Although you may want to drop your baby weight as quickly as possible, you'll have to practice caution while breastfeeding. You want to ensure that you lose weight in a way that allows you and your baby to get the proper nutrition. Breastfeeding woman should not use fad diets or fasting methods to lose weight. Speak to your doctor about a safe and effective way to lose weight postpartum.
Step 1
Wait two months after you give birth before you attempt to lose weight. This will give your body enough time to recover from having the baby.
Step 2
Feed your baby. According to the La Leche League, breastfeeding mothers are more likely to lose weight than mothers who are formula feeding. This includes mothers who breastfeed their baby exclusively and those who only do it sometimes.
Step 3
Keep a bottle of water nearby at all times. While attempting to lose weight while breastfeeding, remember to stay hydrated and drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily.
Step 4
Eat only when you are hungry. Instead of snacking to fulfill a craving, allow yourself to feel hungry before you actually eat.
Step 5
Reduce your caloric intake by 100. Eating as little as 100 calories less than you normally do each day can help you lose weight while breastfeeding. This number is based on a woman that normally follows a 1,500 to 1,800 calorie a day diet.
Step 6
Spend at least half an hour a day exercising. It can be difficult for new mothers to find the time to exercise, but you should plan to be physically active at least thirty minutes daily. Many new mothers take brisk walks with their babies in a stroller as a way to exercise.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to allow yourself time to lose the weight. It may take you as long as a year to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.
