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Breastfeeding suppose to make you lose weight, right???

Christina - posted on 09/18/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )

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I have been breastfeeding for 6 months. I supplement with formula from time to time but not often. I heard that breastfeeding suppose to make you lose weight and I am not seeing this. I cannot fit into my pre-preg jeans and had to go shopping for new jeans for my size (my maternity jeans are too big! LOL). I try to walk and be active as much as I can with my schedule but still nothing. I try to watch what I eat and eat healthy and sigh! LOL. I am not sure how much I weigh because I am scared to see. I want to go on a special diet but I don’t want to lose my supply. I nurse and pump, pump and nurse 24 hours a day. When I pump or nurse, afterwards I feel so hungry. I feel hungry throughout the day but I try not to overindulge into food. Is anyone going through the same or been there done that? Any suggestions?

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Christina - posted on 09/18/2009

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I didn't loose all the weight I gained until I had nursed for a year. Yes its supposed to help you loose weight as long as you are not taking in too many calories with food. You still need to eat healthy so your supply doesn't go down just try to watch the high calorie foods. It takes time, it doesn't happen over night.

Minnie - posted on 09/18/2009

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Every woman's body is different. Me, I can't keep weight on while breastfeeding.



You can safely diet and exercise while breastfeeding as long as you're taking in at least 1500-1800 calories a day and not crash dieting where you are experiencing a sharp drop in caloric intake.



Women successfully exclusively breastfeed their infants in times of famine the world over. We store fat during pregnancy precisely for maintaining milk production.



http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mo...

Ruth - posted on 09/18/2009

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everyone is different but I held onto about 10lbs (which is a clothes size) up until I stopped feeding. I was textbook though in a way as within a month of stopping feeding my periods came back and my weight was back to normal.
If you are that worried about your weight stop feeding ( I'm not recommending either way but depends how much it is bothering you) because it is not fair on your baby to diet and breastfeed at the same time - you need to be eating and drinking plenty and when your body needs it - no guilt at this time - you are providing essential nutrients for your baby.

Carla - posted on 09/18/2009

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some people hold onto a few extra lbs until they stop BFing, because the hormone that makes you lactate is stored in fat cells. Its why we put on an "extra layer" in pregnancy. I'm one of those unlucky people, I cant seem to shift the last 7 lbs but I'm hoping it goes when Aaron weans. I lost it quickly when I stopped BFing my daughter, although I only lasted a week with her because of cracked nipples and a lack of support. BFing makes your uterus and stuff return to normal quicker. You do need to eat a little more bit more because you use calories making milk... just try to eat healthy snacks and make sure you drink enough water, many people confuse thirst with hunger.

Sarah - posted on 09/18/2009

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It took me about 6-7 months to get back to my pre-preg weight. BF will make you lose weight as it burns about 500 calories a day, but it is important to eat healthy and well. If you don't your body will hold onto the extra weight to ensure the baby will be nurished. Your body will feed the baby first and deplete you if you are not eating healthy to replenish. I would try eating 5 small meals throughout the day to stave off that hunger - focus on proteins, that will make you feel more full as opposed to carbs.

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