What is the best way to lose weight after your first baby and while breastfeeding?

Taryn - posted on 01/25/2009

I was in this same predicament not to long ago, as I was needing to shed some weight, but was still breastfeeding.  There is so much info out there, can be overwhelming, but I found the biggest farse (at least for me) that you can lose heaps of weight by just breastfeeding.  For me, not so much.  And I don't eat unhealthy for the most part.  I got a 90 day workout program that had an all inclusive meal plan, workout calendar and community of support.  There are so many Mom's like us that are looking to achieve the same thing and having that support was great. 

Anyway, I was able to shed 20lbs, 14 inches and 10% body fat in just 90 days, while eating healthy and working out to P90X.  Beachbody has incredible programs suited for all fitness levels.  I'd be happy to help you select one based on your goals and fitness ability.  There truly is something for everyone.  6 week programs to 90 day programs.  All are risk free, guarantee results and come with a profound amount of support!

Check out www.choose2befit.com and see what you think.  Click on "shop for products".  Email me with questions about anything.  I'm a Fitness and Nutrition Coach for Team Beachbody, so I've had great success in helping fellow Mom's get back into their pre-pregnancy skinny jeans! :) 

Best of luck,

Taryn

taryn.perry@comcast.net

Ashley - posted on 01/23/2009

i dont have this problem bc i have c sections feels like ur guts coming out lol i lose weight automaticly i go back to reg size . just eat and drink healthy exercise drink water

Mary - posted on 01/22/2009

If you are BFing you should NOT eat less or diet. You actually need more calories than when you were pregnant. Pregnant women should add about 300 calories to their diet, wile BFing moms should add 500-650 calories to theur diet. I haven't been able to lose any weight yet even though I am exercising. My ObGyn said that some womens bodies hold on to the extra fat while BFing and some women lose it really fast, and you can't change what your body wants to do. Don't get discouraged though, you're not alone in your battle.

Brianna - posted on 01/22/2009

Give your body time, weight doesn't fly off in a few weeks for most of us. Eat right, play with your baby and stay active and you'll be surprised to see the weight melt away

You can do it! Good Luck!

Heather - posted on 01/22/2009

You actually need more calories now if you are breastfeeding. 500 extra per day vs 300 while you were pregnant.

Sarah - posted on 01/22/2009

Keep a food journal. I use myfooddiary.com, it will track your food and exercise. You can customize for breast feeding.

Melissa - posted on 01/22/2009

Try doing Yoga with your baby. It's great for you and you will bond with your baby at the same time!

Heather - posted on 01/22/2009

Breastfeeding is a big help but it's not everything. You do need to make sure you eat balanced so the baby gets enough nutrients and eat enough fat to sustain the baby's appetite so you're not feeding for 4 hour straight like I was at the beginning. Exercise like walking is great to increase muscle to burn your fat, but be cautious and don't over do it because you will tire out too! Breastfeeding takes your energy too. Also drinking plenty of fluids will suppress your appetite and help with milk production. Have fun!

Bethany - posted on 01/21/2009

I have been breastfeeding for 7 1/2 months and eating somewhat moderately. Could be doing better, but certainly not out of control or anything, and I have struggled to take off the weight. I think saying breastfeeding is all you need to do is a myth. Then when you don't lose weight you feel like something is wrong with you. And I chase 4 older boys around all day and work out for an hour every day so I'm plenty active. It's all in the body types. For some women losing weight is a breeze, for others like myself, it is a constant struggle. I just started Weight Watchers for nursing moms and I just have to be aware of absolutely every little thing that I put in my mouth. Hopefully sometime this year I'll hit my goal! Good luck.

Michelle - posted on 01/21/2009

I think that if you're breastfeeding, that in itself will help you lose quite a bit of weight. I'd focus more on being active and eating nutritious foods more than dieting. Like the others said you need extra calories to breastfeed so dont cut yourself short.

Paula - posted on 01/21/2009

While I think advice to go for walks is great, I don't know on what basis "baby needs to be outside every day for at least 1 hour".  That sounds like a myth to me.

Paula - posted on 01/21/2009

Try weight watchers program for nursing moms.  You want to be very careful to keep up your calories, but can safely lose about 1 lb a week.

Hanna - posted on 01/21/2009

Eat the same way as you did while you were pregnant (although a bit less calories) and stay active -- baby needs to be outside every day for at least 1 hours -- walk walk walk, if you have time to do it for 2 hours, go for it. breastfeeding will shrink ur uterus so it'll help with the tummy a bit, other areas is up to you. u can start exercising if you have the energy (do maybe 20 minutes a day) and the rest will be smaller portions of food more often (that by itself will boost metabolism) and if u have access to a pool or ocean where you can swim, do it. it'll help you get toned faster.