A Realistic Timeline for Breastfeeding Weight Loss

What progress really looks like as a new mum

If you’re breastfeeding and wondering “Why isn’t this happening faster?” - you’re not alone.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others, social media, or even your pre-baby body. But breastfeeding weight loss follows its own timeline, and progress often looks very different to what we expect.

And importantly - slower does not mean failing.

First things first: healthy weight loss while breastfeeding looks different

When you’re breastfeeding, your body is doing two big jobs at once:
• nourishing your baby
• supporting your own recovery

Because of this, weight loss needs to happen more gradually to protect energy levels and milk supply.

A safe, realistic guideline for breastfeeding mums is:

• Around 2 kg per month on average

That might sound slow - but it adds up quickly and supports long-term success.

For comparison:

• Non-breastfeeding weight loss is often faster (around 4–6 kg per month)

• Breastfeeding weight loss prioritises nourishment, hormones, and sustainability

Real mum results (what consistency actually looks like)

Many mums worry they’re “behind,” when in reality they’re right on track.

For example:

• Carly, a breastfeeding mum, lost 35 kg over 18 months - averaging around 2 kg per month

• Siobhan lost 11 kg in 5 months while breastfeeding

These results didn’t come from extremes. They came from consistency over time.

Progress doesn’t always look dramatic - and that’s okay

Especially in the early months, progress often shows up before the scale changes.

It can look like:
• more stable energy
• fewer cravings
• feeling calmer around food
• clothes fitting more comfortably
• better digestion
• improved mood

These signs matter. They mean your body is responding - even if the scale hasn’t caught up yet.

Why focusing only on the scale can backfire

Weighing yourself too often can make normal fluctuations feel discouraging.

A better approach:

• Weigh no more than once every 2 weeks

• Look for trends, not daily numbers

• Celebrate small wins along the way

Try breaking your goal into bite-size chunks (for example, 2 kg at a time).
Small milestones keep motivation high and pressure low.

Why fast weight loss isn’t the goal (especially for mums)

Quick-fix diets and extreme approaches are tempting - but they often:

• drain energy

• increase cravings

• risk nutrient gaps

• affect milk supply

• make results harder to maintain

Research consistently shows that slow, steady weight loss (around 0.5–1 kg per week at most) is more sustainable - and better for long-term health.

Your body needs:

• protein

• fibre

• healthy fats

• vitamins and minerals

Cutting too much, too fast makes that harder - not easier.

A gentle note from our dietitian 💛

“Sustainable weight loss isn’t about eating less - it’s about fuelling your body well enough to support energy, health, and consistency over time. Especially for breastfeeding mums, nourishment always comes first.”- Julie Masci, Dietitian and Mum of 3

Patience really does matter (even when it’s frustrating)

It took 9 months to grow a baby.
Your body deserves time to find its balance again.

You’re not meant to rush this.
You’re meant to support your body - and let results follow naturally.

Balanced eating, consistent nourishment, and realistic expectations will always beat extremes.

One last thing to remember

You are not behind.
You are not failing.
And you are not doing this wrong.

Breastfeeding weight loss is a longer game - and that’s exactly why it works.

You’re doing better than you think 💛