Why Cant I Lose Weight While Breastfeeding?

1 Definition Of Breastfeeding

I’m sure you’ve heard the term breastfeeding before, but what does it mean? Breastfeeding is when an infant or young child receives nutrition through their mother’s milk. It can begin as early as birth and continue until the baby is weaned – usually around 12 months.

It has long been known that breastfeeding burns calories for mothers. This makes it invaluable to women trying to lose weight postpartum. In addition, studies have shown that women who breastfeed exclusively after childbirth tend to gain weight and retain less weight than those who don’t. This means that while on a calorie-restricted diet, breastfeeding could be essential to shed some pounds quickly.

Moreover, research indicates that the longer one breastfeeds, the more likely one will keep off excess weight gained during pregnancy. So if your goal is to reach pre-pregnancy size sooner rather than later, then incorporating breastfeeding into your lifestyle may be just what you need! With this knowledge in mind, let’s look at how breastfeeding can help with weight loss efforts…

2 Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Weight Loss

Breastfeeding can be an effective tool for weight loss, provided that other lifestyle changes such as calorie restriction, counting, and a healthy diet are implemented. Breastfeeding may even boost the effectiveness of these strategies in helping to achieve postpartum weight loss goals.

One key benefit of breastfeeding is that it helps increase metabolism, so moms burn more calories each day than they would otherwise. This makes it easier to maintain energy balance or create a calorie deficit necessary for losing excess pounds gained during pregnancy. Breastfeeding also increases oxytocin and prolactin hormones, which help burn fat. Additionally, nursing mothers tend to eat slightly more healthily due to their body’s need for adequate nutrition while breastfeeding; this further assists with long-term weight management efforts.

Lastly, when combined with regular exercise, breastfeeding can become invaluable to any woman’s postpartum weight retention and loss routine. Not only does exercise help build lean muscle mass – something all mothers should strive for after having a baby – and it boosts endorphins (the ‘feel good’ hormone), promotes better sleep habits, and reduces stress levels overall. All these things together make up the perfect formula for successful postpartum weight loss!

The next section will discuss why women might choose to breastfeed and how it can contribute to achieving their desired weight loss outcome.

3 Reasons To Breastfeed And Lose Weight

The thought of losing weight while breastfeeding can be overwhelming, but a simple key to success exists. With just a few changes and tweaks to your lifestyle, you can gain control over your body and achieve the dream of having a healthier and slimmer figure without compromising on nutrition or milk production for your baby. Here are some reasons why it’s worth taking the plunge:

•             Health Benefits: Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for your infant, such as increased immunity against infections and diseases – it also positively affects the mother’s health. It helps with postpartum recovery by aiding in uterus contraction, reducing uterine bleeding, promoting better sleep patterns, and helping reduce stress hormone levels. Plus, research suggests that breastfed women burn more calories than those who don’t!

•             Weight Loss: Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight loss by requiring an additional 500 calories per day from the breastfeeding mom’s diet; these extra calories help produce quality breast milk for her baby. This means that moms who exclusively nurse their babies tend to lose pregnancy-related weight faster than if they were formula feeding. In addition, since nursing mothers often feel full between feedings due to hormone fluctuations during lactation, this might lead them to eat less overall – leading to even further fat-burning results!

•             Milk Production: The main goal of any breastfeeding mother is ensuring her baby receives enough nutrients through her milk supply. For this reason, it is essential to maintain adequate calorie intake while trying to lose weight so that milk production isn’t affected by dietary restrictions or lack thereof. By being mindful of caloric needs (and following tips outlined in subsequent sections), you should still be able to shed some pounds without risking nutritional deficiencies or impacting milk production negatively.

It’s clear then that although breastfeeding presents its challenges when attempting weight loss goals — like making sure you consume enough energy throughout the day — the potential rewards far outweigh any risks associated with embarking on such a journey and armed with knowledge about how our bodies work and understanding of what kind of food choices will best support our nutrition needs and our children, we can confidently take steps towards achieving our desired outcomes safely and sustainably.

