Do I need to wean to lose the last few pounds?

[Anonymous]

I am within 3 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight and within 6 of my happy weight. I am still nursing my DD twice a day. With my first DD, I wasn't able to lose all the weight until after I stopped nursing, but I always thought that had more to do with being able to start back at the gym after pumping than with my body holding onto extra weight for nursing. Am I stuck with these last few lbs until I wean fully? The scale is not budging despite eating well and exercising daily.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the person. I struggled, but actually got back to pre-baby weight before weaning thanks to WW. I actually gained back 10lbs after I weaned, primarily because I wasn't conscientious about dialing back my calorie intake when weaning meant that my caloric needs decreased. I'm now battling to get that weight back off again.

[Anonymous]

I weaned my DS at 13mo. because I thought it would help me lose those last 10lbs. Of course, I gained 5 after weaning. So, if the only reason you want to wean is weight loss, I would wait. I regretted weaning him.

[Anonymous]

OP again, thanks for your responses. I'm definitely not considering weaning just to lose the weight, I'm just wondering whether that's what it will take. My body is so different this time around too. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

My completely non-scientific view based on my experiences and those of friends is that, if you are close to a healthy weight, you will not lose the last few pounds until after you wean. Don't worry about them. Nurse and wean when it works and those pounds will come off easily (assuming you don't go crazy with eating and not exercising!).

[Anonymous]

Breast feeding uses a lot of calories. So it should help you loose weight if you are eating right and exercising.