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How much weight did you lose breastfeeding?

The Weight Loss Journey Through 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 during this period can vary significantly among individuals.
Initial Weight Loss Postpartum
Many women experience a notable weight drop immediately after giving birth. On average, new mothers may lose around 10 pounds right after delivery, with additional weight loss occurring in the first week postpartum. This initial loss is primarily due to the expulsion of the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid.
Ongoing Weight Loss While Breastfeeding
For those who choose to breastfeed, the process can contribute to further weight loss. Research indicates that exclusively breastfeeding mothers typically lose about one to two pounds per month . This gradual weight loss is often attributed to the increased caloric expenditure associated with breastfeeding, which can burn between 500 to 700 calories per day.
Long-Term Weight Loss Trends
While breastfeeding can aid in weight loss, studies show that many women only manage to lose up to 86% of the weight gained during pregnancy within the first six months postpartum. Interestingly, some research suggests that there may be little difference in weight loss between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers over time.
Individual Experiences
Personal experiences with weight loss during breastfeeding can vary widely. For instance, some mothers report significant weight loss, with one individual noting a loss of 60 pounds over nine months while breastfeeding, despite maintaining a high-calorie diet. This highlights the role of individual metabolism and lifestyle factors in the weight loss journey.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding can facilitate weight loss, the extent of this loss is influenced by various factors, including individual metabolism, dietary habits, and the duration of breastfeeding. New mothers should approach weight loss with patience, focusing on gradual changes rather than drastic measures, to ensure both their health and that of their baby.

Does pumping burn the same calories as breastfeeding?

Since a breast pump mimics a baby sucking at the breast, your body responds similarly when it comes to the metabolic response. But while both pumping and breastfeeding burn calories, breastfeeding tends to be more efficient and therefore moms who breastfeed do it more often, burning more calories in the long run.

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 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.

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 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.

Can breastfeeding cause rapid weight loss?

There have been numerous studies on breastfeeding and weight change, though the results are inconclusive. Many factors, such as pre-pregnancy weight, diet and physical activity level, could impact weight loss after giving birth. On average, exclusively breastfeeding mothers may see a loss of 1 to 2 pounds per month.

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.

How to lose 50 pounds while breastfeeding?

8 Healthy Ways To Lose Weight While Breastfeeding

  1. Drinking plenty of water every day.
  2. Getting as much sleep as you can.
  3. Eating a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
  4. Incorporating moderate exercise into your daily routine.

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 do you lose by breastfeeding?

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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