
04/08/2025
🍼 Breastfeeding & weight loss: The baby weight just melts off while breastfeeding – is that really true?
🔍 The truth:
✅ Yes, breastfeeding burns around 300–500 calories a day.
❌ But weight loss isn’t guaranteed, and here’s why:
Hormones at play
Prolactin (milk production hormone) can increase appetite and slow fat metabolism.
Body fat storage
Your body may hold onto fat, especially around hips & thighs, to protect milk supply.
Sleep & stress
Sleepless nights = high cortisol = slower weight loss
Nutrient priorities
Strict dieting? Your body may resist fat loss to protect your milk quality.
💡 What you can do:
🧘♀️ Move gently: Walking, postnatal yoga, or short stretches.
🥗 Focus on nutrient-rich meals, not fewer calories.
💧 Hydrate and get support – physically & emotionally.
👩⚕️ Bottom line:
Your body is healing, feeding, and adapting.
Fat loss might come later and that’s okay.
You’re doing something incredible.