Myth Busted: Breastfeeding Doesn’t Always Lead to Weight Loss
When I first heard that breastfeeding could help with weight loss, I was all in. The idea of feeding my baby and shedding those extra pounds at the same time? Sign me up! But as it turns out, that wasn’t my reality—and it’s not for many women.

For some lucky mamas, breastfeeding does help them slim down, but for others (like me), it seems to do the opposite. In fact, breastfeeding can actually make it harder to lose weight. I was honestly surprised to learn that up to 50% of women either don’t lose weight or even gain weight while breastfeeding. So if you’ve been feeling frustrated because the baby weight isn’t melting off like you thought it would, trust me, you’re not alone.

The reason behind this isn’t talked about nearly enough. 

One major culprit? Prolactin, a hormone your body produces to help with milk production. 

While prolactin is a breastfeeding superhero, it can also slow down your metabolism. It signals your body to hold onto fat as a way to protect milk production. Your body is basically saying, “Hey, we need these fat reserves to make sure we can feed the baby!”

In those early months, your body is in full-on survival mode, and part of that means hanging on to fat to support milk production. It’s frustrating when you’re expecting breastfeeding to be the magic fix for postpartum weight loss, but it’s just one of those things that doesn't happen for everyone.

So, if you’re in the same boat, don’t beat yourself up. You’re doing an amazing thing for your baby by breastfeeding, and it’s okay if the baby weight is sticking around longer than you expected. This is one of those postpartum surprises that no one really talks about—but should!
Weight loss can look different for everyone, and it’s important to give yourself grace during this time. Your body is working hard to feed your little one, and that’s no small feat. Whether breastfeeding helps you lose weight or not, what matters most is that you’re nourishing your baby and yourself.

And remember, this phase won’t last forever. Be patient with your body, embrace the journey, and know that you’re doing an incredible job!

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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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