Losing Baby Weight While Breastfeeding

Losing baby weight is possible while breastfeeding. Keep in mind, however, that the body instinctively carries an extra 5-10 pounds of extra weight. This is an insurance policy of sorts for your body to make good rich breastmilk and to make sure you stay healthy. Too thin can make for a sickly mommy.

Is losing weight while breastfeeding possible?If so, how?

#1 Moderation is key. Moderate diet changes and moderate exercise. Dramatic changes can make you and baby ill. Too much exercise canmake your milk taste bad due to extra lactic acid your body is circulating. (the chemical that makes your muscles sore after a workout.)Acceptable forms of exercise would be walking, jogging, swimming or yoga.
Here is a great exercise plan for new moms:

Everything you ingest can make it to your milk. Many herbs can be potentially harmful to baby or can adversely effect your milksupply. This is exactly why most supplements have a disclaimer on them to consult a physician if nursing or pregnant.

***It is the opinion of this author that most diet pills/supplements containing are not safe while breastfeeding. All supplementsshould be reviewed with a lactation consultant or physician who can reference Dr.Hale's Medications and Mother's Milk book to assess its risk level.

#3 Consider a diet plan such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. I have absolutely no invested interest in either of the mentioned programs. It is known that both have safe nutritional plans for lactating women and worth mentioning.

Planning to lose 10-15 pounds while breastfeeding is an acceptable amount but anything more than 15 pounds should wait until AFTER you wean. Why? Breastmilk production is a delicate hormone based system. Extreme weight change can negatively effect your milk supply.

In summary, Good old fashioned diet (portion control), exercise (in moderation) and patience are the safest way for weight loss while breasteeding.

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