While nursing, your body needs more nutrients than before your pregnancy. 5. Then, after she gave birth to daughters in November 2000, she was eager to get back on the Plan. Ideally, a pregnant woman should follow the Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations,1 as excessive weight gain during pregnancy often means more weight to lose after giving birth. Losing the baby weight is important because not doing so increases the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese later in life. Additionally, most physicians recommend taking a prenatal vitamin while nursing and the American Medical Association recommends taking a multivitamin when following a weight-loss program. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) a weight loss of one pound per week while breastfeeding is safe, 3 and does not negatively affect infant growth. 4 Furthermore, breastfeeding can help accelerate postpartum weight loss. 1 For those who are breastfeeding, there are specific weight-loss guidelines to ensure good health and adequate milk production. Chris had been a Weight Watchers meetings member when she got pregnant with twins. After the baby is born, however, comes the challenge of losing weight. Weight Watchers has designed guidelines for its meetings members and online subscribers for adapting the Plan to the special nutritional requirements of nursing moms.
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After six weeks, her doctor gave her the go-ahead, and she went straight to her meeting room to try to get back on track. 6 Protein needs are also increased from 46 to 71 grams (the equivalent to 3 servings of protein-rich foods) a day when breastfeeding to help preserve the lean body mass needed to help maintain a good milk supply. Learn how to lose weight the healthy way. Many new moms are eager to shed excess pounds soon after their babies are born, but there are important weight-loss guidelines these mothers should follow. It is generally recommended that breastfeeding women wait for six to eight weeks before attempting active weight loss, as the body needs time to recover from childbirth and establish a good milk supply. Increase your milk servings from two to three and bump up your fruit and vegetable servings from five to eight. It is especially important when breastfeeding to make wise food choices and eat a wide variety of healthy foods to ensure adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in breast milk. All breastfeeding women need an extra 500 calories per day to make enough breast milk in order to provide an adequate milk supply. You also need to adjust some of your Good Health Guidelines while breastfeeding. You may need advice from your doctor if you have special dietary needs. Before beginning a weight-loss program, it is important to get physician approval. 2.
