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Breast-Feeding Helps Mom's Weight Loss
 "Breast
feeding -
that's my number one secret," for post pregnancy weight
loss said
Nicelle Herrington after losing 25 of the 29 pounds she gained during pregnancy.Heidi
Klum who
lost 30lbs in 6 months after her pregnancy also credits breastfeeding for her
rapid post-natal weight loss. Women Fitness has a team of trainers,
nutritionist, gynecologist to help you shed post-natal fat.
The benefits of breast-feeding for
infants are numerous and well-known, but researchers are finding more and more
that breast-feeding can be a boon to mom's health as well. In fact, a study on
the subject suggests that women who breast-feed have reduced amounts of abdominal
fat, even
decades later. Breast-feeding might lower a woman's risk for type 2 diabetes, breast
cancer, ovarian
cancer and postpartum
depression.
How much weight a mother will loose largely depends on how much she gained
during pregnancy, her diet and active lifestyle. Women who gain more than the
recommended amount have a harder time getting it off. Older mothers retain more
weight than younger moms. Your body stores up fat during your pregnancy to
provide the extra calories needed
for milk production. It is easier to lose lower body
fat (hips,
buns, and thighs) when you are breastfeeding compared to the mom who is formula
feeding.
Remember an ‘average’ mom will carry around about 3 extra pounds of breast
tissue while she’s lactating. Some more, some less, but don’t expect to lose
that weight until after your baby stops nursing.
Studies have shown that most nursing mothers tend to lose up to one
and a half pounds a month for the first 4-6 months after giving birth,
and continue to lose weight at a slower rate beyond that time. Moms who
breastfeed tend to lose more weight than formula feeding moms, even when bottle
feeding moms take in fewer calories than they do.
While nursing, your body needs more nutrients (200-500 calories) than before
your pregnancy. You need to follow Good Health Guidelines while breastfeeding.
- Increase your milk servings from two to three
- Bump up your fruit and vegetable servings from five to eight.
- Increase your servings of lean protein and
healthy oils to three, and
- Have eight glasses of liquids per day.
Women burn 500 calories a day producing breast milk while breastfeeding.
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Healthy Amount of Weight to Gain During Pregnancy
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 If you are underweight with a BMI under
18.5, the normal pregnancy weight gain is 28-40 pounds.
-
If your BMI is normal and between 18.5-24.9, the normal weight gain is 25-35
pounds.
-
For women who are overweight with a BMI of 25-29.9, their weight gain would
be less with 15-25 pounds being healthy.
-
For obese women
with a BMI over 30, their recommended weight gain is 11-15 pounds.
And for those who are morbidly obese with a BMI over 40, the guidelines
state they should only gain six to 11 pounds, if anything at all; if
they don’t gain any weight during pregnancy, there aren’t any ill
effects with the baby.
Try to take in at least 1,800 calories each day, and definitely no less than
1,500 calories. Moderate dieting during
lactation can help you lose 4-5 pounds each month, but don’t expect to lose much
body fat until about 2 weeks postpartum. The weight you lose immediately after
birth is mostly fluid loss. If you want to lose weight faster, slowly increase
your activity
level, and eat nutrient dense and healthy foods. Moderate exercise is good
for both you and your baby. Try to make it fun so that you’ll stick with your
exercise program.
There were larger variations in weight gains and loses for nursing mothers, but
the bottom line is, breastfeeding alone does not guarantee weight loss. With
proper diet and exercise you will stay healthy, and find your weight does begin
to return to your pre-pregnancy level.
Breastfeeding is good for mommy and baby, duo.
Ref:
Dated 12 September 2012
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