Board-certified lactation consultant Leigh Anne O'Connor says that, generally speaking, a fully breastfeeding woman burns about 300-500 extra calories a day, however, this doesn't always equal weight loss.
"There are many factors to consider: age of mom, parity, pre-pregnancy weight, mom's diet and if the baby is exclusively breastfed or not," she explains, adding that it can even be different for the same woman with different children.
"Many women find they hold onto a bit of extra weight until they wean while others seem to experience their babies sucking the calories right out of them," she says.
Celebrity moms are quick to attribute their impressive post-baby weight loss to breastfeeding. Are they being honest in saying that breastfeeding is responsible for their ability to bounce back so quickly after childbirth, or are they also dieting, exercising and possibly even getting a little help from the plastic surgeon? Yes, some women have good genetics and are just lucky that way (and we might hate you just a little), however, most moms have to exercise and eat right in addition to breastfeeding.
There is no denying that breastfeeding is best and the possible perk of weight loss is a bonus, however, the best reason to breastfeed is for all the benefits to Baby.
Here are 10 celebrity moms who credit breastfeeding as helping them lose their baby weight — and one who is calling b.s. on it.
1. Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bundchen
"I think breastfeeding really helped (me keep me figure). Some people here (in the U.S.) think they don't have to breastfeed, and I think 'Are you going to give chemical food to your child when they are so little?' I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months."
2. Kristin Cavallari
Image: C.M. Wiggins/WENN.com
"I honestly can say I owe it all to breastfeeding. I read somewhere that it's like running six miles a day. I know nursing is difficult for a lot of moms so it's easier said than done."
3. Beyoncé
Image: C.Smith/WENN.com
"I lost most of my weight from breastfeeding and I encourage women to do it; It's just so good for the baby and good for yourself. I'm proud that my waist came back so fast. I'm proud of that and happy, but that was mostly from the breastfeeding."
4. Alyson Hannigan
Image: Brian To/WENN
"I know it's a cliché, but I was eating just ridiculous amounts of food but still losing weight. I think I should just keep breastfeeding until she's 18. Is that weird? [If I] just keep pumping? No, I'm not going to do that. That was a joke. Please don't send letters!"
5. Mila Kunis
Image: Vito Amati/iPhoto/WENN
"Breastfeeding's a great workout!" she told Craig Ferguson after he told the new mom how great she looks. "Let me tell you!"
{pageBreak}
6. Isla Fisher
Image: Brian To/WENN
"I believe in the power of breastfeeding. I know some women say it doesn't help them lose the weight, but I think it burns an extra 250 calories a day. I breastfed for two years with both my children and by the end of that period I was back to normal. I swear by it. I've also been lucky in that I've been able to afford assistance with childcare, so I can go out for a run or a workout."
7. Kim Zolciak
Kim Z
"I think it's because they [the twins] took everything…they took everything that I ate the entire pregnancy. And then of course I breastfed afterwards, which helps. And then Xenadrine…and working out with [my] husband and, you know, here I am."
8. Debra Messing
Image: Apega/WENN.com
"I lost the weight by breastfeeding. No fast food and doughnuts, eating lots of fresh fish, tofu, vegetables, and fruits. Three times a week I do stationary bikes and weights."
9. Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian
"Breastfeeding takes a lot of the weight off, so I lost a lot of it easily, not changing anything."
10. Christina Aguilera
Image: WENN
"I think they say that when you're breastfeeding, you know, your weight kind of slims down. It's a little easier. It's like a workout within itself. It's very tiring actually and you find yourself snacking more often."
And one celebrity mom not buying it:
10. Jenna Fischer
Image: Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com
"Let me please stand in solidarity with all of the women who are not a size 2 six weeks after leaving the hospital. I thought, you read all of the stuff in magazines like, 'Oh, I breastfed my baby and I am so skinny now.' I am breast-feeding my baby and I am not getting any skinnier!"
You might also like
Zooey Deschanel pregnant, expecting quirkiest baby ever with her boyfriend
Mommy tweets: Jennifer Love Hewitt's pregnancy news
Sorry Kristen! Blake Lively's baby name just won prettiest of the year