Why you are not losing weight while breastfeeding
The idea that breastfeeding will help you lose weight post partum is often said to help encourage new mums to breastfeed. This may be the case for some but not always all. There is of course nothing wrong with actively encouraging breastfeeding for these reasons but you should never be disheartened if it isn’t the case for you. .
Every body will respond to post partum and breastfeeding differently, first and foremost know that breastfeeding has so many incredible benefits to mum and baby that go beyond simply weight loss.
If you are breastfeeding with the hopes of weight loss attached to it there’s a few things you need to consider before having too much of an expectation.
1) HORMONES - prolactin is a hormone responsible for lactating and producing our milk supply. It’s job is to ensure there is a supply that meets baby’s needs. Research shows that higher levels of prolactin (we have up to 10x more while breastfeeding) can reduce fat metabolism. (Links for studies can be found on my blog)
2) You need to have energy in to fuel your body and keep up supply. The exact number of calories required to create milk for baby isn’t certain but you can expect approx 500 calories per day for the first couple of months if exclusively breastfeeding once your milk supply has come in. This number of course will rely on frequency of feeding, baby’s weight gain and size. It’s important especially in the early months to replenish this energy lost through good nutritious food to keep your supply up and maintain your own energy levels and recovery. Please do not be concerned about a calorie deficit - there will be time in the near future if this is your goal but please consider your energy balance.
3) Your activity level. If like me you were fairly active before children it’s worth considering the reduction of movement and workouts. There’s no denying a day with little ones is hectic and full on but your daily output may be lower than before and just like the above THIS IS PERFECTLY FINE AND NORMAL. Your recovery and energy balance is what’s important right now.
4) You’ve put too much pressure on yourself. There’s no denying that the pressure to ‘get your body back’ is intense but it really isn’t necessary. Do not set your expectations against anyone else’s journey. We are all unique and will handle our post partum and breastfeeding journeys differently.
There is no need to rush, for most new breastfeeding mums our journeys will last approximately 6 months. This is a small amount of time to really focus on yours and your baby’s wellbeing.
Juggling too much too soon is a recipe for disaster, changes are you are already struggling with lack of sleep, lifestyle adjustment and the beautiful but challenging journey of breastfeeding. Weight loss can weight with the priority being your wellbeing.
References
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402092859.htm