Expert: Julie Love., LPN, CBC - 10/10/2009

Question
Hi, I've been told my my OB and Pediatrician that I should not breastfeed due to some medications I am on which I understand. However I have friends who are telling me I need to pump and just dump it out for the first month to lose baby weight. Is there any truth to this and does it have any benefits to the mom to do so? I know this sounds very vain, I really didn't think about it before but I've been told by several people to do this. Please advise. Thank you. 30 weeks pregnant right now. Thanks!

Answer
Hello,

That is an interesting question that I have never been asked before! I would suggest speaking with a lactation consultant about the medications you are on. If you are on them during your pregnancy, I don't know why you wouldn't be able to breastfeed. The reason weight is lost by breastfeeding is because breastfeeding burns calories. I guess if you pumped you would burn calories, and possibly lose weight. But if able, breastfeeding would be better for both you and the baby.

You said that you've been told by several people to pump and dump to lose weight, I am wondering if they only did this to lose weight and did not actually breastfeed their baby? Support for breastfeeding is out there, such as le leche league, the internet, in your ob office. I encourage you to get another opinion on your medications. I work in an OB/GYN office and you would be surprised at how little the doctors know about breastfeeding.