The Subcommittee on Nutrition During Lactation reports:

“On average, lactating women who eat to appetite lose weight at the rate of 0.6 to 0.8 kg (1.3 to 1.6 pounds) per month in the first 4 to 6 months, but there is a wide variation in the weight loss experience of lactating women (some women gain weight during lactation). Those who continue breastfeeding beyond 4 to 6 months ordinarily continue to lose weight, but at a slower rate than during the first 4 to 6 months.”

If a mother gains weight or has stopped losing weight after the first two months, she can increase her activity level and reduce her intake by 100 calories per day. Although mothers reducing their caloric intake by 25% safely lost about one pound (.45 kg) per week without affecting their baby’s growth, according to a study by Dusdieker, nursing mothers need at least 1800 calories per day. Diets of less than 1500 calories per day are not recommended, although fasts of less than one day have not been shown to decrease milk volume.

A review article published in 1996 confirmed that exclusively breastfeeding mothers showed a greater loss of weight with a decrease in the percentage of body fat as well as hip and lower thigh circumference at three months postpartum than mothers who were bottle- feeding or partially breastfeeding.

Crash diets, fad diets and rapid weight loss present problems for breastfeeding mothers. Environmental contaminants including PCBs and pesticides are stored in body fat. Losing weight rapidly can release these contaminants into the mother’s bloodstream quickly and it was once thought that this would increase contaminant levels in her milk. Research brought to our attention after the BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK was published does not demonstrate a significant increase.

It is suggested that mothers limiting their caloric intake pay special attention to eating a balanced and varied diet, including foods rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and folate. If adequate dietary requirements are not met, calcium, multivitamin and mineral supplements may be needed. Weight loss medications and liquid diets are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

If a mother has a history of anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorder, she can still successfully breastfeed her baby. However, some women with a history of eating disorders experience a worsening of symptoms after birth. If a mother is suffering from an eating disorder, suggest she seek nutritional guidance as well as help in overcoming her eating problem.

Some mothers are concerned that exercise may interfere with milk production or that slightly elevated levels of lactic acid after exercise could cause negative reactions in their nursing babies. Studies have shown that exercise has little effect on breast milk. In fact, one study by Lovelady showed exercising women having a slightly higher milk volume.

Although wide publicity was given to a study which suggested that babies were less accepting of post-exercise breast milk, after reviewing this and other studies, Dewey and McCrory concluded that “altered acceptance of breast milk due to higher lactic acid concentrations post-exercise is not likely to be a problem in most cases.”

A combination of reasonable calorie reduction and regular moderate exercise will not only help a breastfeeding mother lose weight after the birth of her baby, but will also provide cardiovascular fitness.

References

• Bowles, B. et al. Pregnancy and lactation following anorexia and bulimia. JOGNN 1990; 19(3):243-48.
• Dewey, K. and McCrory, M. Effects of dieting and physical activity on pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr 1994; 59(Suppl.): 446S-59S
• Dusdieker, L. et al. Is milk production impaired by dieting during lactation? Am J Clin Nutr 1994; 59:833-40.
• Hammer, R. et al. Low fat diet and exercise in obese lactating women. Breastfeed Rev 1996;4(1):29-34.
• Heinig, M. et al. Lactation and postpartum weight loss. Mechanisms Regulating Lactation and Infant Nutrient Utilizations 1992;30:397-400.
• Kramer, F. et al. Breastfeeding reduces maternal lower-body fat J Am Diet Assoc 1993;93(4):429-33.
• Lovelady, C. et al. Lactation performance of exercising women. Am J Clin Nutr 1990; 52: 103-1.
• Mohrbacher, N. and Stock, J. BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK. Schaumburg, Illinois, USA; LLLI 1997; 371-86.
• Mussalo-Rauhamaa, H. et al. Relation between the content of organochlorine compounds in Finnish human milk and characteristics of the mother. J Tox Envir Hlth 1988;25(1):1-10.
• 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.15, 74, 140.
• Weekly, S. Diets and eating disorders: implications for the breastfeeding mother. NAACOG Clin Issues Perinat Women Health Nurs 1992; 3(4):695-700.

