Recently a number of emails were sent regarding weight loss and
breast-feeding. It is possible to lose weight while breast
feeding. Immediately after birth there is a dramatic weight loss
because of the weight of the fetal-placental unit, involution of
the uterus and fluid changes. Patients in the hospital however
are usually disappointed that this immediate weight loss is not
more! Further along fat stores can be decreased by a program of
healthy eating and exercise. Weight loss should always be a
gradual process and individualized based on one's health and
ideal body weight. A gradual weight reduction program should not
affect breast-feeding. It is common and normal during pregnancy
for increased pigmentation to develop over the face, abdomen and
nipples. The pigmentation that occurs is due to higher
circulating blood levels of melatonin, estrogen and
progesterone. When this appears around the face it is called the
"mask" of pregnancy or melasma. Melasma is also sometimes seen
in women that take birth contr