Does breastfeeding help postpartum belly?

The Connection Between Breastfeeding and Postpartum Belly
The postpartum period, which typically lasts from six to eight weeks after childbirth, is a crucial time for mothers as their bodies begin to return to a pre-pregnant state. One of the common concerns during this phase is the persistence of the postpartum belly, a condition that many new mothers experience. A significant factor that can influence the reduction of this belly is breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Caloric Expenditure
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the infant but also plays a vital role in the mother’s recovery and weight management. Research indicates that breastfeeding mothers can burn approximately 500 calories per day. This caloric expenditure occurs because the body utilizes stored calories from pregnancy to produce milk, which can aid in weight loss and help shrink the postpartum belly. This natural process of calorie burning can be a significant advantage for mothers looking to regain their pre-pregnancy figures.
Long-Term Weight Management
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond immediate postpartum recovery. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can contribute to long-term weight loss and reduce the likelihood of retaining pregnancy-related weight. This is particularly important as failure to lose this weight can lead to obesity and associated health issues later in life. The act of breastfeeding encourages a healthier metabolism and can help mothers manage their weight more effectively during the first year postpartum.
Psychological and Physical Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits, breastfeeding can also have psychological advantages. It fosters a bond between mother and child, which can enhance emotional well-being during a time that may be fraught with challenges, including postpartum depression. This emotional connection can motivate mothers to engage in healthier lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, which further supports the reduction of the postpartum belly.
Realistic Expectations
However, it is essential for new mothers to maintain realistic expectations regarding their postpartum bodies. The journey to losing the postpartum belly can vary significantly from one individual to another. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices all play a role in how quickly a mother may return to her pre-pregnancy shape. Experts advise against comparing oneself to others, emphasizing that each mother’s experience is unique.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding can indeed help in reducing the postpartum belly by promoting caloric expenditure and supporting long-term weight management. While it is a beneficial practice for both mother and child, new mothers should approach their postpartum recovery with patience and self-compassion, recognizing that the journey to reclaiming their bodies is a personal one.

Is it easier to lose weight after breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding makes your body burn calories which helps you lose weight. If you are patient, you may be surprised at how much weight you lose naturally while breastfeeding.

Does postpartum saggy belly go away?

See how it’s treated. You gain weight over 9+ months of pregnancy, so it’s normal to take 9+ months to get back your pre-pregnancy body after your baby is born. However, a belly bulge that doesn’t go away for months after delivery can be a sign of diastasis recti—a separation of your abdominal muscles.

Will I lose more weight after breastfeeding?

Compared to women who did not breastfeed or breastfed non-exclusively, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months resulted in 3.2 pounds (95% CI: 1.4,4.7) greater weight loss at 12 months postpartum, a 6.0-percentage-point increase (95% CI: 2.3,9.7) in the probability of returning to the same or lower BMI category …

Does breastfeeding flatten the stomach?

Breastfeeding helps in losing belly fat as it burns extra calories, which can help you lose pregnancy weight. It also triggers the release of hormones that help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Do breasts get less saggy after breastfeeding?

Your breasts may or may not return to their pre-breastfeeding size or shape. Some women’s breasts stay large, and others shrink. But sagging or staying full can be as much a result of genetics, weight gain during pregnancy, and age as a result of breastfeeding.

What causes a saggy belly after pregnancy?

Weight Gain: During pregnancy, it is common to gain weight, which can stretch the skin even further. If a woman does not lose the extra weight after giving birth, the loose skin may remain. Genetics: Some women are more prone to loose skin after pregnancy due to genetic factors.

Does breastfeeding reduce postpartum belly?

Breastfeeding. Yes, you heard that right! Just feeding your baby can help you burn around 500 calories a day, it is one of the most natural ways to lose belly fat after pregnancy. Breastfeeding aids in the shrinking of the uterus, with the release of the oxytocin hormone, which causes contraction of the muscles.

How do I fix my hanging belly after pregnancy?

A tummy tuck can help with a hanging belly by getting rid of the loose skin and attached fat that is left behind after pregnancy. Therefore, tummy tuck after c-section or natural birth is an ideal cosmetic surgery for women who have moderate to severe skin laxity in the abdomen.

How can I flatten my postpartum belly?

6 Get-Your-Body-Back Moves After Childbirth

1. Walking.
2. Deep Belly Breathing With Abdominal Contraction.
3. Head Lifts, Shoulder Lifts, and Curl-Ups.
4. Kneeling Pelvic Tilt.
5. Kegels.
6. Bonus Workouts for You and Your Baby.

Does breastfeeding help postpartum body?

Faster recovery: New moms’ bodies recover from pregnancy and childbirth faster when they breastfeed and their “baby weight” drops more quickly, too. Women who breastfeed have less postpartum blood loss and their uterus goes back to its normal size and position in the abdominal cavity much quicker.