After Having A Baby

Before I was pregnant I weighed 110 pounds, then when I got pregnant I weighed 142 pounds. After giving birth to my beautiful son I went down to about 121 pounds. Now I weigh at least 126 pounds so I gained 5 pounds. I want to be 110 pounds again what do you suggest is the best diet to go on that would make me lose weight fast. I would also like to know what's the best exercises.

[Renee Radenberg]

If you do not mind, I need to ask you some questions in order for me to answer your question properly. How tall are you? Are you breast feeding your baby and how long has it been since your son's birth? Thank you.

[LilBabe]

My son Christian was born Sept 18th. I do breast feed and give him formula too. I am 4"11.

[Renee Radenberg]

Thank you for answering my questions. You just had a baby and it takes time to loss the weight from the pregnancy. I strongly do not recommend you try to loss weight while you are breast-feeding. You need to continue eating healthy, as you did during the pregnancy. You and the baby needs >2400 calories daily for the nutrients necessary for his growth. You will be surprised and loss weight from taking care of your son once he starts to walk around. ONLY after you finish breast-feeding, I suggest you can try to loss weight. Your calorie intake can go down to about 1800 calories a day and that will help with weight loss. Walking is great exercise and pushing a stroller is even better.

[LilBabe]

Thanks for answering my questions, but I have one more to ask you and that is what kinds of foods should I be eating while breastfeeding?

[micaela27]

eat a variety of foods!  your body will take those foods to create that perfect breastmilk for your baby, so there is no need to eat a specialized diet if your baby has no digestive problems from the breastmilk and formula right now.  some women find that cruciferous (sulfur-containing) vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower will cause their breastmilk to have a slightly different taste and/or odor, and may cause their baby to feel a bit more gassy.  if you find your baby reacts this way when you eat certain foods, it's up to you to choose whether you would want to avoid them while you breastfeed.  it won't hurt your baby if you eat those foods, but we all know what it's like to try to comfort a gassy baby!  Mylicon drops can also help for moments like this.  You may decide to eat different vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, etc rather than broccoli for a few months if you think your baby is bothered by it.

it's very important to drink enough fluids while breastfeeding, so carry a water bottle around with you and sip on it throughout the day.  this will ensure your milk volume stays high enough and will keep you from getting dehydrated too.  keep your calcium foods high enough - about 3 servings a day of foods like cheese, milk and yogurt - and make sure to eat at least 3 vegetables and 2 fruits a day (although more is better!).

I always tell the women in my office that their bodies will even make good breastmilk if they eat soda and twinkies all day long - but THEY may not feel so good on that sort of diet!  As long as you eat a variety of healthy foods (grilled chicken, blueberry yogurt, fresh pineapple, egg salad, wheat bread, green beans, Cheerios, etc etc etc) you should be just fine!

Keep up the good work - you are giving your baby an incredible gift that nobody else can give by breastfeeding him.

[Renee Radenberg]

You just eat the foods you were eating will you were pregnant which is eating healthy. The foods you eat should come from all the food groups including multi grains, fruits and vegetables. Portion control is important and here some general tips for per portion and total servings per day = ½ cup for all starches (8-10 servings a day) and vegetables (2-3 servings a day); one piece of fruit or ½ cup of small fruits (3-4 servings a day); 1 cup for low fat dairy product (3-4 servings a day), and 3-4oz of low fat meat a meal (12ozs total a day). Remember to drink plenty of fluids daily. Some foods that produce gas (cabbage family, onions, broccoli and beans) may have an affect on the baby, so just eat small amount or avoid them while breastfeeding.

[LilBabe]

Thanks for all the advice I really appreciate it.