Just had a baby.

AmberElaine84
AmberElaine84 Posts: 964 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all!! I am semi-new to this website. I used it quite frequently before I got pregnant! I was never very overweight by more than a few lbs, but I've never been completely happy with my body. At any rate, I just had a baby boy on November 18th. I'm in the clear for losing weight and working out. BUT, I am nursing my son exclusively and I know that burns a lot of calories. Does anyone have any experiences with trying to loose weight while breastfeeding? It's hard to keep my calories low because it interferes with my milk supply. I am down to my pre-pregnancy weight of 174, but I would like to get down to 145ish. I am 5'8. Thanks!!!

Replies

  • racoon1
    racoon1 Posts: 78
    Hi,

    Was reading on MSN yesterday how 12 celebs got there body back in shape after there pregnancys and apparently crunches can do more harm than good. They said light cardio and yoga did the trick..... COngrats on the newest brightest edition to your family :flowerforyou:
  • kingnatalie
    kingnatalie Posts: 163
    Your calorie intake should be higher since you are brest feeding. I believe that is requires an additional 500 calories a day, don't worry you will burn it off during feedings. Eat healthy and add exercise - you should start to see your body toning and still be able to comfortably supply milk to your son. By they way congratulations. My daughter is now over a year, but children are amazing AND amazing motivators.
  • tammietifanie
    tammietifanie Posts: 1,496 Member
    Eat tons of veggies, and lean meats! I had my youngest son about 14 months ago and the weight melted right off after having him and my doc told me it's easy to lose the weight right after having a baby then waiting til later! Also Breastfeeding won't burn fat or tone you up so you'll need to workout ! the best workouts is walking.. it gets you and the baby out of the house and gives you alone time for a few minutes :) Also i use to lay my son on the floor next to me while doing ab workouts... They have wonderful Dvd's for new mom's and you use your baby as a weight and it gives you bonding time also...
    Also congrats on the lil one!!!!! :)
  • PureAndHealthy
    PureAndHealthy Posts: 539
    I've read that new moms set up their calorie goals for the recommended number to lose 1 pound a week and then add "breastfeeding" as an exercise every day and count it as 500 calories. And definitely make sure you're using those calories for nutrient-packed healthy foods to fuel you and the little one! :smile:
  • AmberElaine84
    AmberElaine84 Posts: 964 Member
    Thanks guys!! I have two other children, so it's definately hard to find time to workout without being interupted! I was walking a mile on the treadmill a couple of times a week followed by free weights, but I haven't gotten any of that in yet this week. The hardest part for me is just being so hungry all of the time and finding healthy things to eat instead of the nearest snack that can be devoured quickly or on the go!
  • MercuryBlue
    MercuryBlue Posts: 886 Member
    LOTS of veggies and lean meats, I agree!

    I've also heard you shouldn't eat less than 1800 per day when you're breasfeeding exclusively. My son is a year old and MOSTLY weaned, though he still nurses at night. Based on how much milk I produce when I pump (it's the only way I could have some sort of estimate about what he was consuming, lol!) I burn 200 calories per day nursing. So I created my own 'exercise' called 'Breastfeeding' that I add each day to account for those calories. Since you're supposed to eat your exercise calories around here, I'm able to do that. I've had success losing weight that way and it hasn't affected my milk production. I'd recommend doing the same thing- only set your nursing calories to 500 and add them to your exercise tracker each day. It will allow you to lose weight while also accounting for those calories you need for nursing.

    There's also a great thread dedicated to mommys who are trying to lose weight. You'll find it here:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/71467-losing-baby-weight


    Best regards!
  • TaraMaria
    TaraMaria Posts: 1,975
    Hello my dear!

    I so understand about the whole snacking thing! Especially with being sick! It was easier for me to grab a bag of pretzels then to actually think about what I needed to eat and perhaps even make it! I've loaded up my fridge recently with clementines, grapes, cauliflower and broccoli. Just a few steps further and I can grab those instead of something else! I sound incredibly lazy...lol! I've also been enjoying some jerky and low fat string cheese! It really helps me through the day to get to main meals!

    Before my legs started acting up, I LOVED Yoga. There is a DVD called 10 minute Yoga solution. Amazing! Ten minute intervals so you can fit it in and you feel amazing!! http://www.amazon.com/Minute-Solution-Yoga-Lara-Hudson/dp/B000A3DGGC

    And you are always going non stop! That has to count as some calorie burning!
    Love you! :o)
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