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660775 tn?1225073905

breast-feeding and weight loss.

I have been walking/jogging 3 miles about 4 days a week and eating healthy. I have decreased my caloric intake a bit but not to much because I am breastfeeding. My baby is 3 months now and I have 25 pounds to get rid of. I'm always hungry! does anyone know if there is anything I can take for an appetite suppressant or perhaps another weight loss herb?? I'm desperate to get this weight off. I was wondering if Hoodia or something like that would be safe. It says to consult an physician before using??

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172023 tn?1334672284
You should obviously eat in a very healthy manner while breastfeeding, but you should not actively "diet" while breastfeeding.  You actually need more calories to produce breastmilk in the quantities needed for a healthy, growing child.

Exercise, eat right, and keep nursing.  The weight will come off.  Congrats on your new baby!

Helpful - 0
663801 tn?1225919728
HI.. It's really not a good idea to try any weight loss drugs or suppresents while you're breast feeding it could really badly affect the baby .......unless you're planning on  stopping the BF ?
Helpful - 0
579258 tn?1250649343
Thank you for posting your question and welcome to the Weight Loss & Dieting Community.  There is amazing knowledge to be shared here and a team spirited, positive "can do" atmosphere here that surrounds us and supports us as we move forward with our weight loss goals.  

Skailark has pretty much provided you with a wealth of information.  The only addition I might have is that there is truly no need to feel hungry.  Would be happy to provide you with some food ideas that will help you feel full longer .. and the protein he mentioned is a wonderful idea.  Whenever I feel an extreme call to hunger, instead of eating carbs that my body processes quickly (and calls for hunger again), I select protein and/or complex carbohydrates.  

To help, you may want to choose oatmeal for breakfast, a snack of a hard boiled egg or some deli-style turkey, a lunch of Campbell's Select soup (110-140 calories per serving for many of the flavors) and a salad with low-fat dressing (Paul Neuman has many with 40-80 cal a Tbsp .. high in flavor!).  Then try a snack of fruit and low-fat cheese in the afternoon, a dinner with a chicken breast or salmon, whole grain rice or pasta and a steamed or broiled fresh vegetable (perhaps with some olive oil, salt and pepper), and then a night time snack of 100-calorie popcorn and/or a 35 cal fudgesickle.  That said, the only concern is the sweetener used in some of the low-calorie options since you are breastfeeding.  Would perhaps recommend you use sugar sparingly rather than sweeteners until after you've finished breastfeeding.  So .. vinegar and oil would be a natural substitute for the low-fat dressing and air popped or olive oil pan-popped popcorn would be the alternative for the popcorn.  A natural sherbert would be the option for the fudgesickle.

Hope this helps and would highly recommend joining us here for friendship, exchange of knowledge, periodic challenges to keep us inspired and moving forward and a host of wonderful, caring friends in this community.  

Congratulations on your new little one; what a blessing!  Enjoy the time; they grow all too quickly.

(((Many hugs)))
Ranae
Helpful - 0
616227 tn?1251076398
Congrats on your baby!

Getting back into shape is every woman's wish after a child birth.
I think since you are wanting to do this and have the desire to look your best, you sure can do it.

Eating healthy and exercising are the key..And particpating on an online froum and checking in with yuor friends here will surely help you alot.

I wudn recommend any suppressants for the hunger...waht you may want to do is increase your protein intake which will curb your hunger.It is always best to check with your doctor before you do anything!

Also found some intersting info online on pregnance and weight loss.Hope it helps!
- Loosk for the exercsie tips!


It is both normal and healthy to gain weight during pregnancy. This ensures that both you and your baby are adequately nourished. Weight loss after pregnancy may sometimes be slow and some new mothers can find this initially frustrating. It's very important not to start on a crash diet immediately after you have had your baby. This will lead to health problems and possible post partum depression. Even after pregnancy your body still needs vital nutrients to recuperate and even more so if you are breast feeding. Breastfeeding mothers typically expend an extra 500 calories each day. So don't be tempted to rush things.

Losing Weight Safely -

Your doctor will probably recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise or activity until you have had your six week post partum check up. In fact, until this point in time it is likely that you will not feel much like exercising vigorously. During this initial recovery period walking is a wonderful form of exercise that will not only help improve your health and help you lose weight, but also clear your mind and keep post partum depression at bay.

Starting Out

* Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods high in fibre - such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains - provide you with many important nutrients while helping you feel full longer. Other nutrient-rich choices include low-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk, yoghurt and low-fat cheeses. White meat poultry, most fish, beans, and lean cuts of beef and pork are good sources of protein, as well as zinc, iron and B vitamins.

* Avoid temptation. Surround yourself with foods that are good for you. If junk food poses too much temptation, keep it out of the house.

* Eat smaller portions. Don't skip meals or limit your intake of fruits and vegetables. You'll miss vital nutrients. Instead, scale back your portions of higher calorie foods.

* Eat only when you're hungry. If you're anxious or nervous or if you simply think it's time to eat, distract yourself. Take your baby for a walk, call a friend or read a favourite magazine. When You're Ready

* If you're breast-feeding, feed your baby right before you exercise. Wear a supportive bra and comfortable clothing. lStart slowly. Begin with light aerobic activity, such as walking, stationary cycling or swimming. Avoid jumping and jerky, bouncy or jarring motions.

  * Break it up. Exercise in short sessions throughout the day. As your stamina improves, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts.

* Include your baby. Take your baby for a daily walk in a stroller or baby carrier. If you prefer to jog, use a jogging stroller designed for infants. Lay your baby next to you while you stretch on the floor. Hold him or her in your arms and dance to your favourite music.

  * Target your abs. Losing abdominal fat takes dietary changes and aerobic exercise, but abdominal crunches and other abdominal exercises can help tone your abdominal muscles.

* Remember your Kegels. These exercises won't help you lose weight, but they will tone your pelvic floor muscles. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. You can do Kegels while standing, sitting or lying down - even while breast-feeding your baby.
Helpful - 0
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