Weight Loss While Nursing - Choctaw,OK

Well, I know that they say that breast milk is the best-I could never keep it going after 1-3 months postpartum, when I lost most of my pregnancy weight on its own, I switched to formula-the breastmilk thing was stressing me out, and my 3 year old son kept pestering me to see the milk in my t---ie's(can you believe it, of all things-I maybe said that word once-honest!) and the last time I attempted it(my daughter's 6 mos) the new baby was sleeping, I was hooked up to the pump when I should have been trying to relax, my son snuck in the bathroom to hold me hostage about it when I somewhat inadvertantly squirted him in the head with breastmilk, promptly capped the bottle, put away the pump, and ran to target for some formula. And nope, I don't feel guilty about it. Not one bit. Neither do my breasts.

I normally don't like calling people out on here, and my goal isn't to do so, but please don't take any of our advice on losing weight while you're nursing. I've yet to find someone with a strong medical background on here or a nutritionist who is actually licensed to give you this advice.

That being said, I've been involved with the world of weight loss through the pharmaceutical industry for many years, and having had 2 of my own kids recently, I'll give you my personal feelings.

The average adult should have 2000-2200 calories/day. When nursing, you're supposed to add an additional 500 calories/day.

1500 calories is not sustainable for anyone who's not bound to a wheelchair or bed. Most nutritionists will try to keep patients needing to lose weight between 1800-2000 calories.

Here's the problem - when you limit your calories, your body resets your metabolism to meet the lower demand, and it never readjusts when you meet your goals. So, if you drop to 1500 calories, you have to stay there forever to maintain your weight.

Healthy weight loss is 0.5-1 lb/week. Most people fall into the 0.5 lb/week category after initial weight loss. Since you're in the Army, I'd really advise you see if a Dietary consult is available with a Registered Dietician through your Tricare benefits and have them work with you regarding the needs as a nursing mother.

Remember that training programs aimed at toning muscle may actually add weight to your frame as you build lean body mass and burn fat.

Good luck. Please don't take any supplements as none are proven safe to nursing moms - including Rx, FDA approved treatments.

Is it possible your clogged ducts could be because of the type of bra you're wearing? When I was in the hospital after my c-section, the lactation consultants made a really big point of getting a good nursing bra that fit properly and did not have underwires.

I think seeing a dietician in order to design a healthy diet with reduced calories but still adequate for you & the baby, plus seeing a lactation consultant to help with finding a good nursing or exercising bra so you can exercise without risking the clogged ducts is the safest way to go....

Good luck!

Any way you can look into more gentle exercise like yoga or pilates? Maybe if you start small and work your way up you won't experience the clogged ducts and stuff. I believe its safe to lose 1-2lbs a week or something like that and still be fine nursing....ie- your supply won't suffer or anything.

Nursing is part of a weight loss program *laugh* I recomend walking. Perhaps combined with yoga and/Tai Chi. You will feel better and firm things up without going overboard. Also, drink plenty of water.

I have successfully shed 33 pounds and belly pouch by using an organic weight loss tea supplement mummy magic tea.

I would try wearing two sports bras. I found that to be helpful after I had my kids. And like someone else said, limit calories. I would think that 1700 would be a fair number (not knowing your weight, height and activity level.) If you create a 500 calorie deficit each day you should loose a pound a week with just changing your diet alone. Eating lots of fruit and veggies helps. And drinking tons of water. Do you have to do PT with everyone or do they let you do it on your own? If you can do it on your own, I would do some resistance training (2 times a week) to get your muscle tone back. Plus the more muscle you have the more calories you will burn throughout the day. And running/ or jogging is excellent. You can go your own pace and make sure you don't over do it. Baby weight is hard to get off at times, but just keep at it. You can do it!

you can totally diet while breast feeding. I did it after having both my kids. Remember exercise is great but to shed those baby lbs it's all about the calorie intake! With my second I did spin classes about 2 to 3 times a week but that was all the exercise i did. Other than that I just did slimfast. You just need to stay between 1500 and 1800 calories while breastfeeding. As long as you don't go lower than 1500 you will lose weight without messing up your milk supply. I did slimfast because it was easy to count calories that way and if I didn't feel like a slimfast for lunch I would do a lean cuisine so again all the calorie info was right one the box.

Please do not stop nursing in order to lose weight! You can lose it safely while nursing. I have done it 3 times. I do wear 2 sports bras (4 years postpartum with my 3rd.) But I have lost my babyweight 3 times with moderate walking/jogging, weights and yoga. It is not easy, but very doable. Watch what you eat, but don't follow a super strict diet. Be gentle with yourself. You have created a beautiful human being and are now feeding that baby. Your body is hard at work!!

I'm not sure how exercise caused your clogged duct. I have never heard of that before, although I'm sure it could happen. Wearing a very good bra, plenty of water and pumping or breastfeeding on a regular schedule will reduce the risk of clogged ducts. You may have to wear two new support sport bras while working out to be safe.
Talk to your OB to find out their opinion. Watch the number of calories you are taking in verses what you are burning. I did this this week and lost almost 2 lbs. :)

i did weight watchers after my kids and had very good success with it. I was also nursing full time and they have a special program for nursing moms. I never had issues with my supply, i lost between 1 and 2 pounds per week. Good luck!