Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hoodia Side Effects: Is Hoodia Safe When Breastfeeding?
If you are a new mom you are probably ready to lose the weight and get your pre-pregnancy figure back. Diet pills that promise quick and easy weight loss can surely be tempting. One such diet pill is hoodia. Although there are virtually no hoodia side effects with this diet pill, it is still strongly advised that you avoid taking hoodia if you are breastfeeding.
If you are a breastfeeding mom you should delay starting hoodia until after your baby is weaned. Granted, there aren't any reports or reasons to back up this advice. In fact, the evidence suggests that authentic hoodia should be safe for most healthy individuals. Yet, breastfeeding moms are warned against taking it. I have a couple theories why that might be.
Since hoodia works to suppress the appetite, it is only reasonable to believe that if it passes into your breast milk your baby's appetite may be suppressed too. Since a baby needs all the nourishment she can get, the last thing a baby should feel is "full" when she isn't. A baby needs all the nourishment she can hold so she can grow healthy.
A breastfeeding mom needs to keep her own health in mind. She needs a lot of nourishment and calories to keep her body strong and healthy. Taking an appetite suppressant like hoodia can make a women feel full. This means she will eat less and she will not receive the nourishment and calories she needs to stay healthy and breastfeed.
One of the easiest ways a breastfeeding mom can get back into shape is to walk. Put the baby in her stroller and take a walk with her each day. You can increase the duration and pace of the walk as time passes and you become stronger. It's important that you stay hydrated when you are breastfeeding. Dehydration is not a good thing for breastfeeding moms so be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you walk.
Another option to jump start weight loss is to take a class. Talk with your doctor, or check at your local hospital, to see if there are any exercise groups available for new moms. Many times you will find classes where you can take your baby along, too. These are like "mom and me" exercise classes.
Taking diet pills when you are breastfeeding isn't a good idea. The good news is that as long as you continue to breastfeed your metabolism is naturally increased. So, in all actuality, you don't need weight loss supplements right now. Breastfeeding is naturally revving up your engine.
Hearing how many women are finding weight loss success with hoodia and having no side effects can be tempting, but do what's best for your baby and hold off until after you are done breastfeeding. Your baby won't breastfeed forever. Eating right and moderate exercise is the best thing for you and your baby right now.





