What Happens to Your Body After You Stop Breastfeeding? Hormones, Hunger, and Why Fat Loss Might Feel Harder
You’ve stopped breastfeeding. The night feeds are done (or at least less frequent), you’re maybe getting a bit more sleep - and now you’re ready to focus on yourself again. But here’s the thing…
You expected the weight to shift more easily.
Instead, your body feels different. Hungrier. Slower. Stuck.
And you’re wondering, is this normal?
You’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s happening, and what you can do about it.
1. 💡 Your Hormones Are Shifting Again
Breastfeeding keeps prolactin and oxytocin high - these hormones support milk production but also suppress ovulation and estrogen levels.
So when you stop:
Estrogen and progesterone rise again, restarting your menstrual cycle
Prolactin drops, which can temporarily impact mood, metabolism and appetite
You may feel emotional, hungrier, or off-balance as your body finds a new rhythm
This transition phase can last a few weeks to a few months depending on how long you were breastfeeding and whether you stopped suddenly or gradually.
2. 🍽️ Your Hunger Cues Might Feel Confusing
Many mums say:
“I feel hungrier now than when I was breastfeeding!”
Or: “I’m not sure when I’m full anymore.”
That’s real.
Hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (fullness) fluctuate during weaning
Sleep disruption, stress and irregular eating patterns can also blunt your hunger/fullness signals
You might reach for snacks more often - not because of “lack of willpower” but because your body’s regulating itself
3. ⚡ Your Energy Needs Are Changing
While breastfeeding, your body burns an extra ~300–500 calories/day.
Once you stop, your energy needs drop slightly - but your eating habits may not catch up right away, especially if:
You’ve been eating to keep up with supply
You’re still tired and grabbing quick carbs
You’re under-fuelling or restricting too much (which can backfire)
It’s not about cutting everything - it’s about adjusting with care.
4. 🧍♀️ Body Composition: The Subtle Shifts
After weaning:
Estrogen rises, which can promote fat storage around the hips and thighs
Muscle mass may decrease if strength training hasn’t been a focus
Some mums experience water retention or bloating as hormones fluctuate
These shifts are normal, but can make fat loss feel slower - or like “nothing’s working” even when you’re trying hard.
5. ✅ What You Can Do Now
Here’s where we focus - gently but consistently:
Focus on protein at meals and snacks to regulate hunger and support lean mass
Strength train 2–3x/week (even short home workouts count!)
Adjust portions slightly smaller post-weaning (not slash calories)
Get fibre in to support fullness, digestion, and blood sugar
Reduce comparison - your friend’s body (or the influencer’s) is not your body
This isn’t about punishing your body for not “bouncing back” - it’s about supporting it where it is now.
6. 💬 Final Thoughts
Weaning is a transition, both physically and emotionally.
Your hormones are settling, your body is recalibrating, and you don’t need to rush.
Fat loss is possible, but it works best when:
You’re fuelling and nourishing, not restricting
You’re training your body, not punishing it
You’re patient with yourself
If you’d like support building habits that work with your body (not against it), I’d love to help. Just drop me a message - I’m here when you’re ready.