Last updated January 10, 2010 by jsa.

Mel Wolk, St. Peters, Missouri, USA
From: LEAVEN, Vol. 33 No. 5, October-November 1997, p. 115

We provide articles from our publications from previous years for reference for our Leaders and members. Readers are cautioned to remember that research and medical information change over time
Ed. Note: This article highlights information on weight loss while breastfeeding featured in the 1997 revision of the BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK and THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING. Leaders will want to check both of these resources for more information on nutrition for breastfeeding mothers.

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/breastfeeding-the-belly-2/weightloss-while-breastfeeding/feed/ 0 http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/breastfeeding-the-belly-2/eastern-peaches-mocktail/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/breastfeeding-the-belly-2/eastern-peaches-mocktail/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:06:14 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=5104 Bobbi Kay from Vancouver's Boneta is at it again with her unbelievable mocktails.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or just want to cut back a bit, here is a stunner. Eastern Peaches 3 oz Peach puree 1 oz Orgeat (almond syrup) ½ oz Fresh lime juice Soda top Shake first three ingredients and strain over cubed ice, top with soda. www.boneta.ca See also our Mock-jito and Subtly Sweet Mocktail.]]> Bobbi Kay from Vancouver’s Boneta is at it again with her unbelievable mocktails.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or just want to cut back a bit, here is a stunner.

Eastern Peaches

3 oz Peach puree
1 oz Orgeat (almond syrup)
½ oz Fresh lime juice
Soda top

Shake first three ingredients and strain over cubed ice, top with soda.
www.boneta.ca

See also our Mock-jito and Subtly Sweet Mocktail.

Mock-jito

6-8 Mint leaves
½ oz Fresh lime juice
1 oz Sugar syrup
2 oz Grapefruit juice
Soda top

Build first four ingredients over crushed ice, top with soda.
www.boneta.ca

See also our Eastern Peaches Mocktail and the fabulous Subtly Sweet Mocktail.

Subtly Sweet

3 oz White grape juice
3 oz Organic apple juice
½ oz Honey
½ oz Fresh lemon juice

Shake and strain over cubed ice.
www.boneta.ca

See also the Mock-jito and Eastern Peaches Mocktails.

In British Columbia both midwives and doctors practice under the authority of our B.C. Medical Services Plan. As a BC Care Card holder you may choose to have either a doctor or a midwife deliver your baby. Both practice in our hospitals. Midwives are registered and regulated by the College of Midwives of British Columbia, the BC Health Professions Act, the Midwives Regulation and the CMBC Bylaws. In 1998 BC Midwives became legally recognized as autonomous health care practitioners.

What about pain relief, the coveted epidural? Yup, you still have the choice. The myth of midwives only assisting labour without pain relief is dispelled @ www.bcmidwives.com. “Midwives offer a range of natural and pharmaceutical pain relief options including access to epidurals.”

And finally, what about the risk of a c-section? In the case of an emergency c-section your care is transferred to the medical doctors on duty at the hospital. Or, in the case of a home birth, you’re transported to a nearby hospital. Both your doctor’s treatment and that of your midwife is covered by MSP.

There are certainly circumstances when midwives pass-on high risk pregnancies to physicians early in pregnancy or as complications progress, but did you know that if you are a low risk pregnancy having a midwife as your primary care provider in B.C. actually lowers your chance of having a c-section?

It’s time we become educated regarding our options. Midwives certainly are; educated that is. Midwives are not lay persons. Aspiring midwives can enroll in the full time four year Midwifery Education Program at UBC in an undergraduate program to receive a Bachelor of Midwifery degree from the CMBC (College of Midwives of BC). The BC Midwives’ website provides a number of other schools where midwives train all over the country..

