Several of you who are doing the Body After Baby Challenge have asked me about this- cutting calories and trying to lose weight while nursing- so I wanted to address it.
Here is my take on the matter. It’s completely fine to cut calories while breastfeeding in effort to lose weight as long as you are being realistic and healthy with what you’re eating. If your supply is low, then you might need to eat more. However, if you are cutting calories, eating healthy and able to lose weight while still breastfeeding, then you’re doing just fine!
I have cut calories (last baby) to lose weight and was still able to breastfeed just fine. Nothing changed… except I lost some weight. 🙂 I think the only time that “going on a diet” while breastfeeding can be bad is if you are truly not eating enough. Remember, your body is amazing at making enough milk for your baby with all the right nutrients.
Side note: I know there are some people who actually lose weight because of breastfeeding. If that’s you, consider yourself lucky. I never considered breastfeeding a weight loss method at all! I wish! 🙂
That’s my take- any other thoughts?
I did weight watchers after my last two kids. The modify the plan for breastfeeders. It worked great for me 🙂
I followed weight watchers as well while I was nursing and it worked great! I waited until my baby was between 6-8 weeks old when my supply was good and I got the okay from my midwife. I agree – those that lose weight w/ just breastfeeding are so lucky!!!!!
I lost some weight while breastfeeding. But, once I stopped breastfeeding (at 6 months, which was sooner than I'd hoped–long story), that's when the weight just started falling off. I was having to eat around the clock (literally) while I was nursing just to keep my supply marginal.
So, I never considered breastfeeding a weight loss method either! =)
Chasing around a VERY active little boy, on the other hand, was all the “exercise” I've been able to engage in, and I lost over seventy pounds in the first year or so of his life. Yeah, I gained over seventy pounds. =(
This is a great book about breastfeeding and weight loss. http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2008/08/book-review-eat.html
I totally agree that “dieting” when done right won't affect breastfeeding. My only hesitation right now is I am only close to 5 weeks in. I am giving myself at least two more weeks to start really pushing the “dieting” just because I want to establish my milk supply before I start. I am thinking about it more though. Choosing water more, eating more fruits and veggies and stepping away from all the sweets! And its working! I've already lost 10lbs since baby came home about 3 weeks ago.