How Does Breastfeeding Help You Lose Weight?

Does breastfeeding help you lose weight? The short answer is yes and no. In other words, breastfeeding may help you lose weight if it is done properly, but it's not something you can do on your own. Here's why:

First of all, breastfeeding is a natural weight loss process for both mother and baby. At the start, a new mother will probably see weight gain. This is due to the body adjusting to the new baby's needs. A breastfeeding mother will also have more time to build up the body's stored nutrients, which can speed up weight loss. Eventually, as the baby gets older, he/she will be able to go off breast milk for awhile.

This weight loss depends on a number of factors, most of which are out of a mother's control. First, most women experience some weight gain right from the beginning. Some gain because they eat more, while others gain because they are less active. Even the amount of calories that a woman consumes is partly determined by the amount of calories she burns up with physical activity. That's why breastfeeding seems to work so well for weight loss: even when a woman is physically active, she can likely lose weight if she reduces her caloric intake.

Secondly, breastfeeding provides many emotional benefits for the mother and infant. Many people believe that breastfeeding is relaxing and helps to relieve stress. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce stress for both mother and child, and some research suggests that it can also help a woman cope with premenstrual symptoms. For these reasons alone, it's easy to see why some people feel breastfeeding is good for the baby, too.

But the benefits don't just stop there. When a mother breastfeeds her child, she is providing the infant with contact with her own natural body heat. This process, known as latched on heat, is believed to suppress appetite and reduce weight in small amounts. Additionally, breast milk contains protein and other nutrients that the baby needs, which may help promote weight loss. Research is also suggesting that breastfeeding may be helpful for several other health conditions as well, including allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Another important benefit of breastfeeding is that the mother gets to enjoy special benefits, such as skin care, immunity boost, and calcium and iron. It's important to note, however, that all babies require different levels of these nutrients. So the mother should ensure that her baby is getting the recommended daily allowance of these nutrients for optimal health. Breastfeeding does not necessarily have to continue after the first feed; many experts recommend that the mother feed her baby until he or she weans itself on solid foods. This is often referred to as the transition period, and you can find great support groups online to help you during this time.

As the baby begins to eat solids, the benefits of breastfeeding will become apparent. Babies who are breastfed have stronger sucking motions and can take in more air than formula-fed babies. Furthermore, the mother can feel the comfort and security of being in the womb, surrounded by her child's warmth. All around, the bonding experience is profound and can help mothers breastfeed longer, produce more milk, and develop a sense of connectedness to her child that will last her entire life.

Of course, breastfeeding also has some downsides. Mothers will find it more difficult to bottle feed and may experience bouts of colic. bottle feeding can also lead to bad eating habits in babies, so it helps to supplement with formula if necessary. Mothers should also be aware that they cannot always get the recommended amount of breast milk each day. Finally, although breastfeeding helps a mother to bond with her baby, the formula still has the advantage when it comes to healthy weight loss.