Breastfeeding and Weight Loss

Generally, the first thought that comes to the mind of most women after delivery is how to get back in shape. Most expectant mothers tend to gain 35 pounds during pregnancy, and then lose 12 - 14 pounds after childbirth. But after delivery what bothers them the most is those extra 20 pounds which they want to shed as early as possible. But in this quest of losing weight after pregnancy, many women start following some unhealthy diet plans and vigorous exercise programs which are generally not at all healthy for the body and can lead to some unexpected complications. However, one factor that can contribute in a slow but healthy way of losing weight after pregnancy is breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Weight Loss after Pregnancy

Whether a woman has a natural or a cesarean birth, it is important for her to start her new life in a healthy way. And to your surprise breastfeeding is a natural way to lose weight or get back into shape, that too without hitting any gym or following any particular diet plan. Basically, when a woman is pregnant her body naturally layers on the extra fatty tissues which after delivery support breastfeeding. Apart from the baby's weight, most of the weight gained by the mother is in the form of tissues like placenta, blood which is meant to nourish the baby, and can be lost through breastfeeding after childbirth. Research shows that nursing needs an additional 500 nutrient-dense calories per day, and mothers who breastfeed their babies have substantially larger reductions in their hip areas, and are to a much lesser extent above their pre-pregnancy weights at one month postnatal. Moreover,

Diet
Basically, producing milk and feeding the baby burns a good amount of calories. Since the quality of a lactating mother's diet directly affects the quality of her breast milk, it is important for any mother to eat a healthy diet, comprising good amount of calories, at least 1800 calories a day to maintain the quality of the milk. Having a diet containing three balanced meals and two small snacks with lots of fluids, is recommended for all lactating mothers.

Cereals, low fat dairy products, lean meats like fish and chicken, vegetables and fruits are main foods to eat during pregnancy. However, for better assistance, one can discuss her eating habits and choice of foods with her doctor. Folic acid, iron and other health supplements can also be taken but only under a doctor's supervision. Hence, after childbirth, if the mother follows a varied and well-balanced diet, breastfeeding can help her lose pregnancy weight, without compromising on her as well as her baby's health.

Pills
Nowadays, there are many over-the-counter weight loss pills or supplements available that claim to make a person lose weight fast. But the question is if supplements are healthy. Well, to be honest it is not. Having weight loss pills while breastfeeding the baby is not at all recommended and can affect the baby's health in the long run.

For example, phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient in Dexatrim and Acutrim) is a commonly used appetite suppressant, that has been taken off the market due to its increased risk of causing stroke. Likewise, many other weight loss supplements containing ephedrine, a substance that increases metabolic rate and causes weight loss, have been associated with severe increase in blood pressure, palpitations, heart arrhythmias, and seizures. Hence, it is not recommended for a lactating mother to have these weight loss pills, as they are not safe for the baby.

Exercising
Whether one has a cesarean or natural birth, getting up and going for small gentle walks in the first week is a good idea. After six weeks check up, one can see how the body is doing and whether it is ready for some formal exercises or not. For this, one can consult a gynecologist, health visitor or gym instructor to be sure that exercising won't develop unnecessary complications like postpartum bleeding or other health problems.

To sum up, we can say that breastfeeding and weight loss to some extent do go hand in hand. One does not need to be obsessed about her diet and follow a vigorous exercise routine, just a healthy diet, a little exercise and breastfeeding the baby are the most simple and effective ways to lose weight after pregnancy.