Breastfeeding: The New IT Diet

Feed your baby, get back into your skinny jeans. Now that’s what I’m talking about! A recent New York Times article asserts that breastfeeding contributes to post-partum weight loss. Go figure (so to speak).

Whether you are nursing at the breast or pumping your milk out, making breast milk burns roughly 500 calories a day. Add that to the constant activity of having a baby – all that walking, jiggling, sitting then standing, standing then sitting – and you’ve got yourself a damn good workout regimen.

Ahh, if it were only that easy. Sadly, weightloss, like most everything having to do with birthing a baby, is rooted in one’s genes. Whether or not you eat a ton or eat like a bird, breastfeeding does have something to do with your post-partum slim down, but how much is debatable. I mean, if you eat tons and burn tons then you could lose weight. If you eat next to nothing, your metabolism (and your milk supply) may slow down, causing you to NOT lose weight. If you eat tons and nurse tons and don’t lose weight – well, blame your mother…

No, seriously, don’t blame your mother especially since, if you’re reading this, you just became one and you wouldn’t want anyone blaming you.

But, can’t you just see the new work out class in your gym: PUMP it up…breast pump supplied, bring your own tubes. If only!

photo credit: ODHD