Eh I did hold onto weight breastfeeding because I couldn’t diet, and I actually gained weight after stopping breastfeeding because I wasn’t expending all those extra calories. Also very fit/petite (actually used to be a professional athlete). My second did a number on my body that my first didn’t. Is what it is. Buy new clothes.

Another poster here who breastfed and held on to extra weight. It was around 10-15 pounds extra after a few weeks, and then I slowly lost a little more very slowly, but there were 5-8 pounds that I just couldn't lose while breastfeeding. It took me until after the second pregnancy to figure this was the case, and I was frustrated that my efforts to get back to my pre-pregnancy size weren't working.

I had three kids all of whom I breastfed for a year, and then basically got pregnant again soon after I stopped breastfeeding each, so it felt like several years of not being in my own skin. Yes, I was a new mom and that was wonderful, but I was also very petite pre-pregnancy and could wear anything I wanted, and it was frustrating to feel like I was perpetually in either nursing or maternity clothes and doomed to look like a matron instead of the young hot mom that I'd envisioned being. Ha!

After I weaned my third and didn't get pregnant again, the weight just melted off (I was maintaining healthy eating/exercise habits, of course, but I think at some age you'd have to do that no matter what). Yes, it was a period of 5-6 years of not feeling like myself... it sucks but it's not permanent, but it also feels like the baby years went by so fast (despite being so many years). Now I can fit in my clothes and wear anything I want again, and can even sleep through the night, but trust me, life is no picnic with "older" kids/tweens, so...

Anonymous wrote:You're only 10 weeks out from birth. It takes a lot of time to lose 60 pounds..I gained that much with both of my kids..it did come off but it took about 9 months. Be patient and go easy on yourself!

+1. With one child it took me 7 weeks to lose the weight with another it took 5 months. I think your experience the first time is very unrealistic (so much so I’m surprised it wasn’t related to a thyroid problem). You sound very diligent about diet and exercise and very hard on yourself. No one on this forum will probably make you feel better, but I agree with what PP wrote about being kind to yourself. You’ve had two kids, you are adjusting to being a mom of 2, you gained 60 pounds, you had abdominal surgery, and somehow you have lost the bulk of that weight in 10 weeks. That’s amazing! I say this all as a mom of 2 (soon to be 3) who is very thin when not pregnant and has body image issues. It is tough in the postpartum no man’s land period, but you need to remind yourself this is only temporary. Your body is probably just exhausted from everything. The best thing you can do for yourself is get a massage or two and focus on things not related to your body - even if it’s just for a day.

I understand OP. Both times postpartum, I breastfed and held onto 8-10 stubborn pounds that would not budge until I weaned. I also had low supply so the whole thing just seemed unfair and counterintuitive. With my first, I actually was at my pre birth weight the day after I gave birth…and then I gained weight when my milk came in (but still had to supplement due to low supply). It really messed with my head. But it was just hormonal. I am really short (5’1’’) so 120 lbs vs my usual 112 or so was almost 2 whole clothing sizes. I also felt really uncomfortable. However, I wish I had not dwelled on it as it really was a temporary phase. Sending you hugs and well wishes! This too shall pass.

You're only 10 weeks out from birth. It takes a lot of time to lose 60 pounds..I gained that much with both of my kids..it did come off but it took about 9 months. Be patient and go easy on yourself!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all, OP here. I think I am being hard on myself because I had such an easy time losing the weight with my first and it felt nice to look like myself again after so much else had changed. It’s hard not compare experiences, even though they are different.

Thanks for your advice. I know it hasn’t been much time, but it’s just so hard to walk around in a body that not only isn’t mine anymore (yes to breastfeeding) but also doesn’t even look like me anymore

I know it sucks, but you’ve had two babies and abdominal surgery. For your own sake, try to accept that maybe this body DOES look like you now.