We are, therefore, assured each midwife is educated and works together with medical doctors as needed (pre- and postpartum, as well as during delivery) to give you and your baby the best care possible. Plus, should you choose a midwife, she continues to care for you and your baby until about six weeks postpartum. Visits are in your home at your convenience. Assistance is provided with breast feeding and all the other adjustments pertaining to the arrival of a new baby.

One Victoria mom of two was delighted when her midwife found a herb in her garden to alleviate some breastfeeding problems. The greatful new mom didn’t even know her garden grew such herbs, but the midwife found her way around the garden with ease as she had cared for another woman in the same house years before.

In addition to regulations and extensive training, why does the health care system in BC support midwifery? It makes sense. Midwives are solely dedicated to a mother’s pregnancy, labour and her newborn baby.

How do we fathom what bodies go through while creating new life? Women give birth despite the awareness that the physical process is lengthy, painful and will significantly challenge their bodies (as well as their lives). Yet women choose to become pregnant, to give birth. In what other circumstance is pain received with such purpose?

Medical doctors are medically qualified to care for a woman during pregnancy and labour.  Our health care system ensures that any complications or concerns with pregnancy and labour will be met with ease by our skilled doctors – a very comforting fact for any expecting mother. Pregnancy and labour, however, are more than medical conditions.  Pregnancy and labour involve a transformation of the human body that deserves the dedicated care and attention that midwifery specialists provide.

The BC Midwives Association best describes the care provided by a midwife:

“Registered Midwives in BC offer primary maternity care to healthy pregnant women and their newborn babies from early pregnancy, through labour and birth, until about six weeks postpartum. What does this really mean? Midwives listen, observe, educate, guide and care. They order and interpret tests and discuss results. They screen for physical, psychological, emotional and social health. They are with women during pregnancy, labour and birth, normal and complicated. They catch babies. They do home visits postpartum. They help with breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a new baby. They work together and with other health professionals.

Midwives practice evidence based and woman centered maternity and newborn care and are an established part of the BC health care system.”

The BC midwives website provides a complete list of FAQ’s and answers on their very user friendly website at www.bcmidwives.com.

- Mariapaula Featherston is a Vancouver writer and lover of natural things.  You can find more of her writing at www.mommyknowsbest.com under the Blogger Name: ModernMom.

The WHO is the UN’s agency on international public health. They describe and prescribe information and measures for the international community for any global health issue.

H1N1 Transmission:

Transfer of the virus from one individual to another occurs in a similar manner to the regular seasonal flu. The WHO states that transmission is through “droplets expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.”

H1N1 Infection Prevention:

The following infection prevention measures are taken directly from the WHO website.

• Avoid close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (try to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible)
• Avoid touching your mouth and nose (where the virus can leave and enter your body)
• Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated)
• Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible (such as public transit and other public places)
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active

What’s the best way to wash your and your child’s hands?

The WHO reports that we should all clean our hands regularly, with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. When you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub. The following is a description of the best hand washing practice. You can teach it to your child and perhaps frame it as a “hand dance” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”

The WHO reports that the best way to wash your hands is as follows (for a diagram, visit the WHO website):

1. The entire washing of hands process should last as long as singing “Happy Birthday” two times.
2. Wet your hands with water.
3. Apply enough soap to cover the entire surface area of your hands.
4. Rub hands palm to palm.
5. Rub hands palm to palm with fingers interlaced and then again palm to back of hand with fingers interlaced.
6. With fingers interlocked, rub the backs of your fingers to the opposing palms.
7. Clasp your left thumb in your right palm and rub in a circular fashion. Repeat with right thumb in left palm.
8. Rub your fingers into the palm of your other hand in a circular manner.
9. Rinse thoroughly.
10. Dry thoroughly with a single use towel.
11. Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

What about masks?

