Have you stopped breastfeeding and gained weight? Understand why this is normal – GOOD FORM

(fizkes/Thinkstock/Getty Images)

Many people think that breastfeeding is synonymous with to lose weight. And this is true – but only to a certain extent. The first months of breastfeeding are when weight loss occurs, due to the milk production process (which consumes a lot of energy) and the high water intake, essential for making food available and for cleaning toxins. “The sleepless nights of the initial weeks and stress also contribute to the elimination of the kilos gained during pregnancy”, observes the gynecologist Adriana Feital, from Rio de Janeiro.

Read more: 12 tips to increase breast milk production

When the mother is already adapted, however, hunger begins to increase and remains firm and strong until after weaning. That’s because, to make up for the extra calories it’s spending, the body understands that it needs to consume a greater amount of food and more frequently. The problem is that the organism continues at this rate even after you stop breastfeeding. Then it is necessary to re-educate the brain to eat correctly, otherwise the pointer on the scale starts to rise more and more.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news from

“In addition, the first years of a baby’s life are extremely tiring, which prevents many women from practicing physical activity”, analyzes Adriana.

turn the tables

The Secret to Staying in Shape breast-feeding it’s in the willpower and extra attention when assembling the dish. “The ideal is to do a nutritional follow-up after pregnancy and learn what should be added to the menu to overcome excessive hunger”, suggests the specialist.

Practicing physical activity is also essential. We are not talking about conquering a flat stomach in record time, but about including exercises in the routine as soon as the doctor authorizes it – in general, 30 to 40 days after birth.

Stay in the know: Workout to regain abdominal strength after pregnancy

And don’t forget: be in the post childbirthor after breastfeeding is over, follow-up by a physical education professional is essential for your training to be in line with your goals and your routine.