MotherBreastFeeding.com

Why do I loss weight while breastfeeding? Mothers keep asking this question. Some cannot but feel happy about the weight loss, others cannot but become alarmed. Still, weight loss while breastfeeding is considered normal. The thing is that during her pregnancy, a woman gains about 25-35 pounds. Breastfeeding involves extra calories needed for milk production (up to 500 Cal a day). Thus, extra pounds can be shed during the first months after giving birth.

There is no need to keep to a diet during lactation period, as this may cause milk loss. The most you can do is to concentrate on healthy eating. Nursing mothers shed about 500 grams a week.

A newborn sheds from 5 to 10% after the delivery. This is quite acceptable, as while breastfeeding it gains weight and grows up.

The main factor that causes abnormal weight loss with a newborn is not getting enough milk during breastfeeding. Most nursing mothers run into this problem.

What to do to prevent baby weight loss while breastfeeding?

1. Breastfeed upon the baby's request. Do not set some specific time for lactation. Your baby's searching motions inform you about the prompt time to breastfeed. Some women believe that to breastfeed 4-5 times a day will do. This is not actually so. This mode is ok for artificial rearing.
2. Make sure you and your baby have sound sleep. Doctors recommend to have a sleep with your baby at least once a day. There must be the identical mode for a mother and a child - thus, you will be able to easily breastfeed late at night.
3. Be sure to breastfeed at night. If you want your child to have a positive increase in weight, consider breastfeeding between 3 and 8 am. This is the best time for making prolactin (hormone, responsible for formation of pectoral milk). You'd better breastfeed at least 3 times a night.
4. Nipple stimulation. Women breasts should undergo some pressures which occur at baby apposition. If you have poor lactation, no treatment can increase production of necessary quantities of milk like breastfeeding can.
5. Mind correct baby opposition. If the opposition is wrong, the wrong stimulation takes place, less milk is produced and the baby is not getting enough food.

Baby first feeding is like the baby’s first step very exciting and a bit scary. Actually, all the first day of baby’s life is very exciting and interesting as you have been waiting for it during nine months and at last it has appeared.

Well, what should a mother know about the baby first feeding? You can start trying breastfeeding your newborn as soon as it is given to your hands. Though your breasts are not full of milk for now and will not be for the next two days as well, but the sucking movements of your baby will give a good signal for your body that it is just the time to make milk. Before the appearing of milk, your baby will be getting nourishment from your colostrum. Colostrum is also very nutritious for your baby though because of its consistence, it is not easy to suck. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies; it is also rich in carbohydrates, protein, leukocytes and other things which are very important for the first days of baby’s life.

It would be great if the baby first feeding can take place under the supervision of some experienced specialist (such as a breastfeeding counselor or a lactation consultant), who can give a useful advice and to provide all necessary information about breastfeeding. It is very important to have such a specialist by your side, if your baby is experiencing difficulties with latching on and suckling, the breastfeeding specialist should give assistance which will be helpful specially for you and your baby.