Improvements to make while nursing? Feeling discouraged.

Advaya

My diary is open.

I'm breastfeeding, so I know weight will be slower to come off (I'm jealous of those women who lose while nursing!)

I know some of my foods are processed, but I still try to stay within calorie limits. I have it set to 1300 a day, but count a -500 breastfeeding entry bringing it to 1800 a day.

I'm 5'3, 188 lbs. I weighed 206 two years ago, got down to 160 before I was pregnant. I did that through diet and exercise and MFP. I gained back while pregnant.

I work out six days a week. Those workouts are short, but its 6 days of 30 DS and four days of Pauline Nordin's workout. I just began this, so I'm not sure what results to see yet. I'm on day 7 of DS and day 2 of BB.

I drink water and should chart it, but I generally keep my 30 oz bottle with me and drink at least 2 a day.

I have about 50-60 pounds to lose, I'd love to lose it by January but I know its more likely going to take a year.

I took some before pictures tonight and am feeling very discouraged, but I refuse to stop breastfeeding until my child is ready.

I guess I just need to know that I'm on the right path, and that its possible to at least tone up and get healthier even if its buried under fat.

Suggestions? Just feeling a little blue after seeing my photos, though I have a beautiful daughter who I love and feel so blessed this body sustained and birthed her.

Advaya

Oh, and yes I realize I had mcdonalds for lunch today. If you look through a few days of my diary you get a better idea of my habits. I know there are improvements to be made, but still!

Mobil2004

I have 4 kids and my youngest is only 5 months old. I nursed all of them. The rule of thumb is that your body burns 300 calories for every 45 (ish) minutes of nursing. Now is NOT the time to worry with calories. EAT LIKE A PIG!!! It matters not if you gain or lose weight right now. What matters is that your child receives every thing they can from your milk. High fats, high carbs, high calories. Obviously, you need to make sure you're taking in PLENTY of nutrients. If you try to stick to 1300 calories you and your baby are going to be worse for the wear. Take alfalfa supplements once a day it will ramp up your production and make your milk thicker and more fulfilling. I didn't even attempt dieting until I was done nursing and that was about a month ago. I started exercising after the 6 week check up but wen't back at it very slowly. You can tone up and start building muscle and cardio stamina back now but don't try to diet until you're done nursing. You just spent 9 months building a human with your uterus. That's kind of a HUGE deal. Your body needs more time than you realize to bounce back and it will require nutrition to do so. Give that sweet new baby all the time she needs and know that you're body isn't yours yet. Then as you tone and lose remember that all the work is only necessary because you gave life to that little girl and so it's worth more than the sweat and pain you'll endure along the way. Good luck mama!!!

kgeyser

Yes, you're on the right path, and yes, you will lose weight. I started losing weight at the end of November 2013, and to date have lost 35 of the 45 lbs I had to lose. I just finished nursing my youngest maybe 3 weeks ago, and she nursed for 25 months. It is possible. I know it is frustrating, but the weight will come off, and you'll see changes to your fitness as well. Don't give up.

Advaya

Thanks both of you

I actually don't eat 1300 a day, I eat 1800 a day figuring 500 for breastfeeding. Althea has never nursed a lot though, other than at the very beginning. I don't feel like I can use 500 calories feeding her but I'm unwilling to risk it! She is exclusively breastfed, has done wonderful with all her charts, but probably only nurses 6 times a day and a few at night.

I have no plans of weaning her until she's done, and would love to make it to two years but I definitely would love to see weight loss in that time period too!!