As you nurse your new little bundle and try to become comfortable with your new found role as mother, chances are you're in awe of your newest family member, and proud of your breastfeeding accomplishment. Congratulations, job well done. Breastfeeding can be difficult and while many people report that breastfeeding is the ultimate weight loss weapon for new mothers, many new mothers would disagree.
As your newborn snuggles in to nurse, you find yourself eating anything in arms reach as your body works hard to create nourishment for your little one. It may seem as though you are eating more now than you did when you were pregnant, you may feel extremely hungry and thirsty regularly, and even more likely is that you are starting to wonder when all this "baby fat" will start to disappear.
The great news is, no matter how much of a struggle weight loss and food seem right now, dieting while breastfeeding is possible, there are just a few important rules to follow to ensure that both you and your baby are receiving enough nutrition.
While it is understandable for new mothers to be concerned about their appearance, it is important to realise that your body is working harder than ever to provide nutrition for two people. It's taken 9 months for your body to store the weight it requires for the next few months, so don't be in a hurry to lose it quickly. While some women experience rapid weight loss due to breastfeeding, for others this just isn't the case. If you are concerned about your weight, then don't be, there are ways to lose weight while breastfeeding. Be sure to follow these five rules and you'll be on the way to feeling great and keeping yourself, your baby and your milk supply healthy.
The first 2 months are the most difficult for you, your baby and your body. It is during this time that you are learning the art of breastfeeding, your body is establishing milk supply, and your baby is gaining those all important first nutrients. Add to these factors, that you're recovering from birth, and the best start you can give to yourself and your newborn is to eat healthily within the first 2 months and get to know each other.
Keep reading for more important tips about dieting while breastfeeding.