The Journal

The Postpartum Journey

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Postpartum Weight Loss Recipes
Postpartum Resources
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How Many Calories Should You Eat While Breastfeeding?

Wondering how many calories you should eat while breastfeeding? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this guide, registered dietitian Megan Brister breaks down how calorie needs truly work postpartum — from milk supply and metabolism to activity level and recovery. Learn how to eat enough to support energy, healing, and gentle weight loss without restrictive diets. Plus, discover signs you’re under-fueling, how to build balanced PFF meals, and when to seek personalized nutrition guidance.

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Gaining Weight While Breastfeeding? Here’s What’s Really Going On

If you’re gaining weight while breastfeeding, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this evidence-based guide, registered dietitian Megan Brister explains why some moms hold onto or gain weight postpartum, even with healthy habits. Learn what’s really happening with your hormones, metabolism, and appetite, and how to use gentle nutrition strategies to support steady energy, milk supply, and realistic fat loss—without restriction or guilt.

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Postpartum Cravings Explained: What Your Body Is Telling You and How to Respond

Postpartum cravings aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re your body’s way of asking for something. In this evidence-based guide, registered dietitian Megan Brister explains what causes postpartum cravings (from hormone shifts to nutrient depletion), what they might mean, and how to respond with balance—not guilt. Learn how to manage sugar and carb cravings, curb emotional eating, and support your energy, milk supply, and recovery through smart, realistic nutrition.

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Getting Rid of Postpartum Belly Fat (What Actually Works!)

Struggling with postpartum belly fat? Learn why stubborn belly fat lingers after pregnancy and how to finally lose it without crash diets or endless ab workouts. Discover the truth about hormones, blood sugar balance, and realistic postpartum nutrition using the PFF Method. A dietitian explains what works, what doesn’t, and how to support healthy, sustainable fat loss—while protecting your energy, recovery, and milk supply.

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Does Breastfeeding Make You Lose Weight? What the Research Really Says

Everyone says it: “Breastfeeding will melt the baby weight right off.” But here’s the truth—there’s no guarantee. For some moms, nursing does help the pounds drop. For others, weight loss stalls—or the scale even creeps up. This post breaks down what the research really says about breastfeeding and metabolism, why results vary so much from mom to mom, and the real factors that matter when it comes to postpartum weight changes.

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The Truth About Hormone Balance After Baby

Postpartum hormone shifts are normal, but they can leave you feeling unlike yourself—tired, moody, or stuck no matter what you try. The good news? Small, daily habits like balancing your blood sugar, staying hydrated, and getting morning sunlight can go a long way toward steady energy and better sleep. And if symptoms linger—such as constipation, hair loss, or stubborn weight changes—professional support can help you get to the root.Fat burners may sound like a quick fix for postpartum weight loss, but they aren’t safe while breastfeeding—and they won’t give you the results you truly want. In this post, you’ll learn why fat burners can be harmful to both you and your baby, the common mistakes that keep new moms stuck, and the safe, sustainable habits that actually support fat loss and a strong milk supply.

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Fat Burners While Breastfeeding: Safe or Not?

Fat burners may sound like a quick fix for postpartum weight loss, but they aren’t safe while breastfeeding—and they won’t give you the results you truly want. In this post, you’ll learn why fat burners can be harmful to both you and your baby, the common mistakes that keep new moms stuck, and the safe, sustainable habits that actually support fat loss and a strong milk supply.

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What Sugar Cravings While Breastfeeding Mean (and How to Manage Them)

Sugar cravings can feel stronger than ever while breastfeeding—and it’s not just in your head. Between higher calorie needs, hormonal shifts, and sleepless nights, your body is working hard and asking for quick fuel. This post explains why cravings happen, what they’re really telling you, and how to manage them with balanced, satisfying meals that support your energy, mood, and milk supply—without cutting out the foods you love.

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Postpartum Weight Loss Resources Clair Schwem Postpartum Weight Loss Resources Clair Schwem

Water Retention After Birth: How Nutrition Can Help Reduce Postpartum Swelling

Still feeling swollen after birth? Postpartum water retention is common—but that doesn’t mean you have to wait it out. This blog breaks down why it happens, what makes it worse, and how gentle nutrition strategies can help reduce swelling, support healing, and restore energy—without detoxes or extremes.

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Understanding Postpartum Hormone Imbalance: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Postpartum hormone shifts are normal—but ongoing symptoms like low mood, sleep struggles, or extreme fatigue might signal an imbalance that needs more support. In this post, I break down what’s typical in postpartum recovery, what might be worth investigating further, and how you can begin supporting hormone health naturally with simple, practical steps.

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The Ultimate Postpartum Grocery List: Real Food for Real Recovery

Grocery shopping in the postpartum season can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This guide shares a practical, nourishing grocery list to support your recovery with real food that’s easy to prepare, store, and enjoy.

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Taking Magnesium Postpartum: Why Moms Need It + How to Get Enough

Exhausted? Cramping? Struggling to sleep or relax?

You're not alone—and it might not just be the lack of sleep or newborn stress. Many postpartum moms are low in magnesium, a mineral that's crucial for everything from mood to digestion. Read this post to determine why magnesium is great for postpartum.

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Can You Take Collagen While Breastfeeding? A Dietitian Explains

Wondering what collagen is and why it is so popular? Wondering if it can fit into your postpartum nutrition plan? A Dietitian breaks it down, clearly and simply. Here’s what you actually need to know about collagen in the postpartum period—without the fluff or fear-mongering.

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Postpartum Constipation: Why It Happens + How to Get Relief Fast

Wondering why you are constipated after giving birth? If you’re feeling stuck—literally—you are so not alone. Postpartum constipation is incredibly common, totally fixable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can get relief fast (and safely).

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Postpartum Weight Loss – What Actually Works (Without Hurting Your Milk Supply)

I know firsthand that postpartum weight loss isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. Your body has been through a lot, and between healing, sleepless nights, and caring for your baby, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this post, I’ll walk you through a safe, realistic approach to losing weight postpartum.

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