Weightloss After B'feeding

I've had three kids, each of whom I breastfed for over a year, but I always lost all my weight by nine months or so with only sporadic exercise--it was faster coming off with my first than with my third, but I think that was due to both a smaller weight gain and the fact that I was pushing my son in a stroller all over campus when he was a baby (which was pretty much the extent of my exercise that year). While I've always been able to lose all the baby weight while breastfeeding, I've had several friends who didn't lose the last little bit of weight until they weaned their babies, as if they still need that extra fat supply for breastfeeding.

I hate the gym personally, but I can tell you that exercise does not decrease breastmilk supply by itself. When you exercise you need to make sure you increase the amount of water you drink by alot and you need to replace most of the calories lost with healthy calories. You may not lose weight quickly since you are eating extra calories, but you will be building healthy muscle tone and heart health which will allow you to lose weight more quickly once you are able to cut back on calories after breastfeeding.

I did stroller strides last summer and if I wasn't downing A LOT of water my supply went up and down. If you drink water like made before, during, and after working out it should help considerably. It was way easier for me to lose while bf ing than after. Now I have struggled to lose the weight and feel like I am gaining again. In my experience water was key to making loads of milk even while exercising. I plan to do stroller strides again this summer. It's a great workout you can do with the baby and other moms.

I breastfed all the first year and did not have the time or energy ot do more than walk around the neighborhood for fresh air and lost every bit of my baby weight and then some within 8-9 months, i was back to mostly normal in like 5-6 months from breastfeeding alone. All of my friends and relatives ( 5 other women) who breastfed experienced roughly the same results. just eat balanced food as opposed to continuing to give into cravings, get out and take a nice long stroll at least every other day- the fresh air is nice when you've been cooped up for weeks, if nothing else- and you should be back to normal in no time flat with no need to "work out". anything left should be run off once your baby learns to crawl. I haven't sat down for more than 5 minuted together since she got mobile so don't sweat any extra poundage you keep, if any, it won't survive the terrible toddlers. lol!!! the effects of breastfeeding must be natures way of cutting us mom's a break! good luck and congratulations!!

Again, like the other ladies said, every single body is different. But my experience is that I started eating better and working out before my first child had completely stopped nursing, and when she finally stopped, I gained 30 pounds. You burn about 500 extra calories/day when nursing, and I failed to account for that. But depending on how long you intend to nurse (my first child was 17 months, and that's just too long to go wiithout exercising or eating well), you should probably start taking care of yourself before you wean completely. That's what I'm doing this time around - exercise and eating better, but eating a little bit more that I can give up without missing it when my baby is finished. But while I'm taking care of myself, I'm not desperate to lose the weight now - I don't want it to all come back later!

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wow does exercising decrease milk supply ? or it just did for you ?

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WATER WATER WATER and then more WATER

What kind of workout did you try? You need to get back into working out GRADUALLY if it's affecting your milk supply so much. (I had the same issue)

If just walking is fine then maybe try walking more 2x a day instead of just one. Additionally instead of say "working out" can you find some physical activity you enjoy and do that 3 x a week? Like dancing, playing catch, throwing frisbee, swimming for fun (not laps), etc. The idea is to get yourself moving more. Go for a walk and wear the baby. If you make an effort to start moving and just doing physical stuff your energy will improve but you won't be pushing your body hard so your milk should be fine.

Also, I found that if you do something like a Curves workout (I know some places it is all old people in there, but seriously Olympic athletes use the stuff too and it works) like 3 times a week you'll begin your body getting ready for more intense things. Curves has machines that a frail 90 year old woman can use and the Olympic athletes train on the same machines. The more effort you use pushing the machines the harder they work against you so the more of workout you can get. If you don't push hard they move easily. You could start going and just get the routine down (don't raise your heart rate or anything) and take it easy. You'll get the feel for the machines and the range of motion will increase your flexibility and even just the movements can speed up your metabolism. Most places offer a 2 week free membership so you can check it out.

I love it even though I'm definitely the baby there. I gained 95 lbs with my my 2nd child and Curves has helped me make it all go away.

Also you could rent/buy/check out from library LOW IMPACT videos ie yoga/pilates. The goal here is to just go through the routines at your own pace and just do what you can (don't try to stand on your head or worry if you're not as flexible). Low impact stuff can still help your health/weight without effecting your supply.

Water is the most important thing to put into your body!
Other than that just try to eat well and be HAPPY! Your happiness has more of an impact on your health and baby than anything else!

V., I actually lost another 5 lbs after I stopped breast feeding. It took about 5 months before the weight came off naturally (I nursed my kids 14 and 19 mos). The same thing happened to my girlfriend. This is something that happens to many women but we are all different. You will never know what your body is going to do until you have already done it. You will probably lose weight during the first year too; just from the breastfeeding alone. My advice is to drink lots of water!!!! Especially since you are breastfeeding. A dehydrated person doesn't recognize dehydration until it's really bad. Dehydration usually manifests itself through hunger. Of course, eat as healthy as you can. It will come off as long as you work at it...even if it's just a little bit. Oh, I bet you saw a decrease in your milk supply after working out because you didn't have enough water.