When I was pregnant with my first child, I packed on over 40 pounds. It wasn’t just the baby and water weight; it was a substantial amount. After giving birth, I found myself still carrying 25 extra pounds on my petite 5-foot-2 frame, and I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. Everyone told me that breastfeeding would make the weight just “fall off.”
I reminisce about a conversation I had with my friend, Linda, who was nursing her little girl. “I burn 500 calories a day just from breastfeeding!” she exclaimed. She looked incredible — slim and confident — just weeks after giving birth. But that wasn’t my experience at all. I had all the breastfeeding symptoms, like leaking milk and feeling like a walking dairy factory, yet the pounds refused to budge. To make matters worse, I was constantly hungry. Seriously, I was starving! My pregnancy cravings had nothing on the ravenous appetite that came with nursing.
For the first nine months, my weight stubbornly remained unchanged. I wasn’t actively trying to lose weight, mainly because I felt so famished all the time. I would feel weak if I didn’t eat something every few hours. My exercise routine was limited to short walks to calm my fussy baby; I genuinely believed that the weight would simply disappear without any effort on my part.
It wasn’t until my son started eating solids and nursed less frequently that I began shedding some pounds. This only happened after I made a conscious effort to cut calories and incorporate exercise into my routine. The process was gradual, beginning when he was about nine months old. By the time he reached 18 months, I was actually lighter than I had been before my pregnancy, and yes, I was still nursing him.
Since that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless breastfeeding mothers, first as a volunteer breastfeeding counselor and later as a lactation consultant. I can assure you that while the idea of weight loss from breastfeeding isn’t a complete myth, the reality varies significantly from one woman to another.
I’ve seen mothers who can eat whatever they want and still lose weight effortlessly while nursing. They seem to defy logic, shedding pounds while indulging in all sorts of foods. In stark contrast, I’ve worked with mothers who gain a little weight while breastfeeding, often finding it difficult to lose the extra pounds until they wean their babies or those babies get older. Then, there are those like me, who can only begin to lose weight after their child grows older and their appetite decreases enough to allow for some calorie-cutting and exercise.
You may wonder why these differences exist. Well, it’s a complex biological issue. Each mother’s body responds uniquely to the hormonal changes and physical demands of breastfeeding. Factors such as how often and effectively the baby nurses — and whether they are nursing multiple babies — play a significant role. Lifestyle elements like stress, sleep, physical activity, and diet also contribute.
If you find yourself losing too much weight or gaining excess weight while breastfeeding, it may be wise to check your thyroid. Some women develop postpartum thyroiditis, which can disrupt your thyroid function and metabolism. While this condition may resolve on its own, consulting a healthcare provider is a smart move if you suspect anything is off.
For those of you who, like me, have to implement some lifestyle changes to lose weight, the good news is that most adjustments are safe while continuing to breastfeed. Extreme dieting methods, like liquid diets, and very low-carb diets are typically discouraged. However, you can gradually reduce calorie intake and adopt a sensible eating plan. Just be mindful of your body’s needs during this process. The same applies to exercise.
Above all, remember that every mother is unique, and if you’re one of those who finds the notion of weight loss while breastfeeding to be a myth, rest assured that you are not alone. The weight will come off in time, and honestly, the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond just shedding pounds.
There’s something wonderfully comforting about having a bit of softness around you for your little one. I believe our cushy bodies serve a purpose — they create the perfect nursing nest. And trust me, your baby loves you just as you are, and that’s the memory that will stick with you long after the weight issue fades into the background.
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Summary:
Breastfeeding does not guarantee immediate weight loss for all mothers. Experiences vary widely based on individual biology, lifestyle, and how the body responds to nursing. While some mothers may lose weight effortlessly, others may struggle or even gain weight during breastfeeding. It’s essential to understand that every journey is unique, and weight loss will come with time for many. The focus should be on the numerous benefits of breastfeeding and the deep bond it fosters with your baby.