4 Tips For Losing Weight While Breastfeeding

Now that we’ve discussed why breastfeeding and weight loss go hand-in-hand let’s look at how you can succeed in this endeavor. The key to losing weight while breastfeeding is ensuring your body has enough calories. This means eating healthy foods and avoiding processed or sugary snacks as much as possible.

Healthy meals should include lean proteins such as fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, legumes, and nuts; complex carbohydrates like whole grains, brown rice, and quinoa; fruits and vegetables with plenty of vitamins and minerals; and low-fat dairy products like yogurt or cottage cheese. Eating regular meals throughout the day will help ensure you get all the necessary nutrients for yourself and your baby. Of course, be sure to drink plenty of water too!

When snacking between meals, stick with healthier options such as fresh fruit or a handful of nuts instead of unhealthy treats like cookies or chips. Keeping some sugar-free gum on hand may also be beneficial when hunger strikes, but there isn’t time for a complete meal. By following these simple tips, you can easily maintain a healthy diet while still providing nourishment for your little one through breast milk.

By taking care of your nutritional needs during this period, you’ll have more energy, making it easier to get active and stay motivated toward reaching your goal weight. Nutrition strategies tailored for nursing mothers can help provide additional support, so take advantage of them if needed!

5 Nutrition Strategies For Nursing Mothers

As a nursing mother, you want to ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs to produce breast milk while maintaining a healthy weight. Some essential nutrition strategies must be incorporated into your diet to do this effectively.

First and foremost, focus on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like fish and poultry, whole grains like quinoa and oats, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Eating these foods will provide essential vitamins and minerals for you and your baby without adding unhealthy calories or fat. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your body hydrated and can help maintain energy levels so that breastfeeding isn’t too tiring.

Finally, try not to skip meals or snacks during the day because this can lead to feeling fatigued when breastfeeding, which may result in less frequent feedings overall. Also, avoid processed snacks with refined sugar since they tend to cause spikes in blood sugar levels, making you feel sluggish later on. Aim instead for snack options that contain complex carbohydrates like apples or yogurt with granola – these will give you sustained energy throughout the day while still providing vital nutrients for your little one.

By following these helpful tips for proper nutrition while breastfeeding, you can keep yourself energized and nourished while giving your baby all the necessary nutrients they need to thrive! Exercising regularly is another great way to stay fit and healthy during this particular time—let’s look at how we can add physical activity into our daily routine while continuing to nurse our babies.

6 Exercising While Breastfeeding

You are exercising while breastfeeding is integral in managing weight loss and overall health. Whether you go for a walk or lift weights, including some physical activity in your daily routine is essential. Not only does exercise help with calorie burning, but it can also be beneficial for stress relief and mental well-being.

When exercising while breastfeeding, finding the right balance between working out and maintaining adequate energy levels is essential. Focus on increasing intensity gradually you will become more comfortable with your body’s new needs. If possible, prioritize workouts when your baby isn’t nursing, such as after feeding or just before bedtime. Also, make sure that your caloric intake matches the number of calories burned through exercise—you don’t want to compromise the quality of breast milk by not eating enough!

Finally, look at how much rest you’re getting each day. Sleep deprivation can take its toll quickly when caring for a newborn, so aim to set aside time specifically for resting when needed. In addition, exercise should never become something that adds stress or exhaustion to your life – instead, use it to improve your physical strength and emotional well-being all at once! With these tips in mind, let’s deal with hunger cues.

7 Dealing With Hunger Cues

When it comes to breastfeeding and weight loss, dealing with hunwellbeingis essential. After giving birth, your body will adjust to the new demands of motherhood, which can cause intense hunger – especially if you’re sleep deprived or short on time. The key is to find healthy snacks high in lean protein and low in sugar and carbohydrates. Lean proteins like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and nuts provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels. Eating these foods regularly will help keep those hunger pangs at bay until your next meal.

It’s also important to listen to your body when it needs more nutrition; don’t wait for hunger pains, as this could lead to overeating later. Having a glass of water instead may be all that’s required before reaching for something else. And remember: try not to let yourself get too hungry since this can make us go for less-than-healthy options out of desperation! Stocking up on nutritious snacks ahead of time will ensure they’re always available when cravings strike.

