Breastfeeding and weight loss. Where did the notion that a child sucking the life out of you 6 times a day equates to easy weight loss come from? I would like to know. And I would then like to smack the idiot for opening this can of worms that leads women to believe breastfeeding is THE way to lose weight. Watch out Hydroxycut…mama’s making milk!!!

[Note: diet pills are crap and I’m just enjoying my sarcasm…mmmkay?]

You know I never keep my big mouth shut on the realistic side of all things…well, life. So, here you go. The top 5 reasons breastfeeding does NOT make you skinny. 

1. You get HANGRY. To make the baby juice, your body needs extra fuel. Yes, you need the extra calories for milk production, but it can still be easy to go overboard. I know I have never run a long distance race, but I can imagine that the hunger of a growth spurt day rivals it. No joke. I’m in one right now. Bottom. Less. Pit. Calories still count. The hunger beast that is breastfeeding can quickly make those calories add up above weight loss levels. 

2. There is no snooze button.

Babies get hungry. They don’t care if it’s 2 am. Then 4 am. Then 6 am. And guess what? Daddy doesn’t have the booby. Lucky you. You get every overnight feeding. Like…all five of them I experienced last night. That can easily make for a sleepy mommy. I don’t know about you, but sleepy mommy = a mommy with more cravings. Sleepy mommy also = less motivated to workout mommy. It’s hard to stay on your A game when the exhaustion of all those feedings inevitably hits at times.

3. Freedom? What’s that? You’re on cutie patootie’s schedule. That quickly leads to workouts sometimes being hard to fit in or having to be cut short. And sometimes, the only option for food you have is a frozen meal because the kiddo decides he’s hungry just as you start prepping lunch.

4. I’m not letting go!

Despite what the rumors say, the body wants to hold onto some fat to have stores saved up to make the baby nectar. It doesn’t all just fall off automatically. Your body may actually fight you over it. I know I immediately dropped almost 5 pounds after I stopped nursing Makenzie.

5. You fell for it. You get caught up in the belief that you will effortlessly lose weight while breastfeeding. You get frustrated when it doesn’t happen. You make excuses easily, such as needing to eat more so this candy bar is A-OK! Sorry. Doesn’t quite work the way “they” would like you to think.

Disclaimer: I 100% believe in breastfeeding and that it is one of the best things you can do for your child, if possible. I wrote this post simply to say that it’s not a cure-all for post-baby weight loss woes, despite what some may think. I wanted to debunk that myth. It still takes discipline and consistency to make those physical changes. Breastfeeding should be embraced for all the other numerous benefits and not as a magic answer to post-partum weight loss. 

Question of the Evening – Is there a myth you wish to debunk? Any of the above surprise you?

I started the day off right with my current oats combo obsession. It’s basic but tastes insanely good. White Chocolate Wonderful PB and sliced strawberries. Those two make for a heavenly combination.

Now, to finish answering all those questions you all sent my way. Here we go!

I’d love some info on what you can/can’t and should/shouldn’t eat while breastfeeding. I’ve heard mixed opinions on alcohol?
General recommendations include not to eat too much dairy, soy, beans, cruciferous veggies, spicy foods, caffeine, etc while breastfeeding because it could upset the baby’s tummy. Some children are more sensitive than others. I always eat normally then cut back on anything in particular I notice upset’s my baby. And the alcohol? I personally have no problem having a small glass, timed not too close to when he will eat again. I only do this very occasionally.

How long you plan to do it?
When it boils down to it…I breastfeed as long as I am not fighting my body to do so. I stopped at 7.5 months with Makenzie because I could not keep up my supply to her needs. It became a daily battle of Fenugreek pills for milk support, pumping extra, her always being hungry, and me always frustrated and upset. I make an effort to feed as long as possible, but if its not going smoothly for an extended time, I don’t feel bad for stopping. I don’t want breastfeeding to become a battle or something I resent. I don’t believe that is healthy for myself or my child.

What do you think if someone is unable to breastfeed?
It happens. I have had at least a few friends honestly unable to breastfeed and I fully support them every step of the way. Do I think breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed a child? Yes. Do I think mothers should try to breastfeed? Yes. Do I think mothers aren’t adequately caring for their children if they don’t breastfeed? No!!!

Some children don’t latch well. Sometimes issues can exist with production. Sometimes pumping doesn’t work and its the mother’s only option. I would hope someone would give a solid effort to breastfeeding, but if things are too difficult for one reason or another, there is absolutely no shame in stopping. As I said above, it should not become something of resentment and extreme struggle. Every mother knows what works best for her and her child. Those decisions should be accepted without judgment from others.

cute baby B photo to break up all the text…

My son stopped nursing after his first “taste” of the bottle. Is there any way you can increase your milk supply using the pump?
Whenever I have had to increase my supply I did a few things: Ate lots of oatmeal. Drank lots of water. Took Fenugreek, which is an herbal supplement and it works. Pumped a little longer or an extra session. And lactation cookies are always helpful. And delicious. Please note: I did this to increase my supply for nursing and I’m not sure on exclusively pumping. I would always speak with a consultant over personal challenges with feeding.

A friend told me she isn't breastfeeding so that other people can bond with her daughter. Does breastfeeding inhibit others bonding with the child?!
No! It does not. Holding, cuddling, singing, playing, rocking, changing diapers, and the many other things you do with an infant all are part of bonding. Yes, a special bond happens with nursing, but it does not limit a bond with anyone else who interacts with the child either.

Do you honestly ever get shy when you're nursing? Like when you have company or are out in public (or do you avoid those situations or go to another room?) I want to know etiquette of when/where it is okay to bfeed!
I will nurse anywhere…but you all probably know I am not the most shy person out there.  believe that you can nurse anywhere and in front of anyone as long as it is done discreetly. Family? They should understand what you’re doing and not be weirded out. Friends? Same thing. In public? You’re never going to see these people again so who cares what they think!

I do try to use a nursing wrap or blanket to cover up in front of others. I also will try to pick a more private space, like a seat in the corner of the room instead of smack in the middle of the couch and my friends. I will “warn” people that I need to feed my child. I have gotten really good at keeping all things hidden while doing so. There are times I will go to my car or another place that is completely private.  IE choosing to nurse in the car versus in a fast food joint when on the road traveling…or going to the nursing room at church versus whipping out the boob mid-service.

Question of the Day – What is your favorite type of nut butter? Who would you have the hardest time nursing in front of?