Needing the extra motivation today...

treehopper1987

I am currently a breastfeeding mother to my 4 month old son, and weigh close to what I came home from the hospital. I've been told by numerous people that breastfeeding will make the weight come off easily. I gained 70 lbs during my pregnancy due to being sick and not being able to easily exercise. Now, I am beginning to get back into my old routine, but everytime I start exercising and watching my diet I come down sick.:sick: I'm sick today and don't feel good anyways, but am just feeling extra depressed about how I've let myself get in this shape. I have never weighed this much in my life and am miserable. I feel like I have to eat incredibly more calories than recommended just to keep up my milk supply that seems to slowly be dwindling ( I stay stressed that my milk production will vanish). I want to continue breastfeeding my son, but also want to work on my health as well. Any other mothers that can give me some advice?

Saree1902

I'm not a mother but I did have a quick search and find lots of groups for losing baby weight. It might be worth joining one to get advice from lots of mothers!

4 months doesn't sound very long - maybe focus on healthy eating and breastfeeding first and start exercising later on? Or just stick to walking for a bit?

And congratulations on the new arrival!

SandyBVTN

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling. These early times with little babies can be so hard.

I did not find that breastfeeding helped me lose weight at all, despite what I had read and heard. I think it can also sometimes be one of those things that sets mommas up for disappointment, unfortunately.

It sounds like your milk supply is a priority for you right now and that stress is a big factor. I suggest that reducing your stress is paramount, perhaps before the weight loss. Seek support, talk to friends and family and your partner if they are supportive. I also agree that there are many great online groups for new moms, and they might be a great resource for support as well as tips for milk supply. Other stress reducers: getting a bit of respite from child care if you can, getting some exercise and time outside, prioritizing sleep as much as possible, and practicing mindfulness. Be kind to yourself right now.

Once you get the stress under control, you might find that you do have some wiggle room with calories and milk supply. It's hard to say, since I don't know the specifics of your situation. If you are supplementing milk now, consider doing a day or two in bed with baby with constant skin to skin contact. It can be hard to do, but many find that it works wonders in getting the supply up.

Being at your post-labor weight at four months in is really normal. We are in a culture right now where there is so much pressure on women to drop the baby weight super fast and it can be so hard on all of us. You will get past this and you will drop the weight.

Feel free to friend me here if you would like. My son is three now but I remember those times well and I am happy to support you if I can.