Breastfeeding mom wanting to lose weight.

I bf both of my babies and dropped the pregnancy weight plus about 10-15lbs very quickly. After that, if I tried to diet or exercise regularly, my supply would drop substantially. So for the good of the babies, I waited until I was done bf. Since then, 50lbs more have fallen off relatively easily.

Rest is key. Hydration is important. But in the end, it may be a choice between changing your body and feeding your baby.

YMMV, but that's my story.

I agree with the others. Keep BFing and focus on eating healthy. Maybe it will help you to realize that what you're eating is going to your baby as well? That helps me when I really want to just indulge in every bad thing known to man.

Sleep is very important for healthy weight loss. I'm sure you already know that when the body is sleep deprived it stores more fat and the body is overstressed.

Since I don't really advise dieting/weight loss while BFing, I suggest setting up small goals for yourself. Perhaps tell yourself for a week every morning you need to drink 2 glasses of water before you eat breakfast -- whether breakfast is Cocoa Puffs or oatmeal. Give yourself the kudos for drinking the 2 glasses and trying to maintain proper water intake throughout the day. Focus on that positive. Add another positive thing, like "Okay, I can eat that pastry only if I eat 5 strawberries first and then wait 5 minutes." Set the timer and wait. And if you still want it, eat it. You ate the strawberries first and that's a step in the right direction. You have to try to teach your body to crave the good again. Perhaps you are deficient in something that you're craving certain kinds of junk?

I didn't start exercising and eating at a deficit until my son was 9 months old. I recognize you saying that you are busy pumping and have trouble fitting it in during the day ---- I wonder if you could start exercising a little more and see if the extra movement and endorphins help with the mood. Does you son like to get out in the stroller. I take my son in the stroller and we walk on sunny (but not too hot) days. I find he is a gumble monkey now that he is walking and wants to get out, but he will usually tolerate at least 1.5 miles or 2 if I give him books to read or his water to drink.

I found I was always tired when I was BFing and it did help to get moving a little more. The endorphin rush was nice even when I felt like I was overworked and underpaid (so to speak!)

Hang in there and GREAT job BFing your child over 6 months! I appreciate your struggle. It was a bitter sweet day when I chose to stop. I loved my time with him nursing and I knew it was the best thing for him, but I was so HAPPY to be done. :flowerforyou:

Edit: I may have misread your original post "I'm already not pumping enough when I am at work" -- I took this to mean you didn't have tim eto exercise at work because you needed to pump, but I think now you might mean you are not pumping enough volume wise! That could be hydration for sure -- water, water, water! Also, stress hinders milk supply. If you are constantly worried about this weight you need to lose, you may inhibit your ability to make milk. Relax. Your babe won't nurse forever, and you will be free to do what you wish at that time!

def add way more water. i am nursing my third. he is year. i nursed the other 2 until they were 2 yrs old. my weight never started coming off until they were 7 or 8 mo. i drink a ton of fluids. also, i eat a lot of granola bars. oatmeal helps with production.

I've been nursing my son for nine months now and my weight is at a stand still. I feel hungry ALL THE TIME, even though he's eating solid foods now too. I started working out two months ago and still haven't been able to lose weight. So here I am on MFP, I'm going to start tracking all my food and try to stay under 2,000 calories a day and see if that helps. It's so frustrating to not lose weight :-(

with all the great advice, i would like to add this: your baby is only a baby once. i understand the need to get your body back. i feel it too. i have to constantly remind myself that i am a new person now. a different person. i will never be the same person i was before. i am better now in so many ways. each child has changed me. it is the time to concentrate on the baby while they are still babies. the weight loss will come. it takes time to put on the weight, and more time to take it off. patience.

every time i notice a supply decrease, i make sure i eat until i am not hungry. i try to eat healthy foods but add oatmeal and up my water. i cut down my caffeine and rest instead of exercising. until my supply comes back up. my supply is more important to me right now than losing the weight.

Hi there, Congratulations on your little baby and your ability to BF; what a wonderful thing that is ;-)) A friend of mine repeatedly told me during my BF time that it is really difficult/impossible to lose weight when you're not getting enough sleep.

Sadly now, with hindsight, I think she's right. Is there any way you could fit in some extra snoozes during the day and get more rest?? Not easy to achieve, I know, but being good to yourself in terms of as much rest and relaxation as possible may just help you a little in the weight loss efforts too.

Good luck in your journey ;-))