Why am I not losing weight postpartum?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineStalled postpartum weight loss is common and usually down to slow natural recovery, sleep deprivation, stress, hormones, and breastfeeding-driven appetite; if it's very stuck with other symptoms, ask your provider to check your thyroid.

It's common for postpartum weight loss to stall or be slower than expected. Hormones, sleep deprivation, stress, and the realities of newborn life all make it harder, and that's normal - not a personal failing.

Common reasons

• Slow and steady is normal: Pregnancy weight often takes 6-12 months or longer to come off.
• Sleep deprivation: Poor sleep raises hunger hormones and cravings and lowers energy for activity.
• Stress: High stress (and cortisol) can make weight loss harder.
• Hormones: It takes time for hormones to rebalance after birth.
• Fluid retention: Some swelling can linger for a few weeks.
• Hunger from breastfeeding: Nursing increases appetite, which can offset its calorie burn.

Things worth checking

If weight loss is very stuck despite healthy eating and activity, ask your provider to check your thyroid - an underactive thyroid (sometimes triggered postpartum) can cause weight gain, fatigue, and low mood.

Be kind to yourself

Your body just grew and birthed a baby. Focus on nourishing food, gradual movement, and sleep where possible, rather than the scale.

Femora helps you track recovery and symptoms so you can spot anything that needs a doctor's input.