After giving birth to a child, many women become interested in regaining the figure they had prior to getting pregnant. Losing the excess weight requires going on a diet while breastfeeding. However, some question which breastfeeding diets are healthy for the mother and the baby. Here are 10 tips you need to know about losing weight while breastfeeding.
Tip #1: Wait 60 Days
Your body needs time to create a healthy supply of milk for the baby. If you restrict your calorie consumption, this can impact the quality of milk your body produces.
Tip #2: Eat Enough Calories
While breastfeeding, you need to consume between 1,800 and 2,000 calories each day. If you consume less than that, the quality of milk your body produces could suffer.
Tip #3: Limit Your Weight Loss
After the initial 60 days, try to lose no more than 1.5 pounds each week. You can safely lose this amount without risking your milk supply. Take care not to lose more than this while breastfeeding.
Tip #4: Watch Calories Closely
If you become dehydrated or ill, your body may try to conserve resources at the expense of your milk supply. Take great care to consume the 1,800 to 2,000 calories each day as mentioned in tip #2.
Tip #5: Lose the Weight Naturally
You may be tempted to try weight loss medications, liquid diets and other "quick fix" weight loss plans. Resist the temptation. While breastfeeding, it is critical that weight loss happens naturally so you can ensure your milk's quality and your body's health.
Tip #6: Cut the Junk
A great way to lose weight safely while breastfeeding is to eliminate the junk food from your diet. Sodas, cakes, chips and other foods of this type do very little for you or your baby. Cut them out of your diet to drop the pounds naturally.
Tip #7: Drink Lots of Water
Water is critical to breast milk production. While nursing, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and preferably much more. Avoid the temptation to quench your thirst with sodas and other sweetened drinks.
Tip #8: Workout Gradually
You want your figure back. You may be tempted to workout aggressively to get it back. Don't do it. While nursing, your body needs to conserve energy. Start slowly. Begin with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase your routine over time.
Tip #9: Follow a Schedule
Exercising while nursing is difficult to schedule. But, with discipline and planning, it can be done. Plan ahead by laying out your clothes and gear so you can begin working out right after your baby is finished with a breastfeeding.
Tip #10: Clean Up for Baby
Some babies do not like their mommy to be sweaty when they breastfeed. Try to shower right after exercising or have some baby wipes nearby to clean up before breastfeeding your baby.
You can safely lose weight while nursing your child. By following the tips above, you can drop the excess weight without impacting your body's milk supply and ensure that your baby's feeding schedule is not unnecessarily interrupted. Before long, you are sure to have your figure back!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
