Can breastfeeding really help with weightloss?

**patricias213** · 09-12-2007, 01:13 AM

I plan to breastfeed even more eager to do so since ive read that it helps with weightloss but some have said it didnt help them. Has anyone actually breastfed and lost weight doing so?

**JubesInquest** · 09-12-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricias213

I plan to breastfeed even more eager to do so since ive read that it helps with weightloss but some have said it didnt help them. Has anyone actually breastfed and lost weight doing so?

No, I never did... but each woman is different.
It may help with weightloss for you, Patricias! It may work well for you... but go right on ahead and do your breastfeed-thing! LOL! It's better for the baby anyway... So many benefits associated with the natural way of feeding babies.

I do encourage you go ahead with breastfeeding. They also say it helps get your tummy shrinking quicker, too.

andi78 · 09-26-2007, 09:48 AM

I breastfed both of my kids and I never really lost much. The reason they say it helps you to loose weight is because your body uses extra calories to make the milk. You also need to take in more calories (around 500 I think) in order to keep your milk production at an optimal level. I think weight loss will depend more on activity and diet.

Breastfeeding might help you to loose a few pounds. Just eat healthy and slowing bring some activity into your life and you'll be fine. Don't get too hung up on loosing weight right away. It can take a while for some people. My last child was born 6 years ago and I still have about 20-30 pounds to loose. I gained 80 with my first and 50 with my second!

I also would encourage you to breastfeed anyway. There are so many more benefits for you and the baby too. It's easier, you don't have to spend money on formula, it provides the antibodies the baby needs to fight infection and the list goes on . . .

Just do some searching on this topic. I know there is a ton of info out there.

I really liked this site when I was pregnant.
ePregnancy.com

or this one Pregnancy | Baby | Child | Mom | Advice Tips & Resources for Parents: Parenting

**kjersi** · 10-14-2007, 04:35 PM

i believe it does ...i have to kids the first one i breast feed and was skinnier than before i got pregnant in about 2 weeks..i was wearing littlecute outfits..but mysecond one i didnt breast feed and the weight still wont go away!!!!

**beautygirl** · 10-26-2007, 09:11 PM

Breastfeeding helps me lose some weight initially, but then I hit a plateau and don't lose the rest until the baby weans. This is my fourth baby and it has been the same thing every time.

**housewife** · 10-27-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricias213

I plan to breastfeed even more eager to do so since ive read that it helps with weightloss but some have said it didnt help them. Has anyone actually breastfed and lost weight doing so?

I have, I became so skinny while breastfeeding.
go for it , it is health for both of you.

**patricias213** · 10-27-2007, 11:57 PM

Thanks ladies!

Ive read that breastfeeding burns 200-500 calories too! So thats great, i also know women who had a hearty appetite while breastfeeding and didnt lose any weight. Im hoping after 2 months or so i can get back into the gym and go on a healthy diet.

lisa-marie · 11-01-2007, 08:22 AM

There are physical reasons for "losing weight" due to breast feeding. While the baby is nursing your uterus is actually contracting and this helps your belly go back to it's normal size. Now ...let's be realistic, if there is body fat...there will still be body fat. As you know and others have explained, clean eating, getting active and water and as much sleep as a new mom can have are all just as important. Breastfeeding is definitly the way to go. (too many reasons to get in to! but you've read them all I'm sure) Good Luck!

Lisa
(4 time Mom, health professional for over 20 yrs)
www.fitnessquestonline.com

**laney** · 11-01-2007, 09:13 AM

i think you should go for it their are so many benefits.other then the fact that it helped me loose weight it was a special bonding time for my child and i.your body has made the milk that has every thing in it your babys body needs and nothing she could be allergic to.we all want the best for our babbies.now,my son didnt want to latch on so after countless efforts i gave in and used formula.with my daughter she had no problem,i was exausted at first,but hung in and it payed off.they also say it makes for a healthier child.she naver gets ill or has any problems beside an ear ache now and then.BUT and i say BUT,it leaves you with nothing to look down at after you loose your weiight.my best friend couldnt have worded it better.when you look in the mirror this is what you see and i quote"it looks like someone has taken a long sock and put a ball in it".i had to share that i smile when i remember that moment.good luck

freda · 11-02-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricias213

I plan to breastfeed even more eager to do so since ive read that it helps with weightloss but some have said it didnt help them. Has anyone actually breastfed and lost weight doing so?

