If you ask around long enough, you will most likely hear a lot of advice regarding weight loss after you have a baby. Among the leading suggestions for this is nursing. So many women swear that breastfeeding to lose weight is the number-one answer, but does it really work for its intended purposes? With added caloric requirements and less time to hit the gym, it would make sense for this piece of advice to be false. Still, research is showing how little we know about a recovering mother’s nursing body.
Why Do I Hear So Many Conflicting Stories?
So many women are confused as to whether or not breastfeeding to lose weight is even effective at all, especially considering the 300- to 500-calorie daily increase that naturally comes along with it. On top of that, prolactin (the milk-producing hormone) actually increases your appetite as well, which makes it extremely difficult for some women to shed those unwanted pounds after pregnancy no matter how much they nurse their bundle of joy. At the end of the day, these hurdles have made it very difficult for some to understand the true value of breastfeeding to lose weight.
How Can I Lose Weight by Breastfeeding Then?
Naturally, the healthiest way to lose any amount of weight is to combine several different methods to create the ideal physique. If you breastfeed alone and wish to lose that excess weight in the process, then you may end up rather disappointed (and so could your baby). Instead, you will have to learn the value of doing it all: eating right, exercising, and breastfeeding to lose weight. Choosing foods that are high in nutrient density is extremely important here, and so is getting enough fiber.
So What’s the Final Verdict on Breastfeeding to Lose Weight?
Breastfeeding might ultimately burn off about 400 calories per day, but you are ingesting those extra calories to produce the milk to feed your baby the first place. If you want to see significant weight-loss effectiveness from nursing your baby, then you will have to become active and eat a proper diet along with it. Try not to overdo yourself, and never rely on breastfeeding alone. Do what you can to plan ahead so that you can continue your weight loss endeavors after you quit nursing. Talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant if you have any specific questions regarding breastfeeding to lose weight.
