Learning How To Detox While Breastfeeding isn’t complicated, but does take the right kind of training.
It is normal to put on some extra weight when you’re pregnant. Even after giving birth and extensive breastfeeding, your body may not get back immediately by weight loss. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, you may be wondering when you’ll be able to lose weight and fit into your old clothes again.
One of the fastest ways to make this happen is by going on a detox. However, how safe is it for you and your baby to detox when breastfeeding? If you are looking to lose the extra baby weight, here are all the things you should keep in mind before you start.
Is it a good idea & safe to detox while breastfeeding?
A detox or cleanse boosts your liver and kidney functions, which are the body’s natural detoxifying agents. That means that your body is regularly detoxifying itself and getting rid of toxins present; between taking care of a baby and finding enough time to do other things, going on a detox when breastfeeding may not be the best idea. Most detoxes are too liquid-based, which may leave you malnourished and unable to take care of yourself and the baby altogether.
Learn more on how to dry up breast milk supply without getting mastitis
Common detoxes
- Colon cleanse while breastfeeding
- Saltwater flush while breastfeeding – treats bloating, constipation, and also helps in detoxifying the colon.
- Master cleanse while breastfeeding – you intake a lemonade drink containing lemons, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water made at home instead of eating them. Your lemonade drink needs to be followed with a laxative like saltwater or tea to help your body get rid of toxins.
However, most medics do not recommend these methods when trying to detox when breastfeeding.
How to go on a detox safely while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding requires at least 400-500 extra calories a day, including protein, fat, and fluids, to make enough breast milk for the baby. While this might make it very difficult to properly detox, this is how you can do it safely while breastfeeding without affecting milk supply for the baby:
The first thing you need to ensure that you always stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Breast milk is 90% water, and your baby takes in most of the fluids you take in. When detoxing, these need to be replaced so that all the toxins in your body can be flushed away.
You’re required healthy eating and more food when breastfeeding, so ensure that your diet contains lots of organic fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. It will reduce toxins from getting into your body from food and increase the good bacteria for better gut health.
You can also add fermented foods, bone broth, and vitamin supplements to your diet, based on your doctor’s advice. Please note that it is okay to keep taking your prenatal vitamins as they have vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and probiotics that will support you throughout breastfeeding.
Also, ensure that you skip all processed foods, sugars, and coffee since they increase your body’s toxins. You can also cut grains, legumes, and dairy from your diet, as long as you replace these calories with the recommended foods.
Rest is also a huge component of a great detox as it allows your body’s digestive system to catch a break while your liver and kidneys do the cleanup work. Even though it may be difficult with a newborn baby around, try to make sure that you get six to eight hours of sleep daily.
You can also try oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic detox practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for a set amount of time and then spitting it out. It also improves hormonal imbalances, dental hygiene, allergies, skin breakouts, and headaches. You can use coconut oil or any good quality oil for oil pulling.
Detox when breastfeeding may seem impossible, but it involves a delicate balance of knowing what to do to get the maximum benefit for you and your baby.
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Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
