First day!

[MJT123]

Hi, just starting out today. I've put on almost 4 stone in the last 18m-2yrs. Baby number 6 is 8weeks old. Struggling to find any time to exercise as baby cries a lot, even when out in the pushchair!

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, MJT123

Congratulations on the birth of your wee one

I think you need to be kind to yourself, so soon after having a baby and I'm pretty sure that having 6 children to run around after means you're not lacking exercise.

Weight loss is more dependent on energy consumed, than energy expended, so my advice to you would be to watch what you're eating. 3 good homemade meals a day, cooked from scratch, using fresh ingredients, will see you looking and feeling great, even if it sounds like an impossible task. Avoid snacking, processed foods and anything labelled, low fat/fat free.

Try batch cooking as time allows and freeze portions. Use a slow cooker, which doesn't require you to keep an eye on it, to make big portions of stew, casserole, curry and soup.

There's plenty of information here to help you on your journey, just follow this link to our chat thread and a list of all the activities we run. We've found active participation to be key to success, especially with our weigh-ins and Daily Diary.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

To make navigating the forum easier, we've put all the information you'll need in a newbie pack and here's the link

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Please take the time to read it carefully, so that you're able to enjoy everything that we have on offer.

We ask that you also read this important information about internet privacy and security.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Wishing you all the best

[MJT123 in reply to moreless]

Thank you! Will look through the links this evening.

I enjoy cooking but have got out the habit and have been going for the easy options (like frozen pizza!)

I'm on a dairy free diet at the moment to see if it helps my baby to cry less (under advise of my health visitor)so I'm cooking more from scratch again.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to MJT123]

I'm sure that cooking your own meals will help both you and baby

[S11m]

Hi, MJT123 , welcome.

Nursing mums should not try to lose weight too fast, and "Intermittent Fasting" might be best restricted to not snacking in the evening.

If you "slim smart" weight loss is not so hard! It is not all about motivation and masochism.

Some of us here find that what works is a combination of The Low Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) diet (see the forum here on Health Unlocked) and Not Snacking All Day AKA Intermittent Fasting (IF). See:

healthunlocked.com/fasting-...

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to S11m]

Of course, as you've said yourself, S11m, fasting is not recommended for nursing mums.

[S11m in reply to moreless]

Yes, thanks, moreless , I have edited my response.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to S11m]

I know this is your standard answer/advice for everyone who joins the forum but I do not think it is appropriate for a mother of six who had her last baby 8 weeks ago.

The advice from moreless is tailored to the personal situation of MJT123. Healthy, filling meals with fresh ingredients that will suit all her family.

[S11m in reply to BridgeGirl]

Yes, agreed - I have edited my response.

[Hidden in reply to S11m]

Snacking in the evening is exactly what you need if you are breastfeeding. Seriously, breastfeeding is an endurance sport and it needs ready calories. It also needs carbs.

[Hidden]

Dearest. You baby is still very small & you have just done a huge thing (ie childbirth). There’s no rush. Truly. And completely ignore any fasting advice, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Just keep everyone alive for now, and there will be time for slinky thighs later. Xxx

[Hidden]

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!As one or two others have said, you need to take it easy on yourself so soon after the arrival of a baby, and not focus too hard on weight loss. Having said that, you should find time to cook proper meals from scratch, three meals a day, and you will probably lose weight naturally. Ditch the awful fast food, and the snacks, and you will be doing your kids a huge favour too, and save them from the fast track to obesity. Forget exercise as such, it’s not as important as what you eat. Use time when you thought you might exercise to plan and cook proper meals. Cooking isn’t hard and needn’t be time consuming and you will all enjoy your food much more if it’s fresh home cooked. Make 2020 the year for healthy living!

[MJT123]

Can I just clarify that I'm not in any huge rush to lose weight, I'm happy to do it gradually by eating more healthy meals rather than take out/freezer food.

I know that I need extra calories for breastfeeding (I've breastfed all of my children)and I wouldn't prioritise losing weight over feeding my baby. I just wanted some moral support to get me back on the right track.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to MJT123]

You'll get that a-plenty

Take your time reading the newbie pack and choose a day to join a weekly weigh-in. You'll find yourself part of a team, supporting each other for as long as you need.

Have a look at the Daily Diary where you'll see what meals other members are planning: it may give you some ideas and you can join in when you're ready.

Wishing you all the best for 2020

[Hidden in reply to MJT123]

Good for you. Hurrah!

[Hidden in reply to MJT123]

That’s good to hear. Baby is the most important thing. And this forum is the best way to help you lose that weight. Hopefully you will have time to explore and find your way round all the help available to you while you are nursing the little one. Then I would treat myself to a nice new cookbook to inspire myself to get cooking tasty food for all the family. My fave new cookbook is Veg by Jamie you know who. We aren’t vegetarians but we like cooking meat free two or three times a week, and there are some really fab delicious recipes in it. Meat free is often cheaper too, good when you are feeding a family. And if you all love pizza, get the kids rolling out their own dough, and making tasty easy tomato sauce and their own favourite toppings.

I really hope things go well for you. Stay with us and let us know how you get on. 😊

[Craftyperson]

Well congratulations on a new baby and don't know how you've found time to come on here!!!! Bet you had a busy but lovely Xmas. Firstly I would say if your breast feeding you need to keep the calories up. Take it easy for now concentrate on having healthy home made meals and weight loss will come eventually. You will get plenty of support on here when you do start to loose and for now too. I'm sure you'll have plenty of exercise running round after the children

[Hidden]

Can I just say SIX babies!!!!! You must be Wonder Woman. I have one. Was too old/infertile to have more. SIX! If you can make it through five pregnancies and five babies AND have time/energy to make a sixth, you can do anything. Xx

[Hidden]

Ohh congratulations!! You're so lucky to have such a big family!!

You've made the best decision joining here and good luck with your journey!

[Megbird]

Congratulation on your new arrival, it is normal to gain weight after giving birth. Don't get stressed. Make health meals and light exercises to begin with. All the best.