Safe to actively lose weight while breastfeeding?

Wee Chi - posted on 06/19/2010

I don't think it is a good thing to actively loose weight while breastfeeding. When we breastfeed, we need much more nutrients. Trust me, by breastfeeding, it is the best method to loose weight. For my 2nd child, I breastfeed until she is 2 and gosh, I weighed the lightest then, When she stop breastfeeding, Istart to put on weight.
Now I am still breastfeeding my 3rd baby, who is 18mths, and has although I have not lost all weight gained, maybe bcos I ligated. but I have indeed slim down. I can fit into most of my clothes already, some even looser.

Jennifer - posted on 06/18/2010

Thank you ladies for all your helpful suggestions! There was definitely some stuff that that I did not know! But I will try them out and see what happens! :)

Karla - posted on 06/17/2010

Look into weight watchers!!! I loved it and they take breastfeeding into consideration when calculating how much you get to eat.

Kara - posted on 06/17/2010

I would give yourself time to loose the extra weight over six months. Your baby really needs your milk right now and that's the most important thing right now. If you eat healthy and get some exercise like walking, swimming etc. I think you will find you will loose some weight naturally. I'm still BF my son, he will be 2 in August and although I'd like to loose that tummy, I have to be content with the body I have. Every woman is different, so don't feel pressured. I lost my pregnancy weight after a couple of months and then about another 30 over the past year (weight gain from stress) so I'm back to the size I was pre-30's (but with a bit of tummy!). I did it by walking (pushing that baby in a pushchair up hills and all around). Kind of like a treadmill but free. You are a 1st time mum so get out there with your baby and enjoy being a mom! My opinion, cancel the gym membership for a spiffy stroller to spin around in the park. Seriously, eat healthy and feed that hungry baby, you'll be dropping a size or 2 in no time. Oh and by the way at around 4-6 months you can start baby on cereals and puree. If you are still BF by then it will give you a chance to loose a bit of weight because you won't have as much of a demand. Hope this helps and congrats!

Angie - posted on 06/17/2010

Every woman is great. Some will hold onto a bit of weight and some can't keep from losing it. In general exercising while breastfeeding is safe but there are two major issues to watch out for.
1. A workout that is too strenous can cause your milk supply to drop, especially if you aren't eating as many calories as you burn. Also it could cause you to become a bit dehydrated which of course will affect your milk supply. If you notice that your supply is dropping you need to take it a bit more easy.
2. Exercise causes a lactic acid release in your muscles which will go through your milk and can give the milk a different taste. Some babies don't care but some will reject the milk since it taste different.

So take it easy. Start out with maybe a mile or two walk a day, maybe some yoga or pilates. If that is ok then maybe start jogging a bit.