what's the fastest and best way to lose postnatal weight for a breastfeeding, busy mom like me?

[caellie]

1 month after I gave birth to my first son Cael Dean, I decided to go home to our province and help run my dad's store. The last tym my friends and family saw me, I weighed 128 lbs. Now, I'm 170. It's so embarassing 'coz everyone I know makes me feel like I'm extremely obese. It's starting to take a toll on my self confidence. I'm too busy to go to a gym, breastfeeding makes me hungry almost all the time, and I can't afford surgery. Does anyone have a suggestion which wieghtloss pill is safe for a breastfeeding mom like me?

[tiredbuthappy]

honestly, being a super busy breastfeeding mom actually helped me lose weight. I was hungry all the time, and ate when I was hungry, but made it a point to eat less fatty foods. The hunger patterns generated when you breastfeed can be conducive to weight loss, because many diets advocate small meals spread out throughout the day. You feel hungry because your body needs the additional calories right now. As hard as it is, eating nutritious foods and getting a little exercise is the healthiest way for both you. I never went to the gym- I simply walked a little everyday with the baby. I would choose routes with hills, or walk briskly. No more than a half hour, and it was a nice way to bond with baby and disconnect from the world. Nutrition and activity is a slow but healthy and effective way. Notice I'm not saying "diet"- it's just trying to make good choices when you are hungry. A nutritionist can help you design a healthy plan, and i think there's a healthy cooking forum on here.

I also want to say that it is absolutely ridiculous that anyone make comments to a new mom like that! You just gave your friends and family such a precious gift (soooo cute by the way! congrats!) and it definitely takes a toll on our bodies and our self-esteem. I'd say cut yourself some slack and give it some time. Don't be so hard on yourself. Sometimes we try to do it all and be it all, and it gets overwhelming.

[amberd5191]

I agree with tiredbuthappy. Don't let people bring you down!

[AnnieBrooke]

Don't try any pills.  For some people, breastfeeding does not cause weight loss (despite the lore) but instead your body holds on to the weight so you will be always able to feed your baby.  After I stopped breastfeeding, it was much easier to lose the baby weight.  It can come off later, you're not stuck with it.

[GermanBaby]

People can take anywhere from 2 months to over a year to get back to their pre partum weight. It took 9 months to put it on so "rushing" to take it off can send your body in a metabolic mess. "Dieting" will just leave you more exhausted as your body will use its "reserves" to provide nutrients for the baby. Walking and eating healthy small meals thoughout the day is best. Once you can start building muscle, via running or swimming or light weight lifting your body will burn away the fat.


The time it takes and the methods best used for women to lose their post-partum weight is different for everyone just like not all women with babys at the same gestational "looked the same". Just like you have had to ignore the "wow are you sure you are not having twins" comments you have to ignore the "boy you put on alot of weight" comments.

[40smama]

I know exactly how you feel - I used to weigh 120 pounds & am now up to the 160's.  It's been horrible trying to lose the weight but I honestly don't think you should be too concerned w/dieting right now w/the breastfeeding - just try to eat healthy - stay away from sodas, caffeine, sweets (they make you crave more food) & simple carbs.  Go for more fiber and especially protein in your diet.   Personally I wouldn't worry about cutting calories right now - especially in the light you're breastfeeding.

I never worried about my weight until now - it's been very humbling for me since people are always looking shocked about what I look like now but I have to look beyond what people think which sometimes is hard.  I wish you the best, best of luck!!  And congrats on your new baby - jen

[peekawho]

You should see your doctor first and foremost--it is not at all uncommon for women to first be diagnosed with a thyroid problem shortly after giving birth.

I'm not saying that its a thyroid problem, but it could have something to do with it.

Med Help has a Food Diary available  (http://www.medhelp.org/trackers/list/129 , where you can track the foods you eat and try to see if there are areas you can improve in.

[mlb1234]

I wouldn't try any pills but you could try pumping extra breastmilk when you have a few spare minutes.  It seems to work for some people.

[pertykitty]

i think with as busy as you sound its possible that you arent eating enough calories, or maybe grabbing the wrong choices for the easy and quick factor.  im sorry if im wrong, but been there done that lol.  do like peek said and talk to your dr.  i lost much weight by eating high protien and then keeping myself out of hungers way.  increase your water supply and make sure you get enough sleep.  funny how they say it can help, i dont sleep very well lately and packed several pounds back on!   but that could be the ice cream as well haha.