There are so many and I mean SO many breastfeeding myths out there but I just chose these 5 because these were the 5 that I was the most concerned about after I had Evie. These 5 also just so happen to be very “healthy breastfeeding” based because I guess that is what was on my mind the most! I talked to my doctor, lactation specialists, did my own research, and learned from experience to give you extremely sound advice in these areas! But if you are unsure about anything when it comes to the health of you or your babe, please consult your own doctor…because I’m not one :).
Myth 1: If I exercise I will lose my milk supply
Fact:
No way! **However, please keep in mind that every women is totally different and therefore their breastfeeding journey’s might be different as well. If you do see a drop in your supply after starting to exercise, please consult your doctor or a lactation specialist. You might need to take in some extra calories and fluids to keep up your supply!** But let me tell you why many people think this myth is true. 6 weeks postpartum is right around the time that the doctor clears you to go back to working out. When your baby is around 6 weeks old they also go through an intense growth spirt. This growth spirt causes them to eat more… which in turn will seem like you are making less because they are eating more, not because you started working out! However, new mama’s PLEASE do not push yourself too hard in this category. Your body has just been through well…for lack of a better term “hell and back” and give it sometime to heal. Next week I will be posting about some of my very favorite postpartum exercises that helped me slowly get back into shape without pushing too hard.
This FANTASTIC jogging stroller is from Delta and you can buy it at Target! It’s the smoothest ride of any jogging stroller I have had (I’ve tried three different ones because I just couldn’t find one I loved). I’m absolutely in love with it- and Evie girl is too! I would recommend it to anyone.
Myth 2: I should eat the same amount of food as before I was pregnant so I can lose my baby weight.
Fact:
False! The amount of energy needed to support lactation is equal to about 500 calories a day (versus the 200-300 extra calories needed during pregnancy) so the baby weight will still come off even when these extra “breastfeeding” calories are consumed. However, one BIG thing to remember here (this came straight from my doc) is that YOU will be the one who suffers if you aren’t getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need. When I first had Evie between the sleepless nights, breastfeeding, and trying to shower once a week (haha) I kept forgetting to eat and my body really suffered. I felt absolutely awful until I started fueling my body better. This is why I desperately urge you to take Hyperbiotics, especially while you are breastfeeding. There’s a Hyperbiotic specifically for moms called Pro-Moms and it was an absolute game changer for me as I was breastfeeding. Hyperbiotics also promotes improved immunity, can improve energy and clarity AND is vegetarian, non-GMO, and free of lactose, gluten, and sugar. There is also no soy, iron, nuts, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives. Are you amazed yet?
Here’s why I can’t live without my Pro-Moms Hyperbiotic :
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- It encourages full nutrient absorption- which means that the foods you do eat will be full absorbed into your body. That means that you and your baby will get better, more complete nutrition from the foods you’re eating!
- Full nutrient absorption is also great for healthy immune function
- Encourages regularity – which can be a serious issue for pregnant and nursing mamas
- Helps produce essential B vitamins
- Contains natural folate
- Doesn’t have to be refrigerated- which means you can carry it around in your purse when you’re on the go! Because if you’re anything like me, mom brain is a real thing and you will probably forget to take it until you’re sitting in your car at a stop light.
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If you want to learn more about Hyperbiotics you can learn more visit hyperbiotics.com to learn more. If you would like to purchase Hyperbiotics you can buy them here or you can #followyourgut and find them at Target!
Myth 3: You can eat whatever you want while breastfeeding & still lose weight.
Fact:
Sadly, no. I wish I could tell you that you could eat all the cake and ice cream you want while breastfeeding and still lose weight, but for most people that’s not true (sadness, I feel like this totally should be true!). Breastfeeding can help new moms lose weight, but if you consume more calories than you burn (including calories converted to milk), you will most likely gain weight. It’s so IMPORTANT here to keep in mind that everyone is different. Everyones bodies are different and some women just lose weight easier than others. Over time, breastfeeding combined with a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose your baby weight, but it may not happen as quickly as you would like. Keep the extra breastfeeding calories you consume easy-to-eat, healthy, foods within reach of where you’ll be breastfeeding. Examples of healthy snacks include trail mix, bananas with peanut butter, nuts, yogurt, string cheese, and crackers.
A picture of my Evie girl clapping because well… I’m kind of obsessed with her!
Myth 4: Taking a hiatus from breastfeeding will protect your baby from getting sick.
Fact:
Nope, by the time you feel sick your baby has already been exposed to your sickness. But one of the coolest things about breastfeeding is while you’re sick you pass along protective antibodies to help your baby stay healthy. So it’s actually extremely GOOD for you to breastfeed your baby while you’re sick!
Myth 5: Poor milk supply is usually caused by stress, fatigue and/or inadequate fluids and food intake.
Fact:
The most common causes of milk supply problems are infrequent feedings and/or poor latch-on and positioning. These are extremely common with first time mom’s! Evie struggled so bad with latching on properly and I didn’t know what to do. This is why if you’re struggling but you really want to keep breastfeeding, reach out to a lactation specialist like “Lactation Link” (I highly, highly recommend her!). Stress, fatigue or malnutrition are rarely causes of milk supply failure because the body has survival mechanisms to protect your baby during times of scarce food supply. However, like we mentioned earlier, you will be the one who suffers if you aren’t getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need while you are breastfeeding. **Please keep in mind that every women is totally different and therefore their breastfeeding journey’s might be different as well. If you do see a drop in your supply after stress or fatigue, please consult your doctor or a lactation specialist**
What are some common breastfeeding myths that you’ve heard?
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Probiotics support many facets of overall health when taken regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead #followyourgut http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”