How to Gain Weight While Nursing

Many nursing mothers are thrilled with the amount of weight they lose while breastfeeding; nevertheless, not every new mom wants or needs to lose weight. If you dropped pounds while pregnant due to morning sickness or if the first few months of nursing have taken a toll on your weight, you may be looking for a way to gain weight. It is extremely important to be cautious of gaining weight while nursing as your nutrient consumption can affect the health of your baby.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. She will be able to recommend a vitamin or supplement that will assist you with gaining weight. If you opt for an over-the-counter (OTC) aide to gain, speak with a pharmacist first as certain ingredients may be harmful to your baby.

• 2

  Determine your caloric needs. According to breastfeeding.com, nursing your baby burns over 600 calories each day. You can determine the amount of calories you need to maintain your weight based on your height and activity level at caloriecontrol.org. Add 600 calories to your maintenance weight to cover the amount you lose breastfeeding. If you want to gain a pound each week, add another 500 calories to the total.

• 3

  Change your diet. A desire to gain weight doesn't mean you should eat unhealthy foods such as cookies and soft drinks. Eat a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. Complex carbohydrates provide your body with the energy it needs to care for a new baby. Consume extra lean protein which will help you build muscle. According to everydiet.org, red meats such as flank steak are an excellent choice for weight gain. Cook your food in heart-healthy olive oil and eat nuts for your daily fat allowances.

• 4

  Invest in whey protein. If you feel like you are not getting enough protein, purchase protein powder for shakes. Protein powder manufacturers suggest mixing the product with water; however, you can combine protein powder with milk for the extra calories.