How to Lose Weight Safely While Breastfeeding

Breast feeding your baby uses extra calories and is supposed to help you shed pregnancy weight more quickly than mothers who do not breastfeed. However, there are some women who have problems shedding weight while they breastfeed. Other women may have been overweight when they became pregnant and are ready to begin shedding the excess pounds. In order to lose weight safely while you continue to breastfeed your baby, you need to take certain precaution so that you do not affect your milk supply or the health and well being of the baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Wait until your baby is at least two months old before attempting to lose weight by cutting calories. You will not have fully established your milk supply until the baby is around two months old. Up until then, begin a moderate exercise program where you exercise 30 minutes a day for three to five days a week.
2. Continue to breastfeed your baby on demand. This will keep your milk supply up and also help you lose more weight. Studies have shown that mothers who breastfeed their babies for longer than six months lose more weight.
3. Eat at least 1500 to 1800 calories a day while breastfeeding. You should not eat less than 1500 calories a day. It could reduce your milk supply.
4. Lose no more than 1.5 pounds a week or six pounds a month. This is done after your baby has reached two months old. Any drastic weight loss can reduce your milk supply or jeapordize your baby's health.
5. Join Weight Watchers. They have a special program specifically for breastfeeding mothers to help you shed excess pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your doctor before embarking on a weight loss program while breastfeeding.