Mothers who breastfeed will be happy to know that breastfeeding actually helps you shed pounds. In fact, pregnancy fat is nature's way of preparing the body for lactation. With breastfeeding, the fat is burned to produce breast milk. This helps you regain your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly.
If you want to start a diet program, it is best to wait at least two months to make sure that milk production is firmly established. Your body has to produce enough milk that the baby needs during the first 8 weeks. In addition, waiting two months will give your body sufficient time to recover from the stress of having a baby.
Doctors recommend that you take in 200-500 calories more than what you normally need to maintain your weight while you are nursing. Your body uses up body fat while you are nursing. That makes it easier to lose the fat on your hips and thighs. Mothers who breastfeed lose weight faster than mothers who bottle feed their baby.
Avoid quick-fix diets while breastfeeding, such as liquid diets, low carbohydrate diets, or weight-loss medication. They are not good for you or the baby. Breastfeeding mothers need a healthy diet of whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables.
If you want to lose weight while breastfeeding, limit it to one or two pounds per week. Drastic weight loss can affect your milk supply. Besides, it is best to shed extra weight gradually. Remember that you gained weight over a period of nine months. Expect to take 9 to 12 months to lose the excess fat.
Moderate exercise while breastfeeding can also help you lose weight. Exercise will help tone and build your muscles and fight postpartum depression. Most medical experts recommend that a vigorous exercise regimen should not start until six weeks after childbirth, at the very least. This should give your body enough time to heal.
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