How to Diet While Breastfeeding

Your body has been the host for a growing fetus and is now the nutritional source for your breastfeeding baby. It is understandable that you want to feel and look like yourself again. Dieting while nursing is a safe means of losing weight, especially when combined with exercise, as long as you remember that slow and steady is the way to go.

Instructions

1

Wait until nursing has been established for at least 2 months and your milk production is reliable for your little one.

2

Start slowly eliminating highly processed foods from your diet, especially cakes, cookies, muffins and other baked goods. You need to take a multivitamin and eat high-fiber grains, meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables while nursing to maintain your health.

3

Continue decreasing calories and unhealthy foods at a slow and steady rate. Drastically cutting your calorie intake in a short period of time can reduce your milk supply.

4

Eat at least 1,800 calories a day. Your body continues to make well-balanced milk for your breastfeeding baby as long as you are not severely undernourished; however, you will become weak, tired and unable to concentrate if you do not consume enough calories.

5

Nurse your baby on demand since this is best for baby and burns extra calories. Breastfeeding keeps your milk supply producing, and if you begin to get concerned, try pumping at least one bottle a day in addition to the regular feedings your baby demands.

6

Lose a pound to a pound and a half per week and no more. Add calories back into your diet if you are losing weight faster than this. Do not be concerned if during some weeks you do not lose any weight at all; it happens to everyone.

7

Drink plenty of water and noncaffeinated beverages throughout the day.