Can Brest feeding make you lose weight?

Question

I want to berst feed when i have my baby but i also want to lose weight fast ,usually I only brest feed my kids for 2 weeks then try to eat good and go to gym but that does not seem to work that good for the past few years +can i brest feed and go to the gym.This is somthing that i will talk to my G.Y.N about but i want to know from other moms

Answer 1

While you're pregnant, your body automatically layers on extra fatty tissue so you'll have enough fat stores to begin and support breastfeeding. After you have your baby, however, if what you eat is varied and well balanced, breastfeeding can help you lose your pregnancy weight without compromising either your health or your baby's by dieting. And you naturally burn calories to make breast milk every time you nurse.

Postpartum women who diet, exercise vigorously, or skip meals may quickly drop pounds, but they may also release higher levels of toxins into their breast milk. Still, breast milk remains the healthiest food for your baby, so don't let this deter you from breastfeeding. Work toward a gradual weight loss, eat when you're hungry, and make sure you get enough fluids. It's the best way of losing weight easily and safely

Answer 2

Yes you can lose weight while breastfeeding as well as go to the gym. Producing milk uses calories (approx 300-500/day). You would still want to be certain to eat healthily and be sure to get enough liquids.

However, women's bodies are designed such that even when mom's intake is not of the best nutritional value, baby will not suffer, mom will. So-for example-if you don't get "enough" calcium in your diet, your body will take the little you do get and be sure to route it to baby (via your milk) first. Then if there's any calcium left over, your body will keep it for yourself. That's kind of an elementary example, but I hope it makes some sense!

Good luck.

Just a side note: NO formula is "just as good." There is nothing that is "just as good" as breastmilk. Formula serves a purpose and works fine, but it is NOT "just as good."

Answer 3

It can, but you can also gain weight because some women eat more when breast feeding. I had a baby one week ago and I am formula feeding and I have already lost 12 pounds in one week. I think either way, the weight comes off easily. I am eating small meals and no carbs after 4:00 pm. I still have 20 pounds to go but at this rate it will be a breeze

Answer 4

I nursed my daughter for the first month and it does really help burn calories. I had trouble gaining weight during my pregnancy and my weight when I was released from the hospital after my daughter's birth was lower than my pre-pregnancy weight but I also lost an additional 10 lbs in the next 6 months after giving birth but I attribute it mostly to exercise and eating healthy, not just breastfeeding.

Answer 5

I started 120 pounds prepreggo. I gained 65 pounds (had a 10.3 pound baby girl). I nurse her exclusively and pump at work. I weigh 135 now (3 and a half months later) and I eat regular foods, mostly healthy but I eat cake and Mc'D's too- most stuff in moderation and honestly, I rarely exercise right now because I am just too tired.. I KNOW that most of my weight loss was due to nursing so I am going to keep it up until I am closer to my pre-preggo weight. Its better for you and the babies if you can keep it up...and it can be hard at times!
Good luck!

Answer 6

Breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day, however your nutritional needs also increase so you may require more food to get enough vitamins.

You can diet while breastfeeding BUT you can not start before the baby is 2 months old, and you can not eat less than 1500-1800 calories. Weight Watchers has a special program for breastfeeding mothers.
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-weightloss.html

You can exercise while breastfeeding though you must be very sure to remain hydrated for your own health, and your milk supply.
http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-exercise.html

Breastfeeding also reduces YOUR risk of breast and uterine cancers.

Answer 7

First of all breastfeeding is for the benefit of the baby not you. You should do it as long as possible, preferably for a year. Yes, it will help you lose weight. It speeds the shrinking of your uterus. Also, your body burns calories while producing milk. Yes, you can go to the gym and breastfeed. Any physical activity is okay. You just have to be careful what you injest, ie. caffeine, alcohol, etc.

Answer 8

Then do what I did. Buy a well breast pump, pump your breast milk and provide it for your little one in a bottle. I'm forty two yrs ancient and I've raised four youngsters. Breast milk relatively is the excellent factor in your little one, specifically the thick sticky stuff you'll produce within the first 2 weeks known as colostrum. Mothers milk advantages the little one no longer best bodily however reviews exhibit it's going to even develop their intelligence and intellectual growth. I had to go back to paintings after my youngsters have been born so I pumped my milk and refrigerated it. You will even freeze it for a even as. Why do not you advocate this for your husband, stating that even as your little one will nonetheless have the advantages of the healthiest viable milk, it's going to allow HIM to percentage within the bonding/feeding procedure by means of sharing bottlefeeding tasks. After all, Daddies ought to bond with little one too!

Answer 9

It is a fact that your uterus will shrink three times faster if you breast feed and it helps you curve your appitite. I just stopped breast feeind my daughter and she is 2 months old.
I gained 50 lbs during my pregnancy and in the first six weeks I lost 30 lbs yes you have to eat right and if your body allows you to then I suggest walking daily. Good luck

Answer 10

Yes, breast feeding burns a lot of calories, and can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster. Just don't overeat while you're breastfeeding!