Diet & Fitness 

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Is it safe to diet when breast feeding?

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. Health professionals generally do not advise breastfeeding mums to diet, in fact the Department of Health advises lactating women to increase their energy requirements. The amounts needed vary depending on the period of lactation, for example:

1 month: an extra 450 calories a day

2 months: an extra 530 calories a day

3 months: an extra 570 calories a day

4-6 months: between 480 calories and 570 calories a day (the higher figure would apply if breast milk is going to provide the primary source of nourishment for the baby for 6 months or longer)

In addition, the Department of Health also advises that lactating women should consume at least 1,200mg of calcium a day to replenish body stores (this is equivalent to ¼ pint of milk, plus 1 piece of cheese, plus a small pot of yoghurt, plus 1½ small cartons of fromage frais, plus a serving of canned sardines, plus 2 servings of muesli). Since breastfeeding is an energy-demanding process and nutrients consumed will affect the quality of the breast milk, most diets would not provide enough calories or calcium.

Some lactating women may also need additional iron if their blood test results indicate a low store. I would suggest that you discuss this with your health visitor (she'll have your medical and diet notes, which I don't have access to). In any case, you'll certainly need to include more snacks and more calcium-rich and iron-rich foods if you were to follow the diet plan.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about breast feeding on the Getting Back Into Shape After Baby message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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