During my first pregnancy, I packed on over 40 pounds—not just from the baby or water retention. After my little one arrived, I found myself with an extra 25 pounds on my petite 5-foot-2 frame. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but I was breastfeeding, and I’d heard the common belief that nursing would help the weight just disappear.
I vividly recall a conversation with a friend who was breastfeeding her daughter. “I burn 500 calories a day just from nursing!” she exclaimed, and she was thin and glamorous just weeks after giving birth. But my experience was quite different. Sure, I had the ample bosom, and I was a milk machine, leaking and spraying everywhere, but the pounds didn’t budge. Plus, my hunger skyrocketed! I thought I was ravenous during pregnancy, but breastfeeding made it ten times worse.
For the first nine months postpartum, I didn’t lose a single ounce. I didn’t even try too hard, as I was constantly hungry—lightheaded if I didn’t snack every few hours. My exercise routine was limited to brief walks with my fussy baby. I held onto the belief that my weight would simply melt away.
It wasn’t until my son started eating solids and nursing less that I began to lose weight, and that only happened after I made a conscious effort to cut calories and introduce exercise. It was a gradual journey, but by the time he was 18 months old, I was slimmer than I had been before pregnancy, even while still nursing.
Throughout my journey, I have worked with countless breastfeeding mothers as a volunteer counselor and later as a lactation consultant. I’ve seen that the link between breastfeeding and weight loss varies dramatically from one woman to another. Some mothers do find that nursing helps them shed pounds effortlessly; they can eat anything and still lose weight. Others, however, may actually gain weight while breastfeeding, often not losing any until they stop nursing or their babies become older.
There are also mothers like me, who must wait until their little ones grow older to manage their appetite and begin cutting calories or exercising. Why the differences? It all boils down to how each woman’s body responds to the hormones and demands of breastfeeding, combined with factors like how often and effectively the baby nurses, as well as lifestyle choices such as stress, sleep, activity level, and diet.
In some extreme cases of unexpected weight changes, it may be wise to check your thyroid. Some women develop postpartum thyroiditis after childbirth, which affects how the thyroid regulates body systems, including metabolism. If you suspect any issues, it’s worth getting checked.
For those of you in the same boat as I was, know that you can make safe dietary and lifestyle adjustments while breastfeeding. While quick fixes like liquid diets are not advisable, you can reduce your calorie intake or try a sensible diet plan. Just be sure to do it gradually, listening to your body’s needs along the way. Exercise can also be beneficial!
Most importantly, remember that every mother’s journey is unique. If you find that breastfeeding doesn’t lead to weight loss for you, rest assured you are not alone. It will happen eventually, and breastfeeding offers many more advantages than just weight loss.
And let’s not forget the beauty of having a little softness for your tiny baby. Our squishy bodies can serve as perfect nursing pillows! Your baby loves you just the way you are, and that’s what you’ll cherish the most—not the numbers on the scale.
For more insights on the journey of parenthood, check out this privacy policy and learn about home insemination kits from Make A Mom. For an understanding of the IVF process, this resource is excellent.
Summary:
Breastfeeding does not guarantee weight loss for all mothers; experiences vary greatly. While some women shed pounds effortlessly, others may struggle or even gain weight during this period. Factors such as hormonal responses, nursing frequency, and lifestyle choices all play a role. It’s important to make gradual dietary and exercise changes if needed, while remembering that every mother’s experience is valid.