I'm breastfeeding, what can I do to loose weight? Do I need to eat more often since i'm breasfeeding?

Answer 1

You need to read the book _Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding_ by Eileen Behan, R.D. It has excellent nutritional information (even if you're neither breastfeeding nor trying to lose weight) and is very specific for your needs. There is no problem in losing weight while breastfeeding if you do it carefully and gradually.

Breastfeeding does burn calories. It takes most women 300-500 *dietary* calories a day to make milk. If you eat about the same as before pregnancy or even a little bit more, you will lose weight. Some people quote higher numbers than 300-500, but that is not the number of calories in your *diet*. When you are breastfeeding, your body works more efficiently, so the remainder of the calories needed come from "savings" on your basal body metabolism, as well as from fat stores laid down in pregnancy to support breastfeeding.

You don't necessarily need to eat more often when breastfeeding. It depends on how you feel. Many experts believe that *everyone* should eat 5 small meals instead of 3 large ones. And you should *not* force liquids. Drink if you are thirsty (water is best) and not if you're not. Drinking more than you need (and, again, *thirst* is your guide) will not help you produce milk, and may decrease your milk production.

But for the most detailed expert information, read the book.

Answer 2

Absolutely. A woman who is breastfeeding typically needs to eat between 600 and 700 more calories a day than a woman who isn't breastfeeding. And don't worry about the weight loss. It comes off pretty easy when you're breastfeeding. If you're worried about it, after the baby reaches two months of age, you can start an exercise program. But for those first two months, you just need to focus on getting proper nutrition to make sure you and your baby are in good health. Besides, if you're breastfeeding, it's unhealthy to lose too much weight too fast. Your body builds up those fat stores during pregnancy to aid with breastfeeding. It'll go away pretty quick. Mine did!

Answer 3

You need to eat three well balanced meal a day and drink plenty of fluids to give the proper nutrition to your child with that said if you want to "lose" weight then you need to exercise more and eat "right".

I eat 1 cup of cereal in the morning and a peice of toast for breakfast

I have a morning snack

I eat 1/2 a sandwich with some chips for lunch

I have an afternoon snack and I eat a sencable dinner meal.

All of this is between the hours of 7am and 7pm...I get nothing but water the rest of the time.

I also drink a lot of water, juice and i have to have at least 2 sodas for the caffeen (coffee sucks)

Then i take my children in the afternoon after their nap and walk and then go to the playground for my exercise. Because you are breastfeeding it is hard to loose weight and give the proper nutrtion and that is what is important.
Good luck.

Answer 4

If your breastfeeding that is the best way to lose the weight. It worked for me. You might need to eat more because you're feeding 2. If you still have weight to lose try exercising, don't scimp on the food. Good luck.

Answer 5

You don't need to eat more...just better. And be careful...you can't eat everything because some types of food will disturb your baby. Ask a doctor and get some advices. This is not the right time to go on a diet. Be patient.

Answer 6

I was dealing with this just 2 weeks ago, but then I lost the hard way. I was actually gaining weight in order to feed my baby, eating alot of calories in order to maintain a healthy milk supply. Then I started having stomache pains and found out that I am needing a surgery, and had to almost stop eating entirely. I can tell you from personal experiance that a decrease in calories makes your milk supply almost go away. I wish that I could eat again, but I just weighed myself and lkost 3 pounds yesterday alone! Trust me, weight should not bother you so much when you are feeding your little baby, you are fortunate to be able to feed and cuddle, that is a gift from God. Enjoy this special time in your life, and you can lose after you wean the little one.

Answer 7

if you are breastfeeding you shouldn't go out of your way to lose weight because when you do you body can give off toxins which could go into your milk,,,,and you shouldn't necessarily eat more just eat well and drink plenty of fluids

Answer 8

Just eat food that concentrates in making more milk. Drink a lot of water. That will help you a lot without gaining weight.

Answer 9

you are not to worry since you are breastfeeding,one looses weight.unless you decide to eat well and drink more

Answer 10

breast feeding will help you to lose the weight. i only ate three times a day when i was breast feeding i'm not sure if you are suppose to have snacks.