Whether or not you are breastfeeding, you can still lose weight postpartum.
CREATING & MAINTAINING YOUR MILK SUPPLY
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FEED OR PUMP OFTEN
The more milk your baby consumes, the more milk your body will make. This is especially important in the first few weeks when you establish your milk supply.
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AMP UP THE WATER FIRST
What I have heard and found myself is that I am tired, hungry, and thirsty during this time. Thirst indicates that dehydration has already begun to set in. I recommend that you have a full water bottle close by at all times especially when you are breastfeeding so you remember to drink water throughout the day. I have heard that the more water you drink, the more breastmilk you can make. Make sure you know your daily water goal. Your goal should be half your body weight in ounces each day. So for example, if you are 100 pounds, you need to drink 50 ounces of water per day!
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MAKE SURE YOU’RE EATING
Nursing requires energy so when you start breastfeeding, you will be nursing more often and you may feel like you need more food. As your baby grows and has a mix of solid food and breastmilk, you may feel like you don’t need to eat as much. While I know many moms are anxious to lose the baby weight fast, it’s important you make sure you are eating a sufficient amount. Be sure to eat from all of the food groups. If you lose weight rapidly, it will affect your milk supply. Ideally, you should listen to your body and while some doctors may recommend consuming a certain number of calories, I personally don’t recommend calorie counting at all. You also want to make sure you are having 2-3 snacks a day. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Include brewers yeast, flaxseed and rolled oats into your diet as well.
4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Try to get 5 hours of consecutive sleep a night. If you have to use formula during that time so you can get some sleep, then do that. Make sure you have carbs but make sure they are good carbs like sweet potatoes, yams, quinoa, beans, rice, potatoes, oatmeal, whole grain bread, etc.
5. KEEP TRACKING
Track your food, water, sleep and milk supply.
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