When women are breastfeeding, their body burns about an extra 300 to 500 calories producing milk. If they eat well-balanced diet during their postpartum period, it can lead to a calorie deficit and this produces weight loss, explains Cecilia Betancourt, NICU Lactation Nurse, with Center for Women & Infants South Miami Hospital.
She doesn’t advise dieting excessively or doing anything too extreme, such as quick diets, within the first three months of having delivered. They are not healthy for moms.
The expert recommends having three well balanced meals throughout the day and three snacks. It’s important to stay very well hydrated, because women’s bodies require an extra fluid.