"Nature protects mothers". If a woman is lactating, I think it is
possible
that her metabolism settles in a place that protects her from weight
loss. It has been my experience as well as others' (patients, friends,
etc) that weight loss was extremely difficult during lactation, and they
were NOT pigging out ( I do not dare including myself, here, because I do
eat a lot).  As were "token breastfeeding", it might not be often or a
lot, but it is breastfeeding.  Though I bf my little girl only twice a
day for months (more on week-ends), I litterally "melted" after weaning,
and did not lose an ounce before.
And, please, do not assume that fat poeple are all glutons who only need
an excuse to eat. A lot of money is wasted on dangerous diet plans that
follow exactly the same view. Genetics is the most powerful factor,
followed by bad eating habits, one of which being yo-yo dieting.

Louise Denhez, M.D., M.P.H
Chargee d'enseignement clinique
Departement de medecine sociale et preventive
Montreal, Quebec