Finally, take some time each day just for yourself. Relaxing activities such as reading a book or taking a stroll can help distract from any feelings of deprivation by providing an outlet for stress relief while learning how to handle hunger triggers throughout the day. By managing our emotions, we free ourselves up emotionally to better manage other aspects of our lives – including making healthier eating choices during times of need! Hydration plays a vital role in helping maintain a healthy diet plan – let’s look into that now…

8 The Role Of Hydration In Weight Loss

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you drink.” This statement holds when it comes to weight loss and breastfeeding. Hydration is critical for success because, without enough water and other fluids, your body won’t be able to perform at its best.

Many people don’t realize how important proper hydration is for their health. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day ensures that our bodies get all the nutrients they need to function optimally—including those associated with successful breastfeeding and weight loss. In addition, without adequate hydration, our metabolism slows down, making it harder to burn calories or keep up energy levels while breastfeeding. Also, dehydration can lead to fatigue, making us more likely to reach for sugary snacks instead of healthier alternatives like fruits or vegetables.

Staying adequately hydrated not only helps with physical performance during breastfeeding and weight loss but also plays an integral role in mental health; being dehydrated can cause headaches, irritability, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating – none of which make it any easier to lose weight or handle stress! Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can help regulate these symptoms so that we have an easier or hard time losing weight and managing stress during breastfeeding and weight loss.

9 Managing Stress During Breastfeeding And Weight Loss

Navigating the often tumultuous breastfeeding and weight loss journey can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key lies in managing stress while ensuring adequate mental health and sleep quality.

The most crucial factor is to create a lifestyle that allows for plenty of restful sleep during nighttime hours and ample time throughout the day devoted to relaxation activities. This could include yoga or meditation, reading a book, playing an instrument, or engaging in any calming and enjoyable activity. Additionally, incorporating healthy fats into your diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, nuts, and seeds, will help support neurological functioning, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression related to the process.

It’s also essential to build a supportive network of family members, friends, or professionals who are available when times get tough. Having reliable people around us helps us cope better with stressful situations by providing encouragement and reassurance. Seeking out counseling may also be beneficial if needed; talking about our struggles can be incredibly therapeutic and empowering when overwhelmed with emotions surrounding this process.

While there are many challenges along the way, having proper resources at our disposal increases our ability to achieve breastfeeding and weight loss goals. With these tools, anyone embarking on this journey can feel more confident about their ability to manage stress effectively while still reaching their desired outcomes. In addition, moving a solid support network will empower individuals further in their efforts toward success.

10 Building A Support Network

It’s no secret that breastfeeding and weight loss are not easy, but it is possible with the right strategy. A vital part of this strategy is building a support network to help you stay on track. By having people around you who understand your goals and can offer advice when needed, you can make more consistent progress toward your goal.

The first step in creating a supportive environment is identifying which family members or friends will be willing to act as cheerleaders. Those who have gone through similar experiences may provide useful insight into what worked for them and how they were successful. Additionally, ask those closest to you if they would be willing to participate in regular check-ins where you discuss your progress and any challenges that may arise. | Gaining Weight | Milk Production | Store Fat | | :—: | :—: | :—: | | Exercise regularly and eating nutritious meals | Eat foods high in protein & calcium | Avoid processed snacks & fatty meats | | Increase calorie intake slowly over time| Drink plenty of water throughout day | Limit sugar & carbohydrate consumption| | Monitor weight closely each week | Take supplements like fenugreek or blessed thistle | Track body fat percentage often|

This support system should also include information sources such as books or websites about breastfeeding and nutrition so that you can stay up-to-date on new research on these topics. Finally, it’s important to remember that everyone has their journey regarding breastfeeding and losing weight; by surrounding yourself with positive influences, you will find success much more accessible than going alone.

Support systems don’t just provide emotional guidance either – they can be instrumental in helping us deal with social pressures associated with our goals. Having someone we trust by our side strengthens us in times of doubt and encourages us to keep striving forward even when things get tough.

