Is there anything worse than finding out that you’ve put on a lot of weight while pregnant? That anxiety, coupled with the shock of hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time, is enough to make most women lose weight right after giving birth. But for some, it doesn’t work that way. For those women, it’s essential to understand what causes them to gain weight while breast-feeding, so you can work to avoid it.
The truth is, after you’ve had a baby, there are a lot of changes that your body goes through. Some of those changes are permanent, while others you can work to reverse. One of the more significant changes is how your body treats and processes food. When you’re pregnant, your body does all it can to support your baby’s life, and it makes a great effort to maintain a healthy weight. But after your baby is born, that effort shifts to protecting your own health and well-being.
As a result, it’s common for new mothers to put on some weight. Depending on your body type and how much you weighed before pregnancy, the process of losing weight after giving birth can either be easy or hard. If you’re able to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine before and after your baby’s birth, you’ll be able to easily drop the pounds and bask in the glory of being a small person again.
How Does Breastfeeding Cause Weight Gain?
It’s no secret that breastfeeding is a fantastic way to feed your baby and gain some self-esteem as a new mother. But it’s important to understand the mechanics of how breastfeeding can be such a weight-gain catalyst. When you’re pregnant, the hormone prolactin stimulates your breasts to create more milk. As a result, your breasts become bigger and more sensitive. One of the main purposes of your breast milk is to feed your baby.
While you’re still pregnant, your body doesn’t really need to work that hard to maintain a healthy weight. But after your baby is born, your body’s primary concern is your health and well-being, and that means putting on weight in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. After all, you’re responsible for protecting your baby’s health and well-being, and that includes making sure he gets all the nutrients he needs, especially in the early months.
When your baby eats from the breast, he gets some nutrients in the liquid form and some in the solid form. The latter is known as complementary feeding. Complementary feeding isn’t meant to replace your meals, but rather to supplement them. For instance, if your baby is currently feeding on formula, he will still need food supplements, even when he’s showing interest in the bottle. Not all supplements are created equal though, so make sure you’re getting the right ones for your baby. Talk to your pediatrician about which supplements are right for your child’s stage of development.
Solid food is also important for your baby’s growth and development. But while you’re still in the early stages of motherhood, your body produces more milk than your baby can consume, which is why you’re still using the breast as his primary source of nourishment. As your baby gets older, you’ll start seeing signs that he’s consuming more solid food than breast milk, and it’ll be up to you to decide when he’s ready for more complex foods.
Keep in mind that your baby’s demand for food will increase as he gets bigger and more active, so make sure you’re prepared to meet that demand. Also, make sure that you’re providing your baby with the adequate nutrients he needs, especially in the first few months.
Why Do New Mums Need To Watch Out For Weight Gain?
If you’re worried about your weight after you’ve had a baby, it’s important to bear in mind that there are a lot of reasons why that could happen. But it’s also important to remember that it’s not your fault. Think of it this way: Your body did all it could to support your baby’s growth, while your mind was focused on being a new mother. It doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to be heavy, but rather that you need to take the time to recover your health and get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.
When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes a lot of changes that have the potential to affect your weight. Some of those changes are permanent, while others you can work to reverse. It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault if you put on a lot of weight. But it does mean you need to make sure you’re taking the time to recuperate, and that you’re working to lose the weight as soon as you can.