Losing the baby weight - here's what's worked for me

[Anonymous]

I have 15 lbs. to go at 3.5 months post partum after DC #2 - it's coming off steadily just like last time. I'm nursing (pumping exclusively actually), doing a nursing version of Weight Watchers (no meetings, just watching the points), and running 5x a week. For me, all three is what it takes to move that weight. I weigh myself every two weeks and enjoy indulgent dinners on that Sat & Sunday following a weigh-in. Keeps me honest during the other 12 days. I have some wine but not huge amounts. Good luck everyone!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for this. I'm still pregnant, but it's good to know that the weight doesn't "magically" disappear for some women and that it actually takes work to lose. It sounds like you're on a realistic plan.

[Anonymous]

I gained over 50 pounds when pregnant, and have lost all but 5 of it, 4.5 mos post-partum. That's mostly due to exercising almost every day. I had a pretty good handle on my diet for awhile, but I've relaxed somewhat. I would probably have to give up wine or sweets in order to lose the last 5 pounds, and I'm dragging my feet on that because I take pleasure in wine and sweets. as long as i fit into my clothes, i don't really care that much about the weight number itself. (I do like to exercise, or I probably wouldn't do it as often.)

I get cranky when moms credit breast-feeding alone with losing all the baby weight. It may be because I was unable to produce enough milk to breast-feed successfully, but I've always thought that it was overrated as a weight-loss method, that maybe the La Leche League people were overhyping it to get women to breast-feed. I always questioned that women would actually use weight loss as their reason to breast-feed - seemed like kind of a vanity, when "it nourishes my baby and bonds us together" should be enough of a reason. (or hell, "it's cheaper" or "all-natural" are good reasons too.)

[Anonymous]

Makes me crazy when actresses claim they lost their weight "mostly through breastfeeding" because I'm sure their personal trainers and chefs had nothing to do with it I haven't done much exercise since the second kiddo was born four months ago except for walking with the two kids. Just started to work out three weeks ago, trying to watch what I eat (though not giving up everything I love, just eating smaller amounts), and I've lost 3 lbs. SO it's given me hope! I'm also breastfeeding, but not relying on that for the loss!

[Anonymous]

I actually felt that I did not start losing weight until after I stopped breastfeeding. Anyone else? I guess as long as my breasts were large - I felt bigger, too. I only breastfed the first six months - but after I stopped I dropped all the extra weight and then some. Maybe, had I breastfed longer - the same would have happened......

[Anonymous]

I held on to 5 pounds until I stopped breast-feeding (at about 8 months), and then it just seemed to fall off within a week. I had already gotten to my pre-preggo weight (LOTS of hard work since I gained close to 40lb), and those final 5lb brought me to my "goal" weight so I was pretty happy.

Now I'm 6 months pregnant with #2 and am expecting the same thing. I was hoping to gain less this time but it doesn't look like that is going to happen!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually felt that I did not start losing weight until after I stopped breastfeeding. Anyone else? I guess as long as my breasts were large - I felt bigger, too. I only breastfed the first six months - but after I stopped I dropped all the extra weight and then some. Maybe, had I breastfed longer - the same would have happened......

same - lost ALL of my weight after I stopped nursing at 6 months

am MUCH happier as a result!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually felt that I did not start losing weight until after I stopped breastfeeding. Anyone else? I guess as long as my breasts were large - I felt bigger, too. I only breastfed the first six months - but after I stopped I dropped all the extra weight and then some. Maybe, had I breastfed longer - the same would have happened......

I agree. I was too scared to mess up my supply so I didn't even try to lose weight until the baby had weaned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I actually felt that I did not start losing weight until after I stopped breastfeeding. Anyone else? I guess as long as my breasts were large - I felt bigger, too. I only breastfed the first six months - but after I stopped I dropped all the extra weight and then some. Maybe, had I breastfed longer - the same would have happened......

I agree. I was too scared to mess up my supply so I didn't even try to lose weight until the baby had weaned.

Sometimes your body "holds on" to 5 (baby weight) pounds to ensure there is enough reserve for bfing. It comes off once your body realizes it doesn't need it anymore (weaning).

[Anonymous]

I stopped BFing and lost 11 lbs in one month. BFing DOES NOT always take off the weight....sometimes it keeps the weight, I wish someone would have told me that.

[Anonymous]

Maybe for those last 5 pounds, it was the extra weight in the boobs!?

[Anonymous]

I started gaining weight like crazy when I stopped breastfeeding! and gained almost 8 lbs in 1.5 months since then even though I was exercising 3x per week - now weighing as much as I did when I delivered (or a bit more). I'm not pregnant, my thyroid is OK, so i'm blaming it all on decreased nutritional needs. Feels good to complain. Now, i'm seriously dieting, not only 'watching what I eat' and 'eating healthy'. So good luck to me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe for those last 5 pounds, it was the extra weight in the boobs!?

That was me, and thankfully no, I wasn't carrying around 5 lb in the boobs, LOL! I really did lose it from the waist and hips, I could tell by the way my clothes fit. Didn't get to enjoy it very long, however, as I got pregnant within a month after I stopped breastfeeding.