Breastfeeding and Post-Partum Weight Loss
December 15, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under advantages of breastfeeding, breastfeeding, scientific studies
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined weight gained during pregnancy and the elimination or retention of that weight postpartum. The authors concluded that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as recommended can help most women return to their pre-pregnancy weight by six months postpartum. The study also addressed one of the concerns from a previous review of similar studies in that it took into account the pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) of the women studied. Basically it concluded that women who were heavier before pregnancy were the most likely to continue to struggle with weight postpartum. The study also concluded that exclusive breastfeeding resulted in lower postpartum weight retention in all women. Women who gained a reasonable amount of weight during pregnancy and breastfed exclusively for the first six months were likely to return to prepregnancy weight by six months postpartum. According to WebMD, researchers estimated that women who breastfeed retain 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) less than women who don’t breastfeed at six months after giving birth.
Thanks to Mama Knows Breast for highlighting this study!
Photo of scale by peter_w.
I know I lost the weight with my first child easier than my second. I breastfed both exclusively. I just attributed it it to my first being a June baby and we were out taking walks more than my second, a September baby.
I’m hoping that nursing will help to bring me closer to a healthier weight. I more than returned to my pre-pregnancy after delivery seeing as I only gained a net of two pounds.
Not that it was from a lack of eating. I gained weight after I delivered my first and I’d like to not do that again.
I am 6 months and 3 week post partum. I breast fed exclusively for 6 months. I have ceased breast feeding 3 weeks ago. Since three months after having the baby I am 14 pounds heavier than my pre pregnancy weight. I walk every day since two weeks post partum for 5/6 miles. I am very careful to only eat healthy food, as I was pre-pregnancy. My level of exercise is increased from before I had the baby. I just can’t understand why my weight gain has not decreased at all despite my best efforts. Any ideas anyone? Anything else I should be doing? Also since stopping breast feeding my breast have lost all their firmness. Will they now be permantely like that or will they change?