Breastfeeding And Weight Loss
Losing weight while you’re nursing is difficult in some ways, but you also have an advantage. Your body is burning on average an extra 500 calories per day. Also, your uterus returns to normal size much more quickly after delivery when you breastfeed.
The challenge with weight loss while breastfeeding is to lose weight slowly and continue to eat enough so that you don’t diminish your milk supply. Many diets have a section just for nursing moms. If an organized diet isn’t your style, just try to eat sensibly (lots of whole foods like whole grains, meats, vegetables and fruit and nuts) and drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of water helps to flush out the extra fluid you carried around during your pregnancy. (You know, the stuff that made your ankles bloated?!)
Remember to engage in moderate exercise. Not only will this help with weight loss, but it also helps you be happier. Since exercise has been shown in studies to help with postpartum depression, it’s a good idea for all moms to get outside and walk, or do Pilates or some other exercise, 3 times a week. Exercise won’t hurt your milk and will help too with the aches and pains some new moms experience, from carrying baby around and from the strain of stretched out, achy muscles postpartum.
If the pounds seem slow to come off, don’t get discouraged. Some moms don’t lose that last five pounds of baby weight until they wean their babies or substantially cut back on nursing their toddler. Some moms lose weight quickly, it just depends on a number of factors.
Keep in mind that your breasts weigh more when you are breastfeeding and can add several pounds to your weight. You may notice that your clothes are fitting better but the scale still hasn’t budged. Remember that your weight is just a number. Nourishing your child and eating healthy is the most important thing to focus on during this time.
Tags: weight loss