11 Coping With Social Pressure

Maintaining weight while breastfeeding can be challenging, and many new moms experience pressure from society, family members, and even themselves. We all want what’s best for our baby, but it’s important not to forget about ourselves. Here are four tips for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum weight loss: 1. Acknowledge your pregnancy weight gain was natural and healthy 2. Focus on eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods instead of depriving yourself 3. Find support from friends who understand the challenges you face 4. Get creative when finding time to exercise or take care of yourself

No matter how much you try, people will still be commenting about your body or parenting choices—and that’s okay! Remember that no one has walked in your shoes, so their opinions don’t need to affect how you feel about yourself. Keep up with self-care, treat yourself kindly, and remember that motherhood is beautiful at every stage. It may seem like an uphill battle between caring for your little one and taking care of yourself, but with some planning and creativity, it is possible to make time for both! Now let’s talk about why driving time for self-care is essential during this period…

12 Making Time For Self-Care

Making time for self-care is essential to success regarding breastfeeding and weight loss. Taking care of your body can be difficult during such a demanding period, but with the right approach, you can make sure that you are still able to maintain your milk supply while losing weight safely and in a healthy way.

The first step towards ensuring successful breastfeeding and weight loss is developing an eating plan that works for you and your baby. Eating healthy foods throughout the day will help ensure that your milk supply remains high, which makes it easier to lose weight. Also, try to limit processed snacks or sugary drinks as much as possible; these items may provide quick energy boosts, but they won’t nourish you or your baby.

In addition to meal planning, making sure you take regular breaks from childcare duties can also go a long way in helping manage difficulty losing weight postpartum. Even if it’s just five minutes here and there, taking some time out for yourself will allow you to relax and recharge so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the demands on your time. Finally, getting plenty of sleep every night is vital; this will help boost metabolism and give more energy during the day – both essential factors in managing the stress hormone levels associated with breastfeeding and weight loss goals.

As any new mom knows, balancing life with a newborn isn’t easy! But small changes like these can set up best practices for long-term success in achieving breastfeeding and weight loss goals without sacrificing milk supply or health.

13 Best Practices For Long-Term Success

It’s no secret that breastfeeding and weight loss go hand in hand. If you’re looking to lose the baby weight, there are a few key strategies to remember. It pays to put your best foot forward by following these simple tips for long-term success to hit the ground running and come out on top with a pre-pregnancy weight.

First and foremost, keeping track of your caloric intake is essential. Counting calories forces you to be mindful of what goes into your body and will help you get a real sense of how much energy you’re taking in so that you can make adjustments as needed. Of course, this doesn’t mean cutting out all indulgences – having treats now and then is essential too! But overall, tracking provides accountability which helps with gradual weight loss.

Second, staying hydrated may seem like common knowledge, but people often forget about this crucial element for successful weight loss while breastfeeding. Not only does proper hydration aid digestion, but it also helps boost metabolism and flush toxins from the body quicker – both incredibly helpful when trying to shed those extra pounds! Try carrying around a reusable water bottle throughout the day or setting reminders if necessary – whatever works best for you.

Finally, it’s important not to beat yourself up if progress isn’t as quickly as desired; Rome wasn’t built in a day! Take comfort in knowing even small changes add up over time and celebrate every victory, no matter how big or small they may seem because together they lead down the path towards ultimate success. When setbacks occur (and trust us, they do!), remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place and take pride in taking action at all – something so many women don’t dare to do. With perseverance comes reward…when it’s time to seek professional help.

14 When To Seek Professional Help

Now that you have a better sense of the best practices for long-term success in breastfeeding and weight loss knowing when to seek professional help is essential—losing weight. In contrast, breastfeeding requires extra calories and can cause significant weight and excess fat retention. So if your efforts don’t seem to be paying off or you’re having difficulty adhering to your plan, seeking professional guidance may be necessary.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the information about how best to lose weight while nursing. However, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances—they offer up-to-date research and evidence-based recommendations tailored specifically for you. They can also answer any questions you might have regarding nutrients, meal planning, and food safety during the breastfeeding period. Additionally, they understand the challenges associated with postpartum life and can provide support as needed.

