One Thing To Know About Breastfeeding and Dieting

 

 

 

After giving birth, we are often left with a variety of conflicting emotions.  We are deliriously happy, but want to cry all the time.  We are filled with life, but are totally exhausted.  We want to enjoy our time with our baby and relax, but we also want to get back into our pre-baby body. 

Of course, when it comes to getting back into shape after baby, there are more concerns to take into consideration if you’re a nursing mother.  One of the major components to sustaining a solid milk supply for your baby is maintaining an adequate caloric intake.  When dieting or exercising, you are intentionally reducing your calorie intake.

In order to limit the effect that diet or exercise could have on your supply, refrain from weight loss efforts until your child is at least three months.  After three months, your child has received a goodly amount of nutrition and your body has become accustomed to producing an adequate supply of milk.  

It is more critical than ever to eat and maintain a healthy diet.  Do not fall victim to fad diets or heavily restricted eating.  Eat a balanced and healthy diet full of protein, calcium, Vitamin D, leafy green vegetables, and supplement with a multivitamin. 

Getting back into shape is achievable, and can be done without causing any harm or stress to yourself or your baby.  Before starting any exercise or diet program, speak to your doctor.