Common Concerns about Postpartum Weight Loss
After giving birth, many women hear that losing the baby weight will take about nine months, the same length of time as pregnancy. However, a postpartum mom may feel frustrated, wondering when she will return to her former size. Sometimes, new moms feel pressured to wean their infants earlier than they had planned, to free time and energy for postpartum weight loss.
While breastfeeding does leave little time for diet and exercise in the early weeks, new moms need reassurance that the very act of breastfeeding burns calories. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' June 4, 2010 article " Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom ", breastfeeding women burn an extra 300-500 calories per day to produce milk for their infants. Due to this increased caloric expenditure, breastfeeding moms lose an average of 1 to 2 pounds per month, a faster weight loss rate than that of moms who do not breastfeed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's March 12, 2009 article entitled "Weight Loss during Breastfeeding", the average woman who breastfeeds exclusively for more than 3 months loses more total weight than other moms.
Healthy Diet and Exercise while Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms need to take in enough calories per day, in the form of nutritious foods, to maintain an adequate milk supply, so drastic calorie reduction is not recommended. Lactating women should not lose weight too rapidly: one-half pound per week is a safe weight loss goal for most new moms. The USDA article recommends cutting back on the extras, such as sweets, fats, and soft drinks, as a safer alternative to dieting, that allows a breastfeeding mom to lose the baby weight gradually. Eating meals slowly, and paying close attention to sensations of hunger and fullness, can help a new mom to avoid extra helpings without dieting.
Increasing the activity level is another way to lose weight without dieting. Most obstetricians and midwives recommend waiting until after the six week checkup to begin any vigorous exercise regimen, as exercising too early or too much can increase postpartum bleeding and hinder recovery. Gentle stretches, short walks, and light household activity are usually safe within a few days of delivery. Consult a health care provider prior to beginning any exercise program or diet after having a baby, to ensure that any changes are undertaken in a safe manner.
Early Weaning does not Increase Weight Loss after Pregnancy
The Centers for Disease Control's April 19, 2010 article, "Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions", states that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding until a baby is 12 months and beyond, and the World Health Organization recommends a full two years for even greater benefit to both mother and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics article states that continued breastfeeding reduces the rates of breast and ovarian cancer later in life for moms. Babies enjoy a decreased risk of allergies, ear infections, and obesity. Women who breastfeed their babies beyond early infancy often find that they lose weight more quickly once the baby becomes mobile.
Breastfeeding moms need to know that it is possible to return to pre-pregnancy weight without jeopardizing the breastfeeding relationship. Decreasing food intake slightly and increasing activity levels may be necessary, but strict dieting is usually not necessary.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Kay Majors - Kay graduated college with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She has experience in the areas of women's health, newborn care, and ...
Join the Conversation