Breastfeeding helps some women lose weight after the baby is born. The weight won’t just fall off, but you may lose it faster. You should never diet during pregnancy. Your body needs nourishment to nourish your baby. You need 500 additional calories each day for milk production. This is even more than you needed when you were pregnant.
The best way to get back in shape while breastfeeding is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Choose healthy meals and snacks, but be sure to get enough calories and the right nutrients. Exercise to get back into shape.
You need an extra 500 calories a day, but these calories don’t have to come from chips and cookies. Choose healthier snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables. You need calcium, so make sure you are getting enough milk and other dairy products in your diet. Eating a healthy diet will help you shed the pounds faster.
Experts used to recommend little exercise during breastfeeding. The theory was that lactic acid would accumulate in the breast milk. This really only happens with very intense exercise. Unless you are a professional athlete, this won’t be a problem.
The biggest problem for me is finding time to exercise. A busy life and lack of sleep leave little desire to work out. Walking is a good option that can be done with the baby and other children. I put the baby in a sling or stroller and take a walk with my husband and the girls after dinner.
If you want to work out at the gym, have your husband watch the baby. Some gyms have child care available. Call to find out if yours offers this service. Ask about the age limits. Some don’t take very small infants. Work out a schedule with your husband. Some couples alternate days at the gym to accommodate both parents.