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subject: Lose Weight While Breastfeeding [print this page]


Some women are hesitant to breastfeed after giving birth because of the natural fear to lose their physique. Its an urban myth, but its something that many new moms have heard and would initially believe.

Now, its common knowledge that such a misconception has no scientific basis. On the contrary, many studies have already shown that breastfeeding a new born baby could help you, a new mom, burn 500 calories to 600 calories a day (that is equivalent to about two hours of non-stop aerobic exercise daily). Therefore its safe to assume that breastfeeding could be considered a natural and practical way to easily shed off excessive weight after giving birth.

In the same way, its possible that you could add weight after youve stopped breastfeeding especially if you ignore other ways to lose weight. So for a few months after you stop breastfeeding you should make sure that other techniques are strictly adhered to.

What Studies Show

Breastfeeding can help you to lose weight within 12 months after the birth of your newborn. In 2008, an epidemiological research involving about 36,000 women in Denmark found that the more moms breastfed, the less weight they retained within six months after giving birth. The study was also backed by several other similar and related endeavors worldwide, which all found the same result. There are many available scientific explanations why breastfeeding is such an effective activity and strategy for post pregnancy weight loss. Moms should consider these facts if they are really serious about losing excessive accumulated weight during pregnancy.

Health benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is also very healthy. Aside from giving sufficient and essential nutrients to the newborn and helping moms lose weight, the activity could very well help lower risks of ovarian cancer, pre-menopausal breast cancer, and possible fractures brought about by osteoporosis. Breastfeeding has also been found to bring about several other advantages to moms who just gave birth. The bodys release of breast milk brings about a soothing effect through stimulation of endorphins production. Endorphins are organic chemicals made in the human body that are responsible for bringing feelings of relaxation and peace and for suppressing irritability and anxiety. Thus, many experts assert that the activity could aid women who are starting to get affected by what is known as postpartum syndrome (post-delivery depression).

Endorphins released through breastfeeding also help mothers build a bond with their newborns. The release of the natural chemicals promotes feelings of well-being, intimacy, and affection that pave the bond between moms and newborns. The connection established would be important especially in the first few weeks after childbirth. Women who breastfeed attest that breastfeeding is effective in making the baby instinctively identify his or her mom even without using vision. Notice how babies, even those that are days old, could be soothed and calmed just by the presence of their moms.

Insights about breastfeeding for weight loss

There are several thoughts to always consider when aiming to lose weight through breastfeeding. First, women should not count on the activity solely to bring about weight loss following child birth. In many cases, women tend to lose weight significantly after lactation or breastfeeding months. Second, women should not depend on breastfeeding as their only weight loss regimen, no matter how effective it could be. This is so they wouldnt get careless about their diet and lifestyle, which when neglected could further increase their weight rather than diminish it. Third, breastfeeding women should also go on a healthy, low-fat diet, which should not fall below 1,800 calories a day.

by: Think & Grow




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