One of the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother is weight loss. But did you know that when a woman stops breastfeeding, she may regain weight too? If you are in the process of weaning off your little one, and your weighing scale is giving you unfortunate surprises, don’t be shocked. Gaining weight after you stop breastfeeding can be unexpected, but it is very common. Hormonal changes, breastfeeding-induced additions to your diet, or the fact that you are no longer burning calories through breastfeeding, can all contribute to post-breastfeeding weight gain.

Breastfeeding burns extra calories as the body produces milk, which can help with postpartum weight loss. However, even when you stop, your body continues to function on your hunger cues when you are nursing, and this can lead to consuming more calories.  Having said, eating mindfully, and most importantly, weaning gradually, can help you get back in shape.

Gaining weight after you stop breastfeeding: Is it normal?

Yes, it is normal. Some women gain weight after stopping breastfeeding. “This can be attributed to a decrease in calorie expenditure since the body no longer needs to produce milk, along with hormonal changes and lifestyle adjustments,” explains breast specialist and oncoplastic Surgeon Dr Karishma Kirti.

A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation, suggests that body weight, body composition as well as the intake of energy changes after a mother stops breastfeeding. It was seen that 8 out of the 12 women participants gained weight after weaning their infant.

Your body when you are breastfeeding vs when you stop

There are many changes in the body when you start breastfeeding your little one. However, one may not realise it, but weaning off breastfeeding impacts your body in many ways too.

You might be continuing to consume the number of calories required for breastfeeding, even after you stop, which will lead to weight gain. Image courtesy: Freepik

During breastfeeding

Breastfeeding burns extra calories as the body produces milk, which can help with postpartum weight loss. “The hormone prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin helps with milk let-down and can promote a feeling of well-being and bonding with the baby,” explains Dr Kirti. The metabolic rate may be elevated due to the additional energy required for milk production. A study, published in Preventive Medicine, reported a 2.7 per cent weight loss due to breastfeeding for three months postpartum. While for some women breastfeeding is a breeze, others might have breastfeeding complications as well which need to be resolved at the earliest.

After stopping breastfeeding

The body no longer expends extra calories to produce milk, which can lead to a reduction in the metabolic rate. “Levels of prolactin and oxytocin decrease, leading to hormonal adjustments that can affect mood, appetite, and fat storage,” explains Dr Kirti. The appetite may remain higher than necessary for a time, even though the caloric demand has diminished. Therefore it is very important to wean your baby off breastfeeding in the right manner.

Why are you gaining weight after you stop breastfeeding?

Weight gain after stopping breastfeeding can occur for several reasons:

1. Not burning as many calories

There is a decrease in calorie expenditure once milk production stops. “If caloric intake is not adjusted accordingly, the excess calories can lead to weight gain,” explains Dr Kirti. The UK’s NHS recommends weaning off gradually by dropping one feed at a time. The process of stopping to breastfeed can often take up to six months.

2. Hormonal changes

While your little one is struggling to adjust to food besides breastmilk, your body, too, is struggling to adjust to not feeding her. Besides gaining weight after you stop breastfeeding, there are many other hormonal changes as well that can happen. “There are reductions in prolactin and oxytocin, which can affect metabolism and fat storage,” says Dr Kirti.

3. Eating habits and less physical activity

Eating habits formed during breastfeeding, which may include increased caloric intake, can persist. Reduced physical activity, often due to the demands of caring for a child, can also contribute, as can stress and emotional eating during this transitional period. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists states that women’s level of participation in various exercises reduces after childbirth, which contributes to obesity.

Weaning off breastfeeding also results in weight gain due to hormonal changes. Image courtesy: Freepik

How can you stop breastfeeding without putting on weight?

To stop breastfeeding without gaining weight, it is advisable to follow this checklist

• Wean off gradually, allowing the body to adjust slowly to reduced caloric needs.
• Monitor caloric intake and make necessary adjustments.
• Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Incorporate regular physical activity, whether it's walking, yoga, or other forms of exercise.
• Seeking guidance from a nutritionist or dietitian can provide tailored advice to help manage this transition.

What are the other changes in your body after you stop breastfeeding?

After stopping breastfeeding, several physical changes may occur. “Breasts often decrease in size and firmness. The return of regular menstrual cycles may occur, often accompanied by symptoms such as cramps or mood changes. Skin conditions can also be affected by hormonal adjustments, potentially leading to changes in texture or acne,” explains Dr Kirti. Mood swings might arise due to hormonal fluctuations, and energy levels could change as the body adapts to a new hormonal and metabolic state.

How should you take care of your body after you stop breastfeeding?

After stopping breastfeeding, it's important to maintain a healthy diet to support overall well-being. A regular exercise routine is advantageous to maintain proper physical and mental health. Monitoring mental health and seeking support if needed is crucial, as hormonal changes can impact mood. Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep, though difficult, are essential for overall health. For breast care, using cold compresses, wearing supportive bras, and taking over-the-counter pain relief can help ease discomfort as milk production decreases.

 Read Also: Your sunscreen guide: How to find your perfect match for sun protection