Q: Some people say that pregnancy is a time when you can enjoy "eating for two" and not worry. Is it true that extra weight gain in pregnancy is easily lost?
A: Gaining enough weight is vital for a healthy pregnancy. However, studies show that women who gain beyond recommended amounts are more likely to retain at least ten extra pounds compared to their pre-pregnancy weight a year after their baby's birth. In fact, excess weight may persist even many years later. The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends a total of one to four-and-a-half pounds weight gain for the first three months of pregnancy. After that, recommended weight gain varies with a woman's pre-pregnancy weight: about one pound a week for women who begin pregnancy underweight or at a healthy weight, or about a half-pound a week for women who begin pregnancy overweight or obese. Total recommended gain is 28-40 pounds for underweight women, 25 to 35 pounds for those at a healthy weight, 15 to 25 pounds if overweight, or 11 to 20 pounds if obese. Research suggests that pregnant women who exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day tend to gain less weight and hold onto less of that weight post-pregnancy. So women should discuss weight gain goals with their doctor, as well as the types and amount of exercise safe for them during pregnancy.
Q: How can I be sure my baby is getting enough from breastfeeding? My mother keeps telling me I should "supplement" with formula, too.
A: In most cases, experts advise not to feed a baby formula while getting breastfeeding established, because this can decrease baby's demand for breast milk and end up reducing mother's milk supply. Ask your baby's doctor if your baby is growing at a healthy rate. It is quite normal for babies to lose weight during the first week after birth, but then should be consistently gaining. Growth rate of breastfed babies is typically a bit slower than that of babies fed only formula, and research now suggests this may be a healthier pattern. For the first few days, mothers produce thick, immune-boosting colostrum rather than regular milk. After that, expect your baby to wet five to six disposable, or six to eight cloth, diapers daily. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, besides the number of wet diapers, another sign that your baby is getting enough milk is acting satisfied after each feeding. At first, your baby may have two to over five bowel movements daily, but then it is quite normal to reduce to two or fewer daily. Feed your baby as often as he or she wants to feed, which will change with growth spurts, but is usually at least eight times a day. Let your baby nurse until satisfied, often 10 to 20 minutes per breast. Your body produces breast milk based on demand, so if you think your baby needs more milk, boost production by adding extra feeding times daily. Also, make sure you are getting adequate rest and drinking enough water. And not only does smoking let harmful chemicals into your breast milk, it also reduces your milk supply; so if you've been a smoker, this is a fabulous reason to quit. If you have questions, or think your baby is having trouble getting the hang of this, contact a lactation (breastfeeding) consultant at your local hospital or the La Leche league in your community or online.
