It is every woman's dream to have post pregnancy weight loss from the momemt baby arrives, but the process is a little slower than we would actually want. In fact, it takes 6 weeks until your uterus shrinks back to around its pre-pregnancy size (hence the 40 day rest period is recommended by our dadis, nanis and mothers. Post 6 weeks is the ideal time to start working on ourself. If we let loose here and keep munching mindlessly thinking that it is ok and needed for the baby. We need an additional 600 calories (1 slice pepperoni pizza/1 slice of a pastry/2 ghee loaded ladoos) in the 1 st 4 months of exclusive breast feeding. And an additional 400 calories after that. As we see, it is not much. Hence the misconception of eating foods high in saturated fat is not the ideal option.   How do we get back in shape again? There are lots of things you can do to get into shape again.. Don't only focus on "getting your body back"  but on creating a healthy, happy, and  possibly slightly differently shaped — YOU. GALACTAGOGUES These are lactation herbs and medications that are used to increase lactation or stimulate milk production in a lactating mother, or in a mother who wants to induce lactation.    

Why do we need healthy foods post pregnancy?

• It is needed when a mother has a very low milk supply or to enhance the milk supply.
• A mother who returns to work, may need the milk expressed for her baby, for when Baby is left at a caregiver.
• Inducing lactation
• Premature infant: When the mother is incapable of breastfeeding at the moment.

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SAFE GALACTAGOGUES:

FENUGREEK	ALFA-ALFA

BREWER'S YEAST	SHATAVAR

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FENNEL	FLAX

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SAFE  FOODS - THESE LACTOGENIC FOODS WILL HELP IMPROVE MILK SUPPLY

CARROT:

Carrots are also high in beta-carotene, vitamin A and phytoestrogens, both of which lactating mothers have an increased need for. Carrot juice is especially great for breastfeeding moms. It improve the supply and quality of breast milk. ---------

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  OATMEAL:

 Recommended as a way for moms to boost their milk supply and also release oxytocin (a hormone involved in milk production). ---------------------------------------------------

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  SPINACH:

Spinach is a good source of calcium, iron, Vitamin K, A, and folate. Folate (or folic acid) is particularly important for women who  breastfeeding. Dark leafy green vegetables like spinach also contain phytoestrogens. , believed to promote breast tissue health and lactation, are plant-based chemicals that have similar properties as estrogen. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAPAYA:

 Papayas have been commonly used in Asia as a galactagogue, but it is thought that the enzymes and phytochemicals in papaya may enhance breast tissue as well as improve lactation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

  ASPARAGUS:

 High in fiber, folic acid, Vitamins A, C, and K, asparagus is a power-house food for nursing mothers. The hormonal effect of contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid which may stimulate prolactin (a major hormone involved in lactation) production and subsequently improve milk supply. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

  BROWN RICE:

 It's a complex carbohydrate, which provides mom with energy needed for breastfeeding, but it also helps with milk production in another way. stimulates prolactin secretion. Prolactin,  is a key hormone involved in lactation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APRICOTS:

 Apricots are high in fiber, Vitamin A, C, potassium and calcium. Calcium-rich dried fruits like figs, apricots, and dates are thought to help with milk production. Apricots, like some other lactogenic foods  contain tryptophan, which naturally boosts prolactin levels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

  SALMON:

 Essential fatty acids are a key component in breast milk. Naturally, having more EFAs available will allow mom to produce more nutritious, breast milk. Theses not only impair the milk ejection reflex, but also slow the flow of milk. This, in turn, leads to a reduced intake of milk by the baby during breastfeeding. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYTHS - THE HIDDEN TRUTH OF ANTI-GALACTAGOGUES!

 These not only impair the milk ejection reflex, but also slow the flow of milk. This in turn  leads to a reduced intake of milk by the baby during breastfeeding

GHEE	BEER

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Post Delivery Weight Loss: Just Eat Wise, To Drop a Size

 Many women wonder how long it takes to lose baby weight and bounce back to a pre-baby body. However, it would take at least 8 months to a year to come back to your pre-pregnancy weight, simply by following few tips:     - -

IS IT NECESSARY TO SEE A DIET EXPERT?

 The presence of a Dietitian does not just help melt pounds, Besides just weight loss, come an array of benefits from having a dietitian to you to be healthy and yet slim:

• She will work inpidually with you to assess your nutrition needs (review your medical and diet history, blood tests, weight and weight trends).
• Design a personalized meal plan for you that shall enhance breast milk as well as help you loose weight faster and not let it pile on and stay forever.
• Help you establish realistic goals, short term and long term.
• Equip you with techniques to stay on track with your nutrition plan.
• Provide ongoing encouragement and support until your goals are met.