Dieting While Breastfeeding
By Mary Bibb, BA, IBCLC
Breastfeeding helps mothers to lose the weight gained during pregnancy. If the baby takes only breastmilk for the first 6 months of life, mom loses more weight than if solids or formula are given.
Studies show that overweight moms can safely lose up to 2 pounds a week without making less milk. Most diets are safe during lactation, as long as mothers include foods rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and folate. Very low calorie diets (under 1500 -1800 calories a day), liquid diets and weight loss medications are not recommended. Fasts lasting less than 1 day have not been shown to decrease milk quantity.
Studies show that dieting is more successful when combined with exercise. Mothers who only dieted (eating 500 less calories a day) lost muscle as well as fat. Mothers who also exercised lost only fat. The exercising moms were healthier, and exercise did not hurt the baby or the milk supply. For more information about exercising while breastfeeding, see FAQ exercise.
Reviewed by: Barbara Wilson-Clay, Bsed, IBCLC
References:
Cary GB, Quinn TJ. Exercise and lactation: are they compatible? Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Feb;26(1):55-75.
Dewey KG, Cohen RJ, Brown KH, Rivera LL. Effects of exclusive breastfeeding for four versus six months on maternal nutritional status and infant motor development: results of two randomized trials in Honduras. J Nutr. 2001 Feb;131(2):262-7.
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Lovelady CA, Garner KE, Moreno KL, Williams JP. The effect of weight loss in overweight, lactating women on the growth of their infants. N Engl J Med. 2000 Feb 17;342(7):449-53.
McCrory MA. Does dieting during lactation put infant growth at risk?
Nutr Rev. 2001 Jan;59(1 Pt 1):18-21.
McCrory MA, Nommsen-Rivers LA, Molé PA, Lönnerdal B, Dewey KG. Randomized trial of the short-term effects of dieting compared with dieting plus aerobic exercise on lactation performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 May;69(5):959-67.
Subcommittee on Nutrition During Lactation, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. Nutrition During Lactation. Washington, DC: National Academy Press 1991, p. 140.
