Gaining weight while breastfeeding can seem like a daunting task. It’s hard to put on weight when you’re not nursing, let alone doing it while providing sustenance for another human being.
So, How to gain weight while breastfeeding?
Eating small portions of food rather than one big meal at a time could be a head start. You can also add more calorie-rich food to your diet which is nutritious at the same time. Increasing 300-500 calories a day is recommended for lactating mothers. Consult a nutritionist if you can for a better layout of meal plans and recommended food choices.
Why Am I Struggling To Lose Weight When Breastfeeding?
Your body changes drastically after you give birth. For example, many women lose weight and shed fluid retention from pregnancy almost immediately. Sometimes, up to 10 pounds of your post-birth weight could be water weight!
Although it is not bad to lose weight soon after your baby is born, some mothers choose to wait until they have recovered from childbirth and are breastfeeding before cutting down on calories. Nursing mothers need to maintain a healthy weight and consume enough nutrient-dense foods.
On average, nursing mothers who breastfeed burn an extra 500 calories a day. Additionally, many of these moms observe their diet more strictly, leading to even more weight loss. Lastly, since new mothers are typically encouraged to have a healthy diet anyways, this furthers the likelihood of losing weight post-pregnancy.
It might be difficult to take care of yourself when you’re recuperating from childbirth and having a new baby at home. Most mothers receive very little sleep during the newborn period because they are hormonal and may be dealing with additional stress or postpartum depression. It’s not uncommon for them to not feel hungry or forget to eat due to these factors. They could also not drink enough water, leaving them exhausted and dehydrated.
If you continue breastfeeding for a year or more, your body’s demands will change. Because your baby will no longer get all of its nutrients from breast milk, you’ll notice that your milk supply naturally decreases as they consume more solid food.
You must stay hydrated, consume nutritious food as often as possible, and take care of your physical and mental health, whether your breastfed baby is two months old or two years old.
Do Nursing Moms Have A More Difficult Time Losing Weight?
Some moms are doubtful. However, breastfeeding can help you lose weight post-pregnancy. You burn fat cells while breastfeeding because those same stored fat cells from pregnancy are used to create breast milk for your baby. In other words, the calories you consume go towards making nourishment for your infant rather than being stored as body fat.
Consuming enough calories is especially crucial while breastfeeding. It’s suggested that moms who breastfeed consume an additional 300-500 caloric intake daily. Even with the extra consumption, many nursing mothers still drop pounds faster than those who aren’t breastfeeding.
How To Gain Weight While Breastfeeding?
Keeping in mind the number of calories you burn while feeding your infant may be challenging to do so in a healthy way.
While nursing your baby, you may inadvertently gain weight in various ways. The simplest method to add pounds is to eat more calories. It’s also better to consume extra nutritious foods, such as vegetables and low-fat proteins, rather than empty calories.
If you are breastfeeding and cannot maintain your weight, you may need to consume extra calories.
Even though breastfeeding moms burn up to 500 calories daily just feeding their children, weight gain is still possible.
It primarily boils down to how many calories you’re taking in, your natural metabolism, and how much breastmilk your baby consumes. You should also be aware that your metabolism might not be the same as it was pre-pregnancy due to raging post-birth hormones.
Foods That Help Gain Weight
Suppose you’re questioning how to gain weight while breastfeeding; consuming additional meals may help.
- Eggs: A great source of protein, eggs can be cooked in various ways and make a quick and easy meal.
- Nuts and nut butter: A handful of nuts or a spoonful of nut butter are great snacks that can help you reach your calorie goals.
- Oats: A bowl of oatmeal is a satisfying and filling breakfast option.
- Whole milk: Whole milk is a good choice for breastfeeding moms looking to gain weight. It is packed with calories and nutrients to help you reach your goals.
How To Maintain Weight While Breastfeeding?
You may want to know how to maintain your weight while breastfeeding if you have already reached a healthy weight. To ensure you don’t gain any unnecessary weight, consume 300-500 additional calories daily.
Remember that an extra 500 calories each day will make you either gain 1 pound or it will slow down your weight loss by 1 pound if you’re trying to lose weight. Just keep in mind that this number might not stay the same!
How Much Weight Do Breasts Gain When Breastfeeding?
A common occurrence for a breastfeeding mother is going up 1-2 bra sizes due to their engorged breasts. Once milk production begins, a lactating woman’s breast can increase in weight by 35%. However, since every woman differs in size and composition, it is difficult to determine how many pounds this amounts to. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that nursing mothers may see an increased number on the scale.
Although the number on the scale might not tell you everything, it is still a good indicator of your progress if you figure out how to gain weight. Be sure to listen to what your body tells you and eat foods that will provide nutrients for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to avoid losing weight while breastfeeding?
Ans: Consuming adequate calories is the best way to avoid losing weight while breastfeeding. Try to eat every two to three hours, and ensure you include foods from all the food groups.
Q2: What are the supplements that help gain weight while breastfeeding?
Ans: Some supplements that help with weight gain are protein powder, Creatine, and Omega-three fatty acids.
Q3: Can I take weight gain pills while breastfeeding?
Ans: You should always consult your doctor before taking any pills or supplements, even if they are natural. Some weight gain pills may contain ingredients that are not safe for breastfeeding mothers or their babies.
Q4: What is prolactin weight gain while breastfeeding?
Ans: Prolactin is a hormone that helps with milk production. It is typically released when a baby suckles at the breast, but it can also be released when you hear your baby cry or think about it.
Conclusion
Gaining weight while breastfeeding is possible by eating more frequently and incorporating foods high in healthy fats. Maintaining your weight while you can do breastfeeding by consuming 300-500 additional calories daily. It is common for breasts to increase in size and weight when a mother begins lactating.