The WHO states that masks are not necessary for individuals who are not sick. If you are in close contact with an ill individual, you can wear a mask. Make sure to throw it out after your contact with the sick individual ends and to wash your hands thoroughly.

If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose whenever you are in contact with others. If you do not have a mask, remember to cough into the crook of your elbow and not your hand and make sure children do the same. If you cough into your hand, the virus will transfer to your hand and then transfer to anything you touch. Wash your hands frequently regardless. If you do use a mask, be sure to follow the instructions for proper usage carefully or the mask will be rendered useless. For complete recommendations on the use of masks, visit the WHO document on advise for the use of masks.

What about antivirals?

The WHO does not recommend taking antivirals as a preventative measure unless your doctor advises you to do so. They advise against taking preventative medications without a prescription and advise caution when purchasing antivirals over the Internet.

Should you stop breastfeeding if you are sick?

The WHO has said not to stop breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so. They report that studies on other flu viruses have shown that breastfeeding is actually a protective act for babies. According to the WHO, breast milk “passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease.” It also “provides the best overall nutrition and increases [the baby's] defense factors to fight illness.”

How do you know if you or your child is infected with H1N1?

Only medical professionals can determine whether your illness is H1N1 or the normal, seasonal flu. The WHO reports that the symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu symptoms and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and a runny nose. In other words, there is no distinguishing feature that separates H1N1 from other common viruses.

What should you do if you think you may have H1N1?

Again, the following is taken directly from the WHO website.

If you feel unwell, have a high fever, cough or sore throat:

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds
• Rest and take plenty of fluids
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand-rub
• If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow
• Use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly
• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary

When should you seek medical care for yourself or your child?

The WHO reports that symptoms requiring professional medical intervention include the following:

For adults:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• A fever that lasts more than 3 days

For children:

• Fast or laboured breathing
• Continuing fever
• Convulsions or seizures

How should you care for a sick individual?

The WHO states you should “support” them by ensuring they have plenty of rest and fluids to drink. Pain relievers are advisable to relieve pain. Remember to use a non-aspirin-containing pain reliever for children and young adults. These measures should relieve symptoms towards “adequate recovery.”

Should you go to work or travel if you have the flu but are feeling fine?

The WHO recommends that you stay home for the duration of your symptoms to prevent transmission to other individuals. Children should be kept home from school and other activities for the entire duration of their symptoms.

Is it safe to travel?

Yes. For recommendations on traveling, visit the WHO website on the topic.

What about pork? Is it safe to consume pork products?

The WHO reports that yes, pork products are safe to eat. There is no evidence that properly handled pork products transmit the virus. Also, viruses or bacteria of any kind are killed when the pork is cooked to a temperature of 160°F or 70°C.

For more great H1N1 information including info on vaccines, measures taken in schools and the latest news, return to Urbanmommies.com soon for further reports.

-Danica Longair

Check the webite at www.pumpease.com
or call: 1.866.963.SNUG (7684)

A – Nursing before bed is not the same as putting your child to bed with a bottle.  Often babies will fall asleep with the nipple of a bottle still in their mouths.  This allows for a continual leakage from the bottle, bathing the teeth in sugar all night.  Therefore it is best not to have your baby going to bed with a bottle.  If a bottle is to be used at bedtime, water or milk is best – definitely no juice or pop – and remove the bottle once the child is asleep.

So, you need to feed your baby in public, but how can you go about it in a discreet and comfortable way for yourself and those around you? Here are some tips that can help you:

1. Know Your Rights!

B.C. and Ontario specifically outline the rights of breastfeeding mothers.

