The Truth About Your Body After Baby

You Need to Eat More If You're Nursing

False. The calories for your breast milk are mostly coming from your body reserves. (Think: That extra cushion you put on your hips during pregnancy!) You should aim for one to two pounds of weight loss a week, until you hit your target weight. If you find that you are losing more than two pounds a week, you may need to add an extra snack to your day to slow weight loss down. "It is important that you focus on eating a complete diet, because the vitamins and minerals from the food you eat will get pumped into your breast milk," says Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, a lecturer at Arizona State University. "Focus on eating regularly with plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein, and check with your doctor about continuing your prenatal vitamin while you are breastfeeding."