How much weight can I lose breastfeeding?

The Weight Loss Potential of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often touted as a natural way for new mothers to shed the pounds gained during pregnancy. However, the reality of weight loss while breastfeeding can be more nuanced than many expect.
Caloric Burn and Weight Loss Rates
Research indicates that breastfeeding can burn a significant number of calories—typically between 500 to 700 calories per day. This caloric expenditure is primarily due to the energy required to produce milk, which increases as the baby grows. In the early months, exclusive breastfeeding can burn around 595 calories daily, rising to approximately 695 calories as the infant matures .
Despite this substantial caloric burn, the actual weight loss experienced by breastfeeding mothers can vary widely. On average, mothers may lose one to two pounds per month while exclusively breastfeeding . This gradual weight loss is generally considered safe and sustainable, allowing mothers to focus on their recovery and the well-being of their newborns.
The Weight Loss Journey Post-Pregnancy
It’s important to note that many women only lose about 86% of the weight gained during pregnancy within the first six months postpartum. This statistic highlights that while breastfeeding can aid in weight loss, it is not a guaranteed or rapid solution. Some studies even suggest that there may be little difference in weight loss between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers.
For those looking to lose weight while breastfeeding, a slow and steady approach is recommended. Aiming for a loss of about one pound per week or four pounds per month is considered a safe target. This method not only supports the mother’s health but also ensures that milk production remains stable, as drastic calorie reductions can negatively impact milk supply.
Timing and Considerations
New mothers are advised to wait until their baby is at least two months old before making significant dietary changes or attempting to lose weight. This waiting period allows for the establishment of a stable milk supply and recovery from childbirth.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding can facilitate weight loss, the process is gradual and varies from person to person. Mothers should prioritize their health and their baby’s needs, focusing on a balanced diet and moderate exercise rather than rapid weight loss.

When does breastfeeding weight loss peak?

In the Stockholm cohort, Ohlin and Rossner,23 similarly reported that greater duration and intensity of breast-feeding were associated with more weight loss from 2.5 to 6 months after delivery; however, overall weight loss from 2.5 to 12 months was similar, regardless of breast-feeding status.

How much exercise is breastfeeding equivalent to?

Just another monday mamas… ⁠ A study recently showed that the metabolic energy needed to #breastfeed a baby each day is equivalent to the amount you’d use to walk seven miles. ⁠ Every single day. ⁠ For weeks, months, and even years. ⁠ For me, it was 10 years straight of breastfeeding – sometimes tandem.

What is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age.

How to lose 50 pounds while breastfeeding?

Aim to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while minimizing empty carbohydrates and junk food. For some, consuming 1800 calories/day does not allow much room for weight loss via cutting calories however, you can pair dieting with exercise to promote weight loss at a safe pace.

Will I gain weight after I stop breastfeeding?

Thanks to biological and behavioral changes, it’s totally normal to gain weight when you stop breastfeeding. “It’s really common that women will stop breastfeeding and their weight goes up,” G. Thomas Ruiz, M.D., an ob/gyn at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SELF.

What causes rapid weight loss after pregnancy?

After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. During pregnancy, hormones like estrogen and progesterone are at their peak. Postpartum, these hormone levels drop sharply, affecting various bodily functions, including metabolism. This sudden hormonal change can lead to weight loss.

Do you lose weight faster if you breastfeed?

It is unclear whether breastfeeding leads to increased postpartum weight loss. We estimate effects of breastfeeding for 3 months on postpartum weight loss. Exclusive breastfeeding led to a small increase in postpartum weight loss. Non-exclusive breastfeeding did not significantly affect postpartum weight loss.

How many calories do I burn breastfeeding 3 times a day?

She adds that if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you could burn around 500 to 700 calories a day. But if you’re breastfeeding part-time, you might only burn 250 to 400 calories a day.

How long does it take to lose 20 pounds while breastfeeding?

It could take six to nine months, or even a year or more, to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy, depending on how much you gained. Some women never completely shed their weight. It’s normal to lose roughly 13 pounds after giving birth.

Can I lose 10 pounds in a month while breastfeeding?

On average, exclusively breastfeeding mothers may see a loss of 1-2 pounds a month and over time, breastfeeding moms tend to lose more weight than mothers who do not breastfeed (Dewey, Heinig & Nommsen, 1993).