Ontario’s Human Rights Commission states that:
You have rights as a nursing mother. For example, you have the right to breastfeed a child in a public area. No one should prevent you from nursing your child simply because you are in a public area. They should not ask you to “cover up”, disturb you, or ask you to move to another area that is more “discreet”. http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/issues/pregnancy

B.C.’s Human Rights Commission states that:
Mothers are allowed “to breastfeed / express milk on public benches such as may be found in shopping malls, museums, hospitals, public parks, restaurants, etc.;” and mothers are allowed “to breastfeed their babies while walking in stores, etc.”http://www.infactcanada.ca/B.C._HR_Policy_Procedure_Manual.htm

For the rest of Canada women are protected against sex discrimination by each province’s Human Rights Code. See the Infant Feeding Action Coalition’s website http://www.infactcanada.ca/Breastfeeding_Rights.htm

What it boils down to is that you are allowed to nurse your baby anywhere you choose to and you should not be discriminated against in any way because of it.

2. Get Nursing Clothing.

Technically, you dont need any special clothing to nurse your baby; however, there are many items you can use that will make the experience more comfortable, discreet, and enjoyable for you! If you feel comfortable nursing with regular clothing, great! But if you feel uncomfortable with exposing your belly or your breast, then nursing clothing would be a great option for you.

Here are some items that would help you to nurse discreetly in public.

• Nursing Tops – Nursing tops come in an assortment of styles and different openings for accessing the breast. Many come with a discreet under layer that keeps breast and tummy covered, exposing only the area required for nursing.

Check out BumbleWee Nursing Wear’s article on the different types of nursing top styles there are. Nursing Top Styles

• Nursing Bras – A nursing bra provides easy access to the breast without having to remove your entire bra.
• Nursing Cover – A nursing cover covers you and your baby during nursing. Paired with a nursing top, you can feel comfortable nursing your baby anywhere in public!

See BumbleWee Nursing Wear’s great article for more details on essential nursing clothing: Article – Nursing Clothing Essentials

Check out BumbleWee Nursing Wear for a great selection of nursing clothing available in Canada!

3. Practice, Practice, Practice. – Practice makes perfect! In the beginning, you and your baby are both learning how to breastfeed. To help yourself feel the most comfortable, practice at home before you try it in public. Once your baby is latched you can fix up your clothing to cover the majority of your breast so that almost nothing is left exposed. Ask a friend or your man how you look or check yourself out in a mirror.

4. Don’t Wait for the Sirens! – Feed your baby before he is starving, screaming and drawing attention. By now you probably know your baby’s schedule and hunger signs so use them!

5. Get Ready. – Get yourself ready before you pick up your baby to nurse. Undo your nursing bra and get your nursing cover and burp cloth ready. Then you can easily pick up your baby, get him latched, and arrange your clothing to cover yourself where you feel necessary. Now, you’re good to go!

6. Be Confident. – You are feeding your baby the best nourishment available. Don’t draw attention by acting nervous or trying to hide. Act like you normally would – chat, read, whatever makes you feel comfortable.

7. Be Considerate. – Be considerate to the people around you who may feel uncomfortable by your nursing. That doesn’t mean you should leave the room or feel the need to hide, and it doesn’t mean that they are allowed to ask you to leave or cover yourself, it just means to be aware. For example, if you’re in a room with a few people, you can just let those around you know that you will be nursing. This way, if they are uncomfortable with your nursing then they have the chance to leave the area.

Why Should I Nurse in Public?

I believe that all women should be encouraged to nurse in public. Why? The 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey questioned new mothers who chose not to breastfeed. The top reason for women choosing not to breastfeed was that they found it “unappealing” or “disgusting” (pg25 Breastfeeding Practice Article). Women who nurse in public would act as a role model to these women, and would inspire and encourage new mothers to feel comfortable with the option to nurse.

Breastfeeding truly is a beautiful and amazing experience for you and your baby. Hopefully these tips have helped you have the strength to feel confident with your choice to breastfeed and with nursing in public. It would be a shame for a women to choose not to breastfeed or to prematurely wean her baby because she felt self-conscious nursing in public.

by Denise Crosbie, co-founder of Bumblewee Nursing Wear

For other great breastfeeding articles, click here.