I waNt to get back in shape, when should i stop breastfeeding so that i can start suppluments?

Jessie - posted on 06/10/2010

breastfeeding is the best diet I have ever been on. I lost 35 pounds in four months after my son was born and I gained 25 during pregnancy so my pre-pregnancy clothes are loose 11 months later. keep breastfeeding, eat healthy, drink lots of healthy fluids (water, milk, juice, etc) and enjoy being a mommy!

Jessica - posted on 06/10/2010

Nursing burns sooo many calories; why give that up?!

Stina - posted on 06/10/2010

It's been said already- but Keep Nursing :-)

Also, try to have a little patience with your body. I always figured it took 9 months to grow that baby and put on the 'ahem' extra padding that your body will pull from to nourish your baby. So, it makes sense that it will take at least that long for everything to begin to go back to normal. 9 months on, one year off. Two if you want to be really kind to yourself.

Aside from continuing to nurse which will burn more calories, get out and exercise. I started running after my 3rd baby... also eliminated a lot of junk from my diet. She is 13 months and I am back to my pre-baby weight. Oh- and she is also still nursing.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 06/09/2010

Ditch the bottles and breastfeed. Many moms think they have low supply when they don't. You may now because you are supplementing. Nurse on demand. Here's some tips for getting your supply back up:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/low-su...

I'm 10 lbs below my PREpregnancy weight thanks to breastfeeding. It takes a few months to get the weight loss going.

Nicole - posted on 06/09/2010

This may have already been said by other mothers, so forgive me if I repeat myself, but did you know that you have to potential to burn 500-600 calories more per day by just breastfeeding??

Also, some theories say that some breastfeeding mothers have a bit of a harder time burning off simple carbohydrates. So, something as simple as limiting sodas and other high sugary foods, plus eating more whole grains rather than the "white"/enriched/bleached counterparts, could help you start to easily shed the weight. And NEVER forget breakfast! This will help jump-start your metabolism.

Whatever you do, I am pretty certain that you will maintain a more steady (healthier) weight loss while you are breastfeeding, than you would not breastfeeding.

Also, if you rely on your body to supply all the milk your baby needs by feeding from your breast when your baby is hungry (and ditch the bottles), I promise your milk supply will increase and will also boost your metabolism!!!

Congratulations on your new little one! And congratulations on breastfeeding! You can do it! AND lose weight healthily!

Miranda - posted on 06/09/2010

Also about the teeth: My son has bit a few times when he was getting his teeth in, but I would tell him "not to bite mama" in a firm voice and he would start to get upset and cry without tears because he knew that he hurt me. he hasn't bit me ever again, my nipples are very, very sensitive but I continue to breastfeed. If you have questions about any vitamins I would contact your pediatricians office they have tons of access to information regarding vitamins etc, while you are nursing and let you know what is safe to take. Good luck with everything!

Miranda - posted on 06/09/2010

Continue nursing! My son is 15 months old and I am still nursing a few times a day. I have made the sacrifice of omitting my supplements so that I can give my son the best nutrition that he can have! I do cardio and just regulate my diet so that I am eating whole grains, veggies/fruit, and lean protiens and try to avoid the junk food as much as I can. I understand the want to get back in shape, but what is your rush? I know swimsuit season is coming up, but I am sure you will look great in a suit, especially for being a new mom! Think positive, and give yourself a chance to let it happen when it happens. :)

Jocelyn - posted on 06/07/2010

There are some supplements that you can take (aside from prenatals). Maca root is safe while nursing and it increases energy, stabilizes hormones, amongst many other things. It is a whole root, not a mineral, and one of the best things you can take for your health. You can take cranberry supplements (good for your metabolism and they are cleansing). You can drink green tea (also good for weight management). Please make sure you talk to your doctor before you start any supplements (some supplements can lessen the effectiveness of medications/birth control pills). If your doctor doesn't know a whole lot about natural supplements, talk to someone like a herbalist, they should be able to help you as well.

Cara - posted on 06/07/2010

Stephanie Pls keep breastfeeding dump the bottles nurse as often as your baby shouts! I promise you after 3 days your milk supply will catch up with baby! You will notice this with every growth spurt she has!
I'd just like to say you are still a new mummy congratulations!!!! Your body is still adjusting and shrinking naturally enjoy your baby for now, worry about your body later a happy healthy mummy and baby who enjoy activities together you are likely to lose weight anyways!
Also breastfeeding is still new to you and baby, my daughter was at least 3 months before i got into the swing of things and truly started to enjoy it! Baby is 17 mnths now and still going strong! I have to say the weight is now falling off me since she got past 1 year old!
Good luck to you enjoy this precious time with baby x

Kathy - posted on 06/07/2010

Stephanie, why do you think your supply isn't keeping up?

Candice - posted on 06/07/2010

Vitamins and protein are fine while nursing,just use pre natals,Luna protein bars are really good,and effective. Regular Lunas are good too. Just watch how much iron you take in and you'll be gtg in that department.

Allison - posted on 06/07/2010

I agree with the other ladies, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding if you are just wanting to take protein and vitamins!!! You can ask your doctor about your specific supplements to be sure. Also, you will lose weight much easier if nursing - every bit helps your baby, and it burns extra calories for you, mostly fat !!! Just be sure to eat really healthy to stay in shape AND nourish your child - lots of veggies and whole grains, lots of water, low on the sugary stuff. In general, stuff that keeps you healthy and in shape will also be good for your baby through your milk!



Milk is always supply and demand, so if she has the bottle also, your milk supply will be lower. If you want to nurse her more, and use less bottles, that is also healthier for her and you will start to produce more milk. You could look for advice from La Leche League on transitioning her to exclusively breastfeeding, if you decide to do that:

www.llli.org.

Most doctors and nurses are not breastfeeding experts, so I would always recommend checking with a La Leche League leader or a lactation consultant if you have questions and want trustworthy breastfeeding advice.



There are lots of super-model moms who nursed their babes for 1 year or more, so look that up, and maybe they would be a good role model for you :) Good luck!

Stephanie - posted on 06/06/2010

i do want to breastfeed her exclusivly but she eats so much my milk supply cant keep up with her.i dont want to take those pills that make you lose fat really fast..just like protien and stuff..vitamins..nothing harmful..i was going to wait until about a year to stop breastfeeding..the thought of teeth scares me..my nipples are super sensitive and i find breastfeeding hard..to enjoy..i do feel closer to my daughter thats why i continue to do it..thank you for your comment..

Maggie - posted on 06/06/2010

You dont need diet suppliments!! I lost all nmy baby weight and then some by eating more frequently....eat more whole grain foods and instead of 3 large meals, try 6 smaller meals! I know it can be hard to fit excersize in but even walk at night or if you can a short cardio workout with some light weight work and you will be back in shape in no time.! Not to mention if you look into those weight loss suppliments they don't give YOU all the nutrients you need, you may as well starve yourself. You'll loose muscle weight rather than fat.

Candice - posted on 06/06/2010

Please keep nursing! Wait until she is at least 2 to stop nursing. Keep taking prenatals,just excercising. Diet "supplements" are useless anyway,and can be pretty dangerous.If you nurse exclusively the weight will come off easier. I lost all of my baby weight plus a bunch within 4 weeks,but it came back with friends when I went on the mini-pill. Damn you, progestin!

Try some mama-baby exercises.Like baby lifts or walking around doing lunges while baby is in a carrier.