Can You Lose Weight While Breastfeeding?

Studies show that we can actually lose weight while breastfeeding due to the production of breast milk.
Can you lose weight while breastfeeding?

Some women easily lose weight while breastfeeding. However, there are additional reasons why you may lose weight so quickly, such as specific habits or genetics.

But there are things you can do to speed up the process. Even if you struggle a little more to lose weight, you can achieve your goals by keeping track of your routines.

In this article, we will show you that it is possible to lose weight while breastfeeding, and how to best do it.

Mother holding child

How can mothers lose weight while breastfeeding?

Losing weight while breastfeeding is possible, but how fast it goes differs from person to person.

Some women use diet pills, but it is not recommended by specialists. They pass chemically to the baby through the uterus.

A good breastfeeding diet is simply the best way for mothers to achieve their weight loss goals.

There is not much to avoid in the way of food, but sometimes there are foods that can cause problems for the baby and the mother. Strict diets are not recommended.

It is also a fact that breastfeeding mothers are hungrier than those who do not. They are especially hungry for food with a lot of calories, which of course can lead to weight gain.

If you do not establish a goal for weight loss within a reasonable time, breastfeeding nutritional needs may work against you.

Exercise is always a very useful way to lose weight. After giving birth, moderate exercise is recommended,  and then it is important to have enough energy. But unfortunately, it is common for breastfeeding to consume a lot of energy.

The winning strategy is to balance exercises with a food intake that provides energy for breastfeeding.

Can you lose weight just by breastfeeding? Experts believe that you burn 600 calories a day by producing breast milk. So if you supplement breastfeeding with exercise and good nutrition, it is entirely possible.

Breastfeeding baby

How to lose weight while breastfeeding

The calories you burn during breastfeeding correspond to several hours of aerobic exercise. This is why an extended breastfeeding period can help with weight loss.

According to experts, this is the main reason why some women say that breastfeeding is what has made them lose weight, but it depends entirely on the individual.

On the other hand, we must also keep in mind that the loss of calories can give rise to weakness, fatigue, mineral deficiency and nutritional deficiency, not to mention that it affects the muscles.

However, there is no doubt that the process itself has some benefits for losing weight.

Some studies indicate that breastfeeding also has a positive effect on the body in the long run; In fact, breastfeeding mothers may be less likely to develop obesity in the next 30 years.

To supplement the natural weight loss from breastfeeding, you can do the following:

  • Exercise for 45 to 60 minutes a day. Activities such as dancing, walking, skipping rope or cycling can help burn between 300 to 500 calories.
  • Increase your fluid intake, as long as it does not contain as much sugar.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables, preferably raw. It’s even better if you can eat the shells.
  • Prioritize lean meats such as turkey and chicken. Options include lean fish such as salmon and tuna.
  • Get low-fat, high-calcium dairy products.
  • Choose whole grains.

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