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.

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