Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts a baby can be given because it provides the baby's body with vitamins, minerals and hormones that are not found in formula. Breastfeeding can also be beneficial to new moms because it can help aid in weight loss. Breastfeeding burns calories and helps new moms drop baby weight.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is always the same whether considering a new mom or an athlete. To lose weight, the body must burn more calories than it consumes. There must be a caloric deficit in hopes of having a change on the scale. To lose 1 lb., the body must burn 3,500 calories.
Calories Burned
Breastfeeding burns calories because it places a great demand on the body. It takes a bit of energy for milk production to occur in the mother's body. Producing milk leads to a caloric burn, causing weight loss for new moms. According to the Fisher Price website, a woman will burn an extra 500 calories a day from breastfeeding alone.
Time Frame
The calorie burn coming from breastfeeding naturally brings greater weight loss for breastfeeding moms. According to the La Leche League website, on average a breastfeeding mom will lose 1.3 to 1.6 lbs. per month for the first six months from breastfeeding. Watching the diet and exercising will help create an even greater weight loss for breastfeeding mothers.
Healthy Diet
Breastfeeding moms do not need to change their diet. Although there may be increased appetite, it is not necessary to increase calories. Breastfeeding women simply need to focus on eating a healthy diet. This means eating a variety of whole foods, including lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods will fuel the body.
Exercise
Breastfeeding moms can exercise to increase their caloric burn. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is safe to start exercising within days after delivery if there were no complications. Exercise will not only help with weight loss but will also help new moms restore their muscle strength, boost energy level, relieve stress and even prevent postpartum depression. Exercise does not have any effects on breast-milk production.
