Breastfeeding and struggling to lose weight

[liznabs1980]

I put on loads of weight whilst pregnant and I'm really struggling to lose the weight now. I'm breastfeeding so don't what to cut food out or use any aids. I walk roughly 2 miles a day as well as do yoga. Any advice?

[daisydaze]

Hi I remember how that feels, although it was 25 years ago I had my last child, but don't rush it, if you just cut out the extras, and carry on with the exercise your doing the weight will come off, just stick to it and enjoy time with your baby, good luck.

[liznabs1980 in reply to daisydaze]

Thank you xx

[Lilly3005]

hi, I'm also currently breastfeeding so I know exactly what you are going through and know how tough it is. I installed the fat secret app on my phone, which enables me to keep an eye on what I am eating and the exercise I am doing. I too didn't want to cut down on foods too much, but instead have done a few swaps, and prepared some chopped veg, so I can snack on that in the day. I have found I am losing about 2lb a week so far (week 4 this week) and have a total of 2 stone to lose. Don't beat yourself up, I am sure the weight will come off, and carry on with the exercise sounds like you are doing the right things! Good luck!

[Hidden]

I have breastfed my son for 2 years and 3 months (and counting ) and I have completely stalled with weight loss and I have 4 stone left to move because I also put on a shed load of weight while pregnant.

I read up on it as everything I was being told was BFing makes weight drop off and that turns out to be true for only some women. For others, depending on past dieting history, hormone cocktail and genetics it can help you hang onto bodyfat no matter what you eat or how much you exercise.

So I altered my thinking. Stopping BFing just to suit my own needs of losing weight was never going to be an option for me so if I want to keep feeding my son I won't get to lose much weight for now.

I am focusing on eating healthily with a moderate calorie deficit. I am at the gym doing weights three days a week and walk or run on alternate days with a day off at the weekend to recover. So I'm healthier, fitter and stronger. I'm not any slimmer but *shrug* perhaps that will come along later.

You don't say how old your little one is - that can make a big difference in how much you can do to lose any weight. The Kellymom and breastfeeding network websites have lots of info on losing weight while BFing. Once the little one is starting to wean and get more calories from food than milk you are able to reduce the amount of extra calories you need.

Because my boy only needs a little now (two feeds a day and maybe more if he's feeling unwell or upset) I feel able to have a go at the 5:2 fast diet. My milk supply is established, my son is getting the majority of his calories from food so any disruption to milk supply will be minimal and less traumatic for him if it reduces anyway.

Best of luck

[liznabs1980]

Thanks sometimes I just need a nit of reassurance thanks everyone c