Mothers who wish to breastfeed or have recently weaned must recognize their journey will not always look like it did before pregnancy. It’s time to focus on building a healthy relationship with food by understanding and respecting our needs.

15 Building A Healthy Relationship With Food

Achieving successful weight loss through breastfeeding is about creating a healthy relationship between you and food. It’s not just about counting calories and restricting yourself; it’s also about being mindful of what, why, when, and how much food you eat healthy what you are eating. This allows your body to regulate itself while still burning calories naturally.

Start by understanding how many calories you should consume daily to lose weight or maintain your current body composition. You can calculate this number using an online calculator or consult with your physician for more accurate numbers based on individual needs. Once you know the daily caloric goal that works best for you, focus on ensuring that every meal contains nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This ensures that your body gets the nutrition it needs without overeating yet still provides enough fuel for the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.

Finally, make sure to practice self-care outside of mealtimes too! Exercise regularly, if possible, and take time out to relax so that stress levels remain manageable, which is crucial in effective weight management. In addition, taking care of yourself emotionally as well as physically will support achieving success with breastfeeding and long-term health goals.

16 Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Weight Can Be Lost While Breastfeeding?

I know many new moms want to get back in shape, and I’m sure you’re no exception! But, you may ask yourself, how much weight can I lose while breastfeeding? It’s a great question and one that deserves an answer.

First, it’s essential to recognize that every person is different. We all have unique body types, and the weight we can expect to lose by stopping breastfeeding will depend on our circumstances. That said, some general guidelines exist for losing weight safely while breastfeeding. Generally speaking, experts recommend aiming for a loss of 1-2 pounds per week. This slow but steady approach ensures that your body has time to adjust to the changes without interfering with milk production or nutrition for your baby.

The key to achieving this goal lies in creating healthy habits around diet and exercise. Eating nutritious meals packed with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and veggies is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day and preventing cravings from taking over. Additionally, making time for physical activity – even if it’s just a brisk walk around the neighborhood – helps keep your metabolism up so you burn more calories than usual. Finally, when possible, prioritize sleep; getting enough rest allows your body to properly recover between workouts and replenish its nutrient stores so you feel energized again soon after waking up.

Following these simple strategies consistently over time, you should see results in lost weight and improved moods thanks to increased endorphin production during exercise sessions! So what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips into your lifestyle today – they could make all the difference in reaching your goals!

How Often Should I Exercise While Breastfeeding?

You are exercising while breastfeeding is a great way to maximize your weight loss goals. But how often should you be doing it? The answer depends on your body and lifestyle—but some general guidelines can help you find the right balance between exercise, nutrition, and motherhood.

First, start slowly if you’re new to exercising while breastfeeding or haven’t been active in a while. Then, begin with low-impact activities like walking or yoga. This will allow your body time to adjust and give you energy for other daily tasks. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you get enough rest throughout the day, so don’t overdo it! As always, check with your doctor before starting any fitness routine when pregnant or postpartum.

Regarding frequency, aim for about two to three days per week for moderate-intensity exercise and one day per week for higher-intensity activities such as running or lifting weights. Remember that during this period of recovery from childbirth and establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby, you may need more rest than usual due to sleep deprivation and the demands of caring for an infant. That’s why it’s important not to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable at any given time—listen carefully to what your body needs and make adjustments accordingly.

It’s also essential to plan whenever possible by scheduling regular workouts into your calendar just like any other appointment; this helps hold yourself accountable and ensures that even on busy days, there’s still time set aside dedicated explicitly to achieving better health outcomes through physical activity. With these simple tips, you can easily incorporate an exercise routine into your life without compromising caretaking duties or sacrificing precious moments spent bonding with your child.

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

As a breastfeeding mother, you may be wondering what foods to avoid while still maintaining your health and your baby’s health. While there is no definitive answer on this topic, understanding some general guidelines can help ensure that you and your little one get all the nutrition needed during this particular time.

