Should we have to choose between breastfeeding our babies and getting our bodies back postpartum?
I don't think so.
I've been getting the question: how do you lose weight and breastfeed? consistently on social media since my first postpartum fitness journey after baby #1, Eliel. Now, 9 years later as a mom of four on yet another fitness transformation journey as a nursing mom, I'm happy to share my top tips on how I am losing the baby weight, maintaining muscle... while keeping my supply up.
I go into the answer in detail above in the video, but here are some key takeaways I want to leave you with here on the blog:
As a nursing mom, you shouldn't limit your calories (calorie restriction is NOT the answer!) Instead, aim to keep your calories as you normally would, but aim to eat as many whole foods as possible.
Breastfeeding on demand can already burn 500 calories a day, so you don't need to go crazy with workouts until your LO is weaned. Aim to do 5-30 minute workouts a few times a week, depending on your fitness level.
Even as a certified fitness trainer, I don't recommend you rush weaning solely for fitness goals--you have your whole life to get that body back, girl! You can still look and feel great as a nursing mom if your desire is to continue breastfeeding, you just may not get super ripped. I honestly don't mind having a bit of fat on my body! I (and hubby) like my physique when it's toned and healthy and when I avoid extreme workout regimens.
I'm all about sustainable fitness goals now as a mother of four. No counting macros. No crazy diets. Just consistent, moderate workouts and the 80/20 rule in regards to nutrition.
Wanna go into more detail so you can transform your body while keeping your milk supply high? Check out this video.
The tips I go into detail in the video above are:
1. Diet and how it affects your supply (including additional calories needed for nursing moms)
2. How much you should be working out as a nursing mom (and how much you may not want to if you want to keep your supply full).
3. How to use a haakaa/pump/and/or nursing schedule to keep milk supply high
4. Keeping stress AWAY ...and more!
Check out the video, subscribe here, and on YouTube!
And if you are serious about wanting to get your most fit, happy, and healthy (and regain a sense of identity and purpose as a mother) check out my popular Mommy Makeover Challenge:
XO,
Monica