Hi!
I breastfeed all my 9 children (presently doing it with my youngest girl, she'll be one soon) and I think it does helps me with keeping my weight back but I also workout everyday for at least 30 mins. or so. One thing I notice though, I can never go on diet because I can't produce enough milk. One benefits for all my children, they're very healthy when they were babies and I enjoy the bonding

09-12-2007, 01:13 AM	#1
patricias213 WH Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 1,085 Blog Entries: 9	Can breastfeeding really help with weightloss? I plan to breastfeed even more eager to do so since ive read that it helps with weightloss but some have said it didnt help them. Has anyone actually breastfed and lost weight doing so?

09-26-2007, 09:48 AM	#3
andi78 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4	I breastfed both of my kids and I never really lost much. The reason they say it helps you to loose weight is because your body uses extra calories to make the milk. You also need to take in more calories (around 500 I think) in order to keep your milk production at an optimal level. I think weight loss will depend more on activity and diet. Breastfeeding might help you to loose a few pounds. Just eat healthy and slowing bring some activity into your life and you'll be fine. Don't get too hung up on loosing weight right away. It can take a while for some people. My last child was born 6 years ago and I still have about 20-30 pounds to loose. I gained 80 with my first and 50 with my second! I also would encourage you to breastfeed anyway. There are so many more benefits for you and the baby too. It's easier, you don't have to spend money on formula, it provides the antibodies the baby needs to fight infection and the list goes on . . . Just do some searching on this topic. I know there is a ton of info out there. I really liked this site when I was pregnant. ePregnancy.com or this one Pregnancy \| Baby \| Child \| Mom \| Advice Tips & Resources for Parents: Parenting Last edited by andi78; 09-26-2007 at 09:56 AM.

10-14-2007, 04:35 PM	#4
kjersi VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 55	it worked for me i believe it does ...i have to kids the first one i breast feed and was skinnier than before i got pregnant in about 2 weeks..i was wearing littlecute outfits..but mysecond one i didnt breast feed and the weight still wont go away!!!!

11-01-2007, 08:22 AM	#8
lisa-marie Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA area Posts: 4	There are physical reasons for "losing weight" due to breast feeding. While the baby is nursing your uterus is actually contracting and this helps your belly go back to it's normal size. Now ...let's be realistic, if there is body fat...there will still be body fat. As you know and others have explained, clean eating, getting active and water and as much sleep as a new mom can have are all just as important. Breastfeeding is definitly the way to go. (too many reasons to get in to! but you've read them all I'm sure) Good Luck! Lisa (4 time Mom, health professional for over 20 yrs) www.fitnessquestonline.com Last edited by lisa-marie; 11-01-2007 at 08:23 AM. Reason: signature

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10-26-2007, 09:11 PM	#5
beautygirl VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 31	Breastfeeding helps me lose some weight initially, but then I hit a plateau and don't lose the rest until the baby weans. This is my fourth baby and it has been the same thing every time.

10-27-2007, 11:57 PM	#7
patricias213 WH Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 1,085 Blog Entries: 9	Thanks ladies! Ive read that breastfeeding burns 200-500 calories too! So thats great, i also know women who had a hearty appetite while breastfeeding and didnt lose any weight. Im hoping after 2 months or so i can get back into the gym and go on a healthy diet.

11-01-2007, 09:13 AM	#9
laney VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 50	i think you should go for it their are so many benefits.other then the fact that it helped me loose weight it was a special bonding time for my child and i.your body has made the milk that has every thing in it your babys body needs and nothing she could be allergic to.we all want the best for our babbies.now,my son didnt want to latch on so after countless efforts i gave in and used formula.with my daughter she had no problem,i was exausted at first,but hung in and it payed off.they also say it makes for a healthier child.she naver gets ill or has any problems beside an ear ache now and then.BUT and i say BUT,it leaves you with nothing to look down at after you loose your weiight.my best friend couldnt have worded it better.when you look in the mirror this is what you see and i quote"it looks like someone has taken a long sock and put a ball in it".i had to share that i smile when i remember that moment.good luck