Date:    Sun, 19 Nov 2006 16:25:06 +0000
From:    "Frank J. Nice" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Weight Loss Medications and Herbs While Breastfeeding

I never recommend weight loss agents while breastfeeding.
I advise that breastfeeding is one of the best weight loss techniques around

because breastfeeding uses over 1,000 calories a day to produce and feed 
breast milk.
It takes a mother 9 months to gain her weight; at least give breastfeeding 
alone 9 months to lose weight.
Frank J. Nice, DPA, CPHP

Is it 1000 calories each day, or 500 for a fully breastfed baby?  This is
something I tell mothers all the time as a "perk" of breastfeeding -- 500
calories is the equivalent of 5 miles on the treadmill!
I'd also love to see a resource that discusses this calorie-burning effect
in mothers with older nurslings.  Do those mothers burn calories for
lactation?  I'd guess not as many as the child takes complimentary foods and
mother is producing less milk to meet a smaller demand.  
Anecdotally, I've heard that mothers tend to hold onto a certain bit of
weight (5-10 lbs.) throughout lactation, then shed it once the child weans.
As my older child weaned while the younger was still nursing, I have yet to
see if this is true, and wonder whether there are any studies or information
published about this?
Thanks as usual, my LACTNET has become my guilty pleasure every day...

--Diana in NY

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