How much weight can I lose by 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 between 500 to 700 calories per day. This significant caloric expenditure is primarily due to the energy required to produce milk. For instance, during the first two months postpartum, exclusive breastfeeding can burn approximately 595 calories daily, increasing to about 695 calories as the baby grows .
Despite this potential for calorie burning, 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 often a reflection of the body’s natural adjustments post-pregnancy rather than a rapid shedding of pounds.
Initial Weight Loss After Birth
It’s important to note that many women experience an initial weight loss of around 10 to 17 pounds shortly after giving birth. This immediate loss includes the weight of the baby, placenta, and excess fluids . However, the subsequent weight loss through breastfeeding tends to be more gradual and can be influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and individual metabolism.
Long-Term Weight Loss Trends
Over time, studies suggest that breastfeeding mothers may lose more weight compared to those who do not breastfeed. However, some research indicates that the difference in weight loss between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers may not be as pronounced as commonly believed. In fact, many women only manage to lose about 86% of the weight gained during pregnancy within the first six months postpartum.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding can contribute to weight loss by burning additional calories, the amount of weight lost varies significantly among individuals. New mothers can expect a modest weight loss of one to two pounds per month, with the potential for greater loss over time, especially when combined with a balanced diet and physical activity. Ultimately, the journey of postpartum weight loss is unique for each mother, influenced by a myriad of factors beyond just breastfeeding.

Will I lose weight faster if I breastfeed?

Women who breastfed exclusively for at least 3 months had a 1.3-pound (0.59 kg) (95% CI: 0.2,2.5 pounds, p<0.05) greater weight loss at 6 months postpartum, relative to those who did not breastfed or breastfed non-exclusively.

How much exercise is breastfeeding equivalent to?

Calories burned during breastfeeding is equivalent to:
Sprint 45 minutes. Tennis 75 minutes. Yoga 3 hours.

How much weight can I lose in 1 month by drinking hot water?

However, it may help with digestion🙏 Hot water aids digestion. Drinking hot water after a meal can help detoxify. So, you can give it a try and maybe it will work for you; but no, hot water does not make you lose weight.

Do you lose weight faster when you breastfeed?

Breastfeeding may promote postpartum weight loss, due to the caloric expenditures required for lactation (Dewey, 1997) or metabolic changes that are favorable to weight loss (Stuebe and Rich-Edwards, 2009).

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.

How long does it take to lose 30 pounds while breastfeeding?

Therefore, breastfeeding mothers who gained the recommended 25–35 pounds (11.5–16 kg) during pregnancy should be able to lose this weight within the first 6–8 months postpartum ( 13 ). However, many nursing mothers take longer than this interval to shed their baby weight.

How much weight does a breastfed baby lose?

found that the breastfed infant loses an average of 6.6% of birth weight prior to beginning weight gain at an average of 2.7 days, and more than 10% of exclusively breastfed infants lose ≥10% of birth weight. Similar results have been reported in other studies.

How to lose 20 pounds in a month while breastfeeding?

How to Lose 20 Pounds While Breast-feeding

1. Breastfeed as often as the baby shows hunger cues and avoid giving the infant formula.
2. Decrease your caloric intake to around 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day.
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
4. Exercise for 30 minutes or more, on most days of the week.

Does breastfeeding help flatten your 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.

Can you lose weight faster by breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding may promote postpartum weight loss, due to the caloric expenditures required for lactation (Dewey, 1997) or metabolic changes that are favorable to weight loss (Stuebe and Rich-Edwards, 2009).