Breastfeeding Helps Your Heart

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one killer of women. Therefore, your heart is a very most important muscle to you. Furthermore, moms need to stay healthy by getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, getting sleep, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Additionally, breastfeeding moms need to take good care of their heart. Breastfeeding your baby can lower your risk of heart attacks later in life. In fact, by breastfeeding, after pregnancy, pounds start to come off because you are breastfeeding your baby therefore, you are lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.Eating healthy is important to help reduce strain on your heart. Start with a good breakfast, which may consist of a protein and good carbohydrates such as oatmeal. By the way, oatmeal is good for milk production. I recommend this to my new mom's while breastfeeding. For the rest of the day, eat balanced meals and healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins such as skinless chicken or fish. I see new moms have a basket nearby filled with healthy snacks such as granola bars or anything you like.Eat healthy carbohydrates such as brown rice or whole wheat bread. Remember, while breastfeeding, you are burning off 500 additional calories daily. The heart, like every other muscle in the body, needs exercise. When you go for your six weeks check up after delivery, speak to your doctor and find out what is the best way to begin a moderate exercise program. I tell many of my patients to begin by walking around their block with their new baby. Walking is good for you and good for your baby. You both can get fresh air. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels in your body. Slowly increase your exercise according to your doctor's guidelines. Try to stay away from stress. I know having a baby can bring new mom a lot of stress and anxiety. I have given birth eight times so that's the reason why I know how all you new moms feel out there.However, you need to take time for yourself because you are important. You need to be able to take a warm bath, read a good book, do something you like, get a nap, go out with some friends for a lunch date alone , get a good massage... I go to many homes a try to help relax the new moms so breastfeeding can go well. After all, being stressed out can diminish your milk supply. If you feel better, take a nap with your baby close by. Try to do skin to skin with your baby to help relax yourself. In conclusion, the longer you can breastfeed your baby, the greater the benefits for your body. Take breastfeeding one month at a time. Remember, moms have a secret weapon when it comes to reducing cardiovascular or heart disease. This weapon is breastfeeding.Breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing heat disease. Breastfeeding burns calories, helping moms lose their postpartum weight faster. Good luck and enjoy breastfeeding your baby.