Can I Use GLP-1s When Breastfeeding and in Postpartum?

Key Takeaways

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The data is limited: There are no trials evaluating long-term outcomes for infants and mothers using GLP-1s postpartum.

‍Breastfeeding and GLP-1s don't mix well: GLP-1s can decrease milk supply and may increase how much nutrients you lose through breastfeeding.

‍Don’t try to rush it: Our minimum recommendation is 6 months postpartum, but we evaluate each woman individually.

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The Postpartum Weight Loss Pressure Is Real

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It has become increasingly common for women to seek us out asking for GLP-1s like Wegovy or Zepbound after gaining pregnancy weight. Women are having babies later in life, and we hear it all the time:

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"I can't lose the weight after my third."

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"I used to lose weight so easily, but it's been 6 months and I still have all the pregnancy weight."

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And I get it. I really do.

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Give Your Body Some Grace (Even Though It's Hard)

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The biggest thing here is to give our bodies grace. Having a baby and then breastfeeding is at least a one-year process, and it will take that amount of time or MORE to get your body back.

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When you're breastfeeding, you need some of that excess fat and water weight to maintain a good milk supply. And on top of that, the lack of sleep and stress of taking care of a newborn is already overwhelming. 

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I usually tell women to embrace it, and after a year (when breastfeeding is done and the baby is sleeping through the night), let's readdress.

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Why GLP-1s and Breastfeeding Don't Go Well Together

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Breastfeeding already depletes your stores of iron, calcium, protein, and water. Adding a GLP-1 on top of that can further worsen malnutrition, especially if you don't have support at home preparing high-protein, high-fiber meals because you simply don't have the time.

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Milk supply depends on adequate intake. With GLP-1 use, we've seen milk supply decrease in many women. This is simply a result of less intake, fewer calories, less fluids, and weight loss. Moms who exclusively breastfeed depend on good supply, and GLP-1s can interfere with that.

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However… I get why women are still struggling. I hear it from many patients: the postpartum body changes give them severe anxiety. 

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They can't stop thinking about their stomach area or how their back and arms have changed.

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They're not breastfeeding anymore, they're exercising, and it's not moving the needle. 

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They're asking for help.

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And we hear you.

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How We Approach GLP-1s in the Postpartum Period

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We treat women on an individual basis here. There are good candidates for GLP-1s who are 6 months out from delivery, and some we will recommend waiting longer.

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Our minimum is 6 months postpartum, but this is somewhat arbitrary. What we really want is to make sure moms have the information they need to make the best decision for themselves and their babies.

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We consider:

• Are you still breastfeeding?
• How is your milk supply?
• Are you getting adequate nutrition and support?
• How is your mental health?
• What are your specific health risks and benefits?

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Do GLP-1s Affect Breast Milk?

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The data on whether GLP-1s pass into breast milk is very limited.

• Semaglutide has largely not been detected in human breast milk, though all GLP-1s have shown some excretion in animal studies.
• Tirzepatide transfer looks very small based on available data. And even if the baby is drinking the milk, they're likely not absorbing any of it through their digestive system.
• Liraglutide is one of the larger GLP-1 molecules, making it less likely to pass through breast milk.

LactMed is a great database for looking up medications and breastfeeding if you want to do your own research.

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The truth is, we don't have long-term human studies yet. We're making decisions based on limited data, which is why we take a cautious, individualized approach.

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What Really Matters To Us

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At the end of the day, we want healthy and happy moms and babies.

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If you're struggling with postpartum weight and considering a GLP-1, this is absolutely a conversation to have with your OB/GYN. We'll look at your specific situation (how far postpartum you are, whether you're breastfeeding, your nutritional status, your mental health, and your overall goals) and make a decision together.

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You deserve support, and you also deserve to feel good in your body again.

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If you want some OBGYN approved tips on sustainable weight loss, click here.

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Book a 15-min FREE virtual consultation with us to discuss how to use GLP-1s after your pregnancy.

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And don't forget to visit our Services page to explore all our consultations!

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This article provides general health information and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the best contraception method for your individual situation, especially when starting new medications.

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