Breast feeding but not losing weight

Breastfeeding but Not Losing Weight — Why It Happens and How to Feel Better About It

This is part of a series on breastfeeding and mindset you can read part one here. and part two on how to manage cluster feeding here 

When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Lead to Weight Loss

If you’ve ever been told that “breastfeeding makes the weight just fall off”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most repeated pieces of postpartum advice out there.
But what happens when it doesn’t?

Many women find that while they’re breastfeeding, weight loss slows right down — or even reverses. You might be eating well, walking, caring for your baby, and yet the scales stay still. It can feel confusing and unfair, especially when your body already feels so different after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and not losing weight is incredibly common. There’s nothing wrong with you. In fact, your body is working exactly as nature intended.  Go me, who didn't lose a pound while I was feeding! 

The Science: Hormones, Safety, and Energy

Breastfeeding uses energy but it also changes the way your hormones work.

• Prolactin, the main milk-producing hormone, tells your body to store energy rather than burn it quickly. It’s like your system has switched into conservation mode to protect your milk supply.

• Oestrogen levels stay low while breastfeeding, slowing down fat metabolism and affecting how your body uses stored energy.

• Cortisol, the stress hormone, rises when you’re tired or anxious — and high cortisol levels make your body hold onto weight, especially around the middle.

So if you’re breastfeeding and not losing weight, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong — it’s because your body is protecting both of you.

When your baby is small, your body’s message is:

“Don’t let go just yet — stay steady, stay nourished.”

Once your baby’s feeding is more established and your sleep improves, these hormones rebalance, and weight tends to shift naturally.

Stress, Rest, and the “Safety Switch”

Your nervous system plays a big part in this. When you feel anxious, overstimulated, or pressured to “get your body back,” your body hears danger — not safety.

And a body that doesn’t feel safe, doesn’t release weight easily.

Simple, repeated moments of calm can change this.
Try this when you feed:

As you breathe in, think “three, two, one…”

As you breathe out, “relax… relax… relax…”

That tiny pause helps oxytocin flow, milk let-down to happen more easily, and your body to move from fight-or-flight into a calmer, healing state.

 Eating for Energy, Not Restriction

When weight doesn’t shift, the temptation is to restrict calories — but cutting back too far while breastfeeding can trigger more cortisol and make things worse.

Instead, think steady fuel.

• Protein helps stabilise blood sugar and keeps you full for longer.

• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts) support hormone production.

• Complex carbs give your brain and body the energy they need to make milk.

If you crave sugar or quick snacks, don’t beat yourself up. Your body’s simply saying, “I’m tired. I need fuel.” Respond with compassion, not criticism.

🧠 The Mindset That Changes Everything

If you catch yourself thinking “I’m breastfeeding and still not losing weight” on repeat, try to reframe it gently.

Instead of:

“My body isn’t doing what it should.”
Try:
“My body knows exactly what to do — it’s just focused on feeding right now.”

This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s neuroscience. Thoughts like these signal safety to your brain. Safety reduces cortisol. Reduced cortisol allows your body to let go.

When you see your body as wise rather than stubborn, everything shifts.

When the Weight Finally Moves

At around three to six months, many women notice things start to change. Your prolactin levels ease, oestrogen rises slightly, and your metabolism slowly wakes up again.
You might notice clothes fitting differently or your energy returning — even before the scales budge.

And when it does happen, it will happen naturally, without the fight.

 One Gentle Step You Can Take

If you’d like to support that shift, start small: a few minutes of calm each day.

You can find it inside the Breastfeeding Hypnosis Audio Bundle , along with soothing tracks for feeding, rest, and confidence.