Breastfeeding Barriers

BREASTFEEDING BARRIERS

As World Breastfeeding Week draws to an end and new mums across the nation celebrate the arrival of junior; alongside their 7lb bundle of joy often comes, on average, 15 additional kilos of unwanted flab. Contradictory messages on dieting when breastfeeding; combined with unrealistic images of celebrities, back to their pre pregnancy weight within seconds of giving birth, makes most Aussie mums not only conscious of their new shape but very confused.

There is little doubt that breastfeeding is one of the best sources of nourishment for newborns, and the good news is that it's still possible for breastfeeding mums to shift any unwanted pregnancy pounds without their child suffering.

There are particular barriers that new mums face; post natal depression, adjusting to new life, low energy and their world being taken over by their child. While worrying about their diet doesn't fit high on the agenda it is vital for mums to be eating healthy nutritionally balanced food and alongside this, if they want to, they can lose weight.

Karen Inge, one of Australia's leading dietitians, says; "The Jenny Craig Program is suitable for breastfeeding mothers, with their doctor's approval, from 6 weeks after giving birth. The menus for breastfeeding have been designed to result in a maximum weekly weight loss of ¼- ½ kg, and provide additional kilojoules and nutrients to encourage a nutritious and sufficient supply of breast milk to meet the needs of a growing baby."

Rebecca Campbell, 33, from Brisbane had three children within three years and knew full well about excess baby bulge. Rebecca says; "I wanted to shed my extra weight and I wanted to be absolutely sure my baby wouldn't suffer because I was breastfeeding. I went to Jenny Craig and the staff were fantastic, they put me on a tailored diet and weekly meetings with my consultant. I lost 10kg in 12 weeks and not only that, I was taught how to keep it off,

"I am still at my goal weight 12 months later, and my baby actually got a better deal because my diet was so well balanced."