Hello,
I am currently breastfeeding my 2 yrs 5months kid,And I facing difficulty losing weight.i want to know if there are any supplements which can be consumed by a breastfeeding mom which is safe for my kid.
Plz suggest
Answers (26)
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Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), Neonatology fellow ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
Although breast feeding aids in losing post partum weight but still some mothers face the challenge of losing weight after child birth which is normal. Lifestyle modification is the only way to lose weight in a healthy manner
Next Steps
Consult a dietician and make a proper exercise regime.
Diet modification (fruits, salad, vegetables, adequate water, cutting fats while increasing proteins) and exercising at least 1 hour daily (min 30min) like brisk walking, jogging are the key.
No such wonder drug to lose weight exists.
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Hello, diet and exercise is the only way for proper healthy weight loss. Also once you stop breastfeeding gradually you’ll notice positive changes. Meanwhile focus on balanced diet and some proper exercise.
Weight-loss supplements are NOT recommended during breastfeeding.
Many products may reduce milk supply or affect the baby.
Focus on diet + physical activity only
Adequate protein, fruits, vegetables
Walking, light exercise
Allowed supplements (if deficient):
CalciumVitamin D
Iron (only if advised)
Consult a OBGYN for further consultation.
Postpartum weight gain is driven by excess weight gained during pregnancy, hormonal shifts such as elevated prolactin and temporary insulin resistance, and lifestyle factors including sleep loss, stress, reduced physical activity, and dietary changes. Breastfeeding increases caloric needs but does not guarantee weight loss, and many women retain or gain weight due to the combined effect of these factors. There are no proven safe weight loss supplements for breastfeeding mothers. The most effective and safest approach is a balanced diet with a modest calorie deficit, regular physical activity, and mindfulness to manage stress and eating behaviors. Gradual weight loss of about half to one kilogram per week is considered safe and does not affect milk supply.
Physiological and hormonal factors
Excess gestational weight gain strongly predicts postpartum weight retention. Women who gain more than recommended during pregnancy are much more likely to retain weight after delivery.
Hormonal changes during breastfeeding play an important role. Elevated prolactin and relative insulin resistance can increase appetite and promote fat storage, making weight loss more difficult despite breastfeeding.
Metabolic adaptations also occur. Although lactation increases energy needs, the body may compensate by conserving energy, which can limit weight loss in some women.
Lifestyle and behavioral factors
Sleep deprivation is very common postpartum and disrupts appetite‑regulating hormones, leading to increased hunger and cravings.
Stress and emotional strain during the postpartum period can trigger emotional eating and overeating.
Reduced physical activity is another major contributor. Caring for an infant often leaves little time or energy for structured exercise.
Dietary patterns may change postpartum, with increased reliance on convenience foods, irregular meals, and higher calorie intake.
Supplements and what can be done
There are no weight‑loss supplements that are proven safe or effective for breastfeeding mothers. Many supplements are unregulated, lack safety data in lactation, and may affect the infant or milk supply. For this reason, supplements are not recommended for postpartum weight loss while breastfeeding.
The safest and most effective strategies include:
Following a balanced, nutrient dense diet without extreme restriction
Creating a modest calorie deficit while maintaining adequate intake for milk production
Engaging in regular, moderate physical activity such as walking or postpartum appropriate exercise
Practicing mindfulness to manage stress, emotional eating, and sleep disruption
OVER FEEDING LEADS DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN D3 B12 MG, FB FOLLIC ACID.
ASSESSMENT OF VITAMIN D3 B12 T3T4TSH MG CRP CBC ESR ADVISABLE.
WEIGHT LOSS IS DIFFICULT.
CHANGE LIFE STYLE N DIET PLAN DRASTICALLY FIRST..
ADD WALK FOR 40 MIN 5 DAYS IN A WEEK.
STOP TEA, MILK MILK PRODUCTS, SAY BIG NO TO SUGAR N SUGAR PRODUT.
You should not feed a 2 and a half years old child.
If you must, you should take Iron, Calcium and Folic acid supplements. You should take some dry fruits (about 10 pieces) and also seasonal fruits.
A good diet rich in Carbohydrates and Proteins is good enough.
There is no safe weight-loss supplement during breastfeeding, but healthy diet + exercise + safe nutritional supplements is the safest approach.Please consult a doctor or dietitian before starting any supplement, especially for weight loss.dont take any supplements and weight loss tablets without consulting a doctor.please consult if you still conscious.
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Weight loss advice (2.5 years after delivery)
• You can now lose weight like any adult
• Aim for ½–1 kg per week
• Eat home food, avoid sugar, fried items, bakery, soft drinks
• Include protein in every meal (dal, eggs, paneer, curd, chicken)
• Eat early dinner, keep it light
• Drink 2.5–3 L water/day
Exercise
• Walk/brisk walk 45–60 min daily
• Add strength exercises 3 days/week
• Sleep 7–8 hours
If weight doesn’t reduce in 3 months:
Check thyroid, sugar, PCOS
Okay there one thing you need to understand about pregnancy , during oregnancy there are Insulin like growth Factor released from the placenta causing insulin resistence. Hence post partum weight gain is almost always a natural process and is due to insulin resistence ,often manifesting as Metabolic syndrome , an basically does not require any supplements as such.
Next Steps
You should rule out Pre Diabetes/Early Type 2 Diabetes/Metabolic syndrome by getting tested for the following :- HbA1c , Fasting Blood Sugar and Lipid Profile and also measure the waist circumference.
If these test are abnormal you can be started on drugs that increase insulin sensitivity and will control the process
If these test were done in the last 6 months and results were normal, no need to repeat them
Health Tips
For weight loss we need to also take life style measures to reduce weight gain and more importantly fat deposition in liver and small arteries(this fat deposition increases the risk of MI and stroke).
The most easy and yet effective method is brisk walking around 7000 to 10000 steps.
Dietary modification :- Focus on Fibre and Proteins...these two are notoriously deficient in indian diet.
they will make you feel full for longer and you will automatically eat less...
one of the simolest way of adding these are sprouts, reducing wheat flour and using a mix of wjeat and bajra/ragi to make chappati.
and obviously avoiding sweets and fried stuff
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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