Breastfeeding will make you lose post-baby flab

New research says breastfeeding is the simplest method to shed post-delivery flab. iTALK brings you ways to get fit after having a baby

Getting back into shape after pregnancy is a priority for most urban women. Most new mothers opt for an extreme workout schedule and diet plan to lose weight quickly. A new study gives you an easier option to lose that flab.

The study that sourced data from more than 25,000 women participating in the Danish National Birth Cohort, measured how long women breastfed and also how intensely. Results showed that women with higher breastfeeding scores were more likely to lose their pregnancy weight 6 months after giving birth. Researchers concluded that women who gain a reasonable amount during pregnancy and breastfeed exclusively are likely to lose all pregnancy weight six months after giving birth.

How celeb moms got their figures back

Maria Goretti, former Veejay
To lose weight post delivery, you need strong will power. I told myself, "It took me nine months to gain, and within nine months, I shall lose". Two months after delivery, I ran every day for 45 minutes. After four months, I altered my diet and began having eight meals a day. Sheru, my trainer, gave me a guide to eating right. I only ate a lot of fresh salads, fruits, soups, fish and chicken. I'd begin my day with green tea, followed by four egg whites with a roti or brown bread. Then I'd go for a run. A fresh vegetable juice would follow. Lunch was dal (without tadka), rice, one vegetable and chicken/fish. Two hours post lunch, I'd have some fruit. At 7.30 pm, I'd have a salad, soup and chicken/fish.

Lillete Dubey, theatre and film actor
I had gained only 17 pounds, so shedding it wasn't tough. Crash dieting is not possible immediately after delivery. I was never an exercise or diet person, so I regulated my eating habits minimally. My ultimate test was trying to fit into my jeans.

Perizaad Zorabian, actor and model
I've never been fat, but during pregnancy, I just let myself go. I was 13 kgs heavier. When I went to my dietician Zarine Watson, I was low on self-confidence and self-esteem. She made sure I ate the right stuff and followed a correct exercise regime. Post-delivery my tummy was sagging, but exercise made sure I got leaner.

Breastfed babies smarter, fitter
>>It is best to keep your infant on a breast milk- only diet for the first six months because it protects against gastrointestinal problems, is easier to digest and will not cause constipation.
>>Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections since it creates a protective layer on membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
>>Cow's milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk is 100% safe.
>>Research says breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity.
>>It is said to boost a child's intelligence, because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
>>It helps reduce postpartum bleeding.
>>Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds).

Breast milk is nectar for child
Dr Ashwini Bhalerao-Gandhi, Consultant Gynaecologist, PD Hinduja Hospital
Breast milk is like amrit for the baby. In mothers, it leads to secretion of the hormone oxytocin, which is required for decreased post-delivery bleeding in the mother and helps in involution of uterus.

Producing milk helps burn calories

Hira Mahajan Nutritionist
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to lose weight after delivery. A new mom who breastfeeds her new-born child produces an average output of 850 ml of breast milk each day. To provide this, the mother needs to consume 500 extra calories per day. After three months, when you feel your strength is returning and when your period has returned to normal, you can start following a healthy, weight loss diet. For optimum health, aim to loose no more than 1 to 2 pounds per week and continue to focus on nutritious foods.

Smart tips for quick weight loss
>>Don't diet for the first 3 months after delivery.
>>If you didn't exercise during pregnancy, don't jump into a vigorous routine right away. Your body is still healing, and it needs time to adjust to the new movements. Start by taking walks around the block with your baby. Walking is an excellent low impact way to get your body ready for more vigorous exercise.
>>Eat several small, healthy meals. This keeps your energy up, and metabolism primed. Do not skip meals.
>>Store healthy and fresh foods in your kitchen. Avoid highly processed and fatty foods.
>>Breakfast helps provide a good level of energy, which helps a new mom deal with whatever the baby throws her way. Eggs, yoghurt, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, oatmeal with fruit are good.

Your DIET PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE:
>>Plenty of fresh fruit and green vegetables.
>>Fibre from whole grain bread, beans, oats, all bran apples, pears, citrus fruits, mango, figs, corn, sprouts. >>After childbirth, bowel action can be disrupted and constipation is particularly painful; fibre helps fight this.
>>Lean meat and chicken, fish (aim for two servings of fish per week), eggs, beans and lentils give you protein.
>>Low-fat milk, cheese and yoghurt for calcium and protein.
>>Nuts and seeds as almonds and Khus khus.
>>Plenty of water. Dehydration can cause sluggishness.
>>Limit intake of caffeine.
>>Vegetarian mothers should take supplements of Vitamin D, Iron, B 12 and Calcium during lactation.