"If you breastfeed, the weight will just melt right off." It's one of the most common things moms are told, and one of the most common myths a registered dietitian hears.
In this episode, dietitian and lactation counselor Brooke Miller breaks down why breastfeeding alone doesn't guarantee weight loss, what's actually working against moms in those early postpartum months, and what to focus on instead of the scale.
If you're breastfeeding, had a baby in the last few years, or somewhere in between and wondering why the baby weight isn't budging, this episode will help you understand what's really going on in your body.
- Why breastfeeding alone does not automatically create a calorie deficit, even though it burns roughly 500 extra calories a day for exclusively breastfeeding moms
- Why your body prioritizes healing and milk supply over fat loss in the postpartum period
- How undereating protein, vitamins, and minerals while breastfeeding can leave you feeling constantly hungry
- The link between sleep deprivation and hunger hormones, including how poor sleep lowers leptin and raises ghrelin
- A simple nighttime feeding tip to protect your sleep without screens or extra stimulation
- Why front-loading protein and fiber earlier in the day reduces cravings and nighttime snacking
- Easy, zero-prep, high-protein foods to keep on hand for postpartum hunger
- How skipping meals disrupts blood sugar, increases cortisol, and can backfire on weight loss
- Why restrictive eating can cause muscle loss, which slows down metabolism
- How long postpartum nutrient deficiencies can last, and how they affect mood, energy, and postpartum depression risk. Plus, key nutrients to get tested
- Why letting go of a weight loss timeline is one of the most powerful things you can do for your postpartum journey
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