Based on nursing all four of my kids, I can tell you that the long term benefits (for them and me) have far outweighed the downside. Nevertheless, breastfeeding and its link to wellness and fitness is controversial. Can you really lose weight quickly by breastfeeding your baby? While weight loss may be accelerated in the first 6 months of breastfeeding, studies show that weight loss can slow down toward the remaining months of breastfeeding. Here’s my recommendation for losing weight while breastfeeding.
1. Start breastfeeding immediately after childbirth. This will aid in your recovery by reducing the size of your uterus and stomach. You should also experience less bleeding after childbirth.
2. Make sure to eat the right amount and types of foods to meet your caloric needs. Remember, it’s the quality of your calories that matter most. Without getting enough calories from the right foods, you can run yourself down and negatively impact your baby. Look out for my next post where I’ll continue this discussion of breastfeeding and weight loss. Here’s a great resource on nutrition and breastfeeding in the meantime.
