Extreme weight loss during breast feeding

Stepping on the scale to see how much weight you've lost after giving birth can be disappointing. It takes time to lose the weight -- after all, it took you 40 weeks to put it on, so it won't come off overnight. If you're breast-feeding, you also need to take your baby's nutritional needs into account before starting a stringent diet. Talk to your obstetrician about when it's safe for you to start a postpartum weight-loss diet. If you step on a scale a few hours after delivery, you might find that you lost between 10 and 13 pounds from the loss of your baby's weight and amniotic fluid. During the first week, you may lose between 7 and 11 pounds more, depending on how much fluid you retained during pregnancy.

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Although I was not seeking out a weight loss program I jumped on the chance to try it out, and did a trial to see how it worked. In particular I think the Noom app is a great weight loss program for a breastfeeding or postpartum mom. There are no major restrictions or specific plans to follow.

Background: Weight loss is universal for exclusively breastfed newborns in the first few days after birth. Many newborns exclusively breastfed during birth hospitalization receive formula in the first month after discharge and thus cease exclusive breastfeeding. However, the relationship between early weight loss and subsequent cessation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding is unknown.

Losing weight in pregnancy might seem alarming but it's fairly common. Sometimes, it is nothing to worry about, especially if the weight loss is short-lived and followed by the recommended weight gain. However, losing weight during pregnancy is cause for concern if the weight loss is substantial, long-lasting, or occurs after the first trimester. In those cases, losing weight can be problematic and will need medical attention.