Breastfeeding is the most natural phenomenon which has long-term health benefits not only for the newborn baby but also for the mother. While breast milk helps the physical and mental growth of the baby, it also provides immunity to the mother. Breastfeeding is helpful for the mother as well as the baby.
New mothers who religiously breastfeed have lower risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, reduces risks of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis later in their lives. Skipping the lactation phase could be very problematic for mothers in the future increasing their risks to many cancers and decrease in bone density.
Another incredible health benefit of breastfeeding is that it can help in losing post-pregnancy weight. In this article, Dr. Reenu Jain, Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Jaypee Hospital explains how breastfeeding helps in weight loss.
Here’s how breastfeeding aids weight loss
When the mother is breastfeeding, the body uses the fat cells that were stored in the body during pregnancy to produce milk. Breastfeeding burns about 500-700 calories per day. So a lactating mother is advised to take 300 to 500 extra calories (or 1800 calories in total) to increase the production of milk.
However, this burning of calories depends on various factors like the kind of calories one is consuming and the physical activity that you might be indulging in. The mother shouldn’t be just relying on breastfeeding to lose weight but should also avoid eating junk food and prefer having a balanced diet comprising of fruits and vegetables along with some light physical activities. And keeping yourself hydrated is equally important.
Breast-feeding mothers should focus on making healthy choices. If you’re trying to lose those extra weights then limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats such as soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, cheese, whole milk and fatty meats. Moderate physical activities can further accelerate the process of weight loss. If, after six or seven months of breastfeeding, you want to lose more weight, you can more carefully restrict your calories as your baby begins to eat more solid foods while continuing to breastfeed your baby.
Tips for women to lose weight after pregnancy
The following tips can help mothers lose their pregnancy weight a little faster:
- Eat a nutritious diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Include protein-rich foods, which may help reduce calorie intake and advance your weight loss journey.
- Focus on foods that are high in fibre and makes you feel fuller for a longer time and promote fat loss.
- Avoid calories from added sugars and saturated fats such as soft drinks, fried foods and junk foods.
- Drink an ample amount of water to stay well-hydrated.
