Answers to Weight Loss While Breastfeeding

You’ve spent nine long months pregnant and you’re tired of feeling overweight and unwieldy. You want to know about Weight Loss While Breastfeeding and don’t know where to turn. Here are some answers to some of the most common questions regarding weight loss during this time.

Do Breastfeeding Mothers Lose Weight More Quickly?

For most women who chose to breastfeed the answer to this questions is yes. Of course, a few other factors need to be taken into consideration. Sticking to a healthy diet is first and foremost for breastfeeding mothers. Your baby needs a set amount of calories each day and your body will prepare those calories for baby so you’ll be losing weight as long as you maintain and appropriate diet. You expend more calories breastfeeding and your body is pumping out more IGF-1 hormone, which burns fat and helps your muscles build.

If I Don’t Breastfeed Can I Still Lose Weight?

Yes of course you can. You’ll just have to work a bit harder than a breastfeeding mother does. You’ll need to watch your diet, and put in some exercise each and every day in order to burn off those extra pounds that you put on while you were pregnant.

Do I Need To Work At Losing Weight?

If you’re breastfeeding you likely won’t even have to think about losing that extra weight. You’ll simply find that baby is taking in plenty of calories and you’re beginning to lose that baby weight. Remember, it took you nine months to gain the weight and you won’t be losing it overnight.

How Fast Does Weight Loss While Breastfeeding Take to Work?

Generally speaking once baby is about three to six months of age you’ll notice that you’ve lost most of the weight. Of course, each baby gains weight differently and you’ll lose weight differently than someone else would. You should at least notice a change in your weight by this time though on average.

What If I Breastfeed Longer?

The longer you breastfeed, the more weight you’ll lose. As long as you aren’t increasing your calorie count this will work until baby is six to eight months of age. After that time babies generally begin to take solid foods and you generally plateau on your weight unless you add in some exercise.

What Calories Will I need?

Most breastfeeding mothers will need 1800 calories per day. If you’re on a diet of less than 1500 calories per day you shouldn’t go lower than that it could affect your health and that of your baby.

Can I Crash Diet To Speed Up My Weight Loss?

This isn’t a good time to start any sort of crash diet. You might be losing valuable calories for baby and you could be missing out on important nutrition for your body’s needs.

Focus on a healthy diet of no more than 1800 calories and no less than 1500 (unless your doctor states otherwise) and drink plenty of fluids. It’s wise to drink a glass of water at each nursing session to prevent dehydration.

Weight loss while breastfeeding is a healthy way to lose that extra baby weight.