Can breastfeeding help me drop the baby weight?
Dear Donovan,
I just had a baby and I’m trying to drop the baby weight. Someone recommended breastfeeding. I’ve read where it does wonders for weight loss, but how do I diet and breastfeed to ensure I am not depriving my baby in my quest to lose weight?
There is a saying, “The breast is best”, and this is definitely true. Breastfeeding provides the perfect beneficial activity for a mother and her child, and should be practised for a number of reasons. It should be noted that breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for the infant, containing all the nutrients that the infant needs and also at the right temperature. In addition, breast milk contains antibodies and it lowers the risk of asthma and allergies. Also, breastfeeding creates a bond between mother and child and has been linked to higher IQ scores in infants. In addition, breastfeeding helps to keep the child at the right weight.
For the mother, breastfeeding is a cost-effective method of providing proper nutrients to the child. In addition, breastfeeding also releases oxytocin which is a hormone that helps the uterus to return to the pre-pregnancy size. It is very important to note that breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it definitely can help you to lose weight. A study looking at the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum weight retention among 25,000 women has shown that women who breastfeed exclusively and regularly are more likely to lose their pregnancy weight six months after giving birth.
It is also important that while breastfeeding you make sure you are eating food from all the food groups. However, in order for your body to use up more of the body fat, you could reduce your carbohydrate intake. Also, your diet should contain a fair amount of fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, whole grain, soups, salads and shakes. Getting back to the right weight after pregnancy should also be thought about before getting pregnant.
If it is possible, those people who are overweight should try to lose some weight before getting pregnant. It is also important to monitor weight gain during pregnancy, because gaining too much weight during pregnancy can definitely affect the pregnancy. Overall, eat healthy, do your prescribed activities, and breastfeed frequently and exclusively for six months and you should lose the weight. Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight, or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