The key takeaway is that payinessentialon to any food sensitivities or allergies present in your, or your baby is essential. Some common culprits include dairy, eggs, nuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, and citrus fruits; however, individual reactions can vary widely from person to person. If you’re unsure about something you’ve eaten and notice any changes in your baby after consumption (such as fussiness or spitting up more than usual), consider eliminating it for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.

In addition to watching out for potential allergens or sensitivities, limiting sugary drinks like soda and juice is also advisable due to their empty calories. Caffeinated beverages should also be avoided since caffeine can pass through breast milk and potentially disrupt sleep cycles. Instead of these unhealthy options, try water or herbal tea to keep you hydrated without sacrificing taste!

It’s natural to have questions when beginning the journey into motherhood – especially when it comes to ensuring that everything is running smoothly regarding diet. However, following these simple tips and paying close attention to how your body reacts after eating certain foods, you’ll soon find that eating healthy while breastfeeding becomes second nature!

Does Breastfeeding Increase My Metabolism?

Have you ever wondered if breastfeeding could be the key to success in weight loss? Well, one of the most important questions you should ask yourself is: does breastfeeding increase my metabolism?

The answer is yes! Breastfeeding can help boost your metabolism and burn a few hundred calories more. When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin which helps stimulate a higher metabolic rate. This means that by breastfeeding, your body will naturally burn more calories than it would otherwise. Nursing for extended periods can also lead to increased fat-burning during lactation.

However, it’s important to remember that while breastfeeding can help with weight loss, it’s not a magic bullet or an excuse to skip out on exercise or eating healthy meals. You still need to ensure that you are getting enough nutrition from whole foods and staying active to see results. Additionally, avoiding unhealthy snacks like chips and sugary drinks can go a long way towards helping maintain your weight goals as well. So while breastfeeding may boost your metabolism, there’s no substitute for leading a healthy lifestyle overall.

How Long Should I Breastfeed To Achieve Weight Loss?

Are you looking for an effective way to lose baby weight fast? Breastfeeding is a great option – it can be beneficial not only for your baby but also for you! But how long should you breastfeed to achieve the best results? That’s what we’re going to tackle here.

First, let’s look at why breastfeeding can help with weight loss: when you breastfeed, your body burns more calories than usual as it produces milk; this means that nursing can boost your metabolism and help you reach your desired weight. In addition, breastfeeding has other benefits, such as improved mood and better sleep patterns. It’s important to note that t. At the same time, some women may experience immediate weight loss from breastfeeding, while others won’t see any changes until they’ve been nursing consistently for several weeks or months.

So how do you ensure you get the most out of this simple strategy? Start by making sure that you nurse regularly and on schedule. This helps ensure that your baby gets enough nutrition and keeps up their growth rate – both of which will contribute positively towards achieving a healthy weight. Additionally, try to incorporate exercise into your routine if possible – even walking can help shed those extra pounds. Finally, maintain a balanced diet of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and beans. Eating nutritious meals throughout the day will give your body the fuel it needs while helping keep hunger pangs at bay so you don’t end up overeating.

By committing yourself to consistent breastfeeding sessions combined with physical activity and proper nutrition habits, success is almost guaranteed! You’ll soon feel energized and healthier overall – thanks to this simple strategy called breastfeeding!

17 Conclusion

I’ve learned so much about breastfeeding and weight loss through my research. We now know that it is possible to have women to lose a significant amount of weight while breastfeeding when done correctly. Getting enough exercise while breastfeeding, avoiding certain foods, and breastfeeding for an extended period to achieve optimal results are essential.

It’s also been shown that breastfeeding can increase your metabolism by up to 20%. That means you’ll be burning more calories even after you’re finished with feeding! What a fantastic benefit that comes from the process of breastfeeding itself.

Finally, I’d like to leave you with one exciting statistic: women who exclusively breastfed their infants for at least six months ended up without extra weight or lost twice as much weight as those who did not breastfeed or only partially breastfed. So if you want the best chance at successful weight loss during this time, commit fully to breastfeeding your child!