Breastfeeding moms

lharder1

I am a mom of a 7 month old baby that I exclusively breastfeed. I found the pounds just fell off after having him but have started pilings back on in the last few months. Everytime I try to diet and exercise, my supply drops dramatically. Any tips and tricks?

blb_86

While I was breastfeeding I could not lose any weight. My supply would always drop too. I just tried to eat better and stay as active as I could. You could always go to a health food store and try some of the teas that help increase production. I found they worked well for me.
I never lost any weight till I was done no matter how hard I tried

gradchica27

How big of a drop in calories? How much is your baseline calorie consumption? How much are you trying to lose?

1/2-1 lb a week would be appropriate. Generally you do not want to go below 1500-1800 calories. Also a steep and quick drop in calories is more likely to impact supply than a smaller and more gradual reduction.

For ex, I'm still losing on 1840 + eating most of my exercise calories (9 mo pp, bf'ing, 5'4"). This was my strategy: Try dropping 100 calories. Wait two weeks. If baby seems satisfied, try dropping another 50, but try to eat as much as you can and still lose.

kkw2themax

I would say, try not to focus on your weight or image at all right now, just focus on eating healthy and trying to be as active as possible- when you are breast feeding hormones are stil fluctuating so much that you will drive yourself insane trying to lose any weight during this amazing time. You are doing such an amazing thing for your child- any additional weight will eventually come off, but you can't get back this bonding time.

tlflag1620

Without knowing your stats or how big a drop in calories we are talking about, I'll say this - make sure you get plenty of water. Dehydration has an even bigger impact on supply than lowering calories. Don't set your weight loss to more than one lb per week (half lb would probably be better). Allow yourself up to 500 extra calories a day for breastfeeding. My normal maintenance is around 1900, but since I'm nursing my nine month old I give myself 300 extra for a total of 2200 (she's pretty well established on solids, so I don't do the full 500 any more). Don't go below 1800 per day, in any case, and lower your intake gradually (as gradchica27 mentioned). Some women swear by oatmeal (not instant - rolled oats or steel cut) to boost supply. Maybe try incorporating that into your diet if it fits your needs. Eat for nutrition - it seems inherently unfair, but those extra calories you are allowed really ought to come from nutrient dense foods; those calories are for nourishing your baby's developing brain. And get enough rest! I know it's not always within your control wi an infant in the house, but make sure to get as much sleep as you can. Sleep deprivation makes it harder to make good food choices, and the related cortisol makes your body "fight" your weight loss.

Congrats on your little one! And good luck

mathiseasy

Unfortunately not everyone loses weight while breastfeeding. I gained 26lb by the time I weaned my son at 6months old. The kicker was to maintain my supply I had to eat at a surplus. Focus on your supply now-you can lose the weight later. Your window for breastfeeding is so short, take advantage of it!

Shana67

I am not breastfeeding now (at the age of 49), but have nursed 3 kids. Please don't worry about your weight too much while you're nursing your baby. He really, really needs those calories and he needs you to be healthy in order to get them. Make sure you're getting enough water, and that you're eating enough to feed yourself and to feed him.

And ENJOY these precious, sweet days. They will be gone in a heartbeat.

april3888

Eat A LOT of healthy foods and drink a ton of water.