milk production, potentially harming the baby’s development. Many women, she added, feel pressured to “bounce back” due to societal expectations or idealized images of mothers who appear to recover instantly — a trend amplified by social media.
“Every body is different, and postpartum recovery requires time and patience. Rapid weight loss can cause long-term health issues. In the first six weeks after delivery — the postpartum adaptation period — it’s important to focus on healing. Women should eat a balanced, varied diet, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and maintain moderate activity. Walking, breathing exercises, and light household chores can help maintain mobility and emotional well-being,” she advised.
Huseynova concluded that nutrition after childbirth should be about sustaining health, strength, and the baby’s needs — not chasing quick weight loss. With proper eating habits and a gradual return to physical activity, she said, excess weight will naturally come off over time.
