Does Breastfeeding Help You Lose Weight?

If you are asking the question "Does breastfeeding help you lose weight? ", chances are you are a new parent who is either researching your infant's development, or you are a long time breastfeeding mom who is looking for a way to jump start her diet. Both of these women are very passionate about breastfeeding her child, and both have strong opinions. The fact is, breastfeeding does not have to be the battle of the bulge, and you can still put on those sexy clothes and show off your babies without feeling like a fat mom. Here are some reasons why breastfeeding might be a great way to shed a few pounds, even if you aren't ready for a baby just yet.

As I said before, breastfeeding is an excellent way to begin a healthier lifestyle, especially if you plan to become pregnant soon. Not only will breastfeeding help your body become accustomed to formula, but it will also make you stronger as you work toward becoming a mother. There is nothing more important than building up your strength and health, and breastfeeding is a great way to do that.

Another benefit to breastfeeding is the fact that it can help you lose weight. You might be surprised at just how healthy your body can become. Your body will be adjusting to formula because you are feeding it, and that makes your body work harder. This extra work can speed up your metabolism and help you burn off fat. In addition, by giving your body time to adjust to the formula, you are reducing the odds of you developing gestational diabetes and other insulin problems. (Gestational diabetes means your blood sugar level is higher than it should be after giving birth.)

Finally, you should know that breastmilk is naturally sweet, and it provides your baby with much needed nutrition. Many parents struggle with this aspect of breastfeeding. If you add in a little honey or other sweeteners, it can help to sweeten the experience. Not only does this provide your baby with nutrients he or she needs, it also gives you a few extra calories to enjoy as well!

The good news is that weight loss isn't the end-all of things when you are pregnant. There are many healthy ways for you to keep your weight in check without harming your baby. In fact, some experts suggest that losing even one pound is good for the health of the mother and her baby. It helps prevent high blood pressure, which can cause your baby to have some medical issues.

One thing you can do to help yourself lose weight is to get the right amount of sleep. Babies need their sleep, as much as you do. You should try to ensure your baby gets at least eight hours of sleep per night. This will help to promote a healthy metabolism, and it can even make you feel fuller for longer periods of time, so you won't feel hungry as often.

If you want to know if breastfeeding can really help you lose weight, it might be a good idea to ask your doctor about it. Doctors tend to be very aware of new methods of helping women to look and feel better. They can often refer you to a nutritionist or other type of professional to help you design a meal plan that works for you and your baby. Many times doctors even offer classes on things like how to create mealtime routines that help you stay healthy and satisfied at all times. These professionals can even help you purchase pre-packaged meals, which you can prepare yourself. This is a great way for you to keep the weight off and to encourage a healthy lifestyle overall.

So does breastfeeding really help you lose weight? In short, it can if you make it a priority. Remember to always breastfeed, and never choose the bottle. Always take baby in until completely satisfied, and you will be doing your baby a big favor!