How to Lose Weight Safely While Breastfeeding

Breast feeding your baby uses up lots of extra calories and is supposed to help you shed pregnancy weight fast. However, there are some women who have problems shedding excess baby weight - even while breastfeeding. And of course there are also women who may have been overweight when they became pregnant and are ready to get into optimum shape. In order to lose weight safely while breastfeeding your baby, you need to take certain precautions so that you don't decrease your milk supply or endanger your own health and well being.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Wait until your baby is at least two months old before trying to cut calories to lose weight. You will not fully established your milk supply until the baby is around two months old. Until then, begin a moderate exercise program where you exercise at least 30 minutes a day for three to five days a week.

2. Continue to breastfeed your baby on demand. This keeps your milk supply up and helps you burn more calories so that you lose weight while breastfeeding. Studies have shown that mothers who breastfeed their babies for longer than six months end up losing more weight.

3. Eat at least 1500 to 1800 calories a day to lose weight while breastfeeding. You should not eat less than 1500 calories a day. It could drastically reduce your milk supply.

4. Lose no more than 1.5 pounds a week or six pounds a month. This should only be done after your baby has reached two months old. Any drastic weight loss of more than six pounds a month can reduce your milk supply or jeopardize your baby's health.

5. Join Weight Watchers. They have a special program specifically for breastfeeding mothers guaranteed to help you shed those excess pounds .

Tips & Warnings

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

[srobbins]

on 3/11/2009 I wait to exercise right after nursing my baby so I am empty and more comfortable.