L.G. asks from Chandler, AZ on September 18, 2007
Breastfeeding Diet
I had a baby about 3 1/2 months ago and have yet to lose any weight except for the weight in the hospital. I am breast feeding so I know I need the extra calories but I really want to trey to get back in shape. I was excited to breastfeed knowing that it would help me, but then I read that it does't always help you shead the pounds. Does anyone have any suggestions about a diet and/or exercise program for a breast feeding mom? I could really use the help. Thanks
Featured Answers
J.B. answers from Phoenix on September 19, 2007
Read the book "Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding." I found it very helpful.
Oh, and I have it if you want it.
Good Luck,
J.
PS I actually GAIN weight while breastfeeding!
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F.J. answers from Phoenix on October 12, 2007
Weight Watchers has a great program for Breastfeeding moms. Working out is always the best. Walking with baby, getting a treadmill or stationary bike, or one of Denise Austin work out DVDs any of those I am sure you will find a healthy way to continue breastfeeding and still loose weight!
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P.S. answers from Phoenix on September 21, 2007
I started out very petite (I do exercise and eat well, but I'm also very small-framed) and didn't lose much weight until about 4 months after my baby was born. I had a c-section, so I wasn't very active initially, but at 4 weeks post-partum, I started taking walks with my baby in her stroller.
Baby's 9 months old now and I have 3 lbs. left to lose. It wasn't too tough for me--I've always eaten healthy and have made exercise a habit for over 15 years.
If that's not the case for you, a program like Weight Watchers might help. You don't need a diet, you need a lifestyle change! It's already happened, what with a new baby, but learning how to eat properly despite the challenge of time and a little person who needs a lot of attention can be tough.
Exercise is my "me time." I work out 30-60 minutes per day, 6 days a week. I use DVDs at home, and also go to the gym twice a week. If you can't do anything else, you can at least start taking walks.
I'm still breastfeeding, though my appetite has decreased since she started eating more solids. Breastfeeding isn't an excuse to eat whatever you want. Instead, you might try to focus on eating well to nourish yourself and your baby.
The key is to form good habits. That will help you lose weight now and keep it off in the future.
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D.R. answers from Charlotte on September 19, 2007
Hi L....congrats on the new baby!!! Since you are breastfeeding I wouldn't recommend going on a diet just yet. Just focus on eating as heathy as you can for now. After I had my daughter I got many baby/mommee workout videos. They were really fun and there are so many out there to choose from. They're so convienient, since its so hard to find the time you once had to work out. Don't be so hard on yourself...take it one day at a time. Before you know it you'll be chasing your little one all around the house and the pounds will seem to drop without effort!! Take care and best of luck to you. :)
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L.E. answers from Phoenix on September 19, 2007
Before i got prego i did weight watchers. then i got prego they kicked me out and said see you after baby comes.. my baby just turned 1 month today..I plan to return soon. i was told they have a plan for breastfeeding moms. If WW worked for me pre pregancy it should work for me again.
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D.L. answers from Phoenix on September 23, 2007
L. G -
I tried to breastfeed for as long as I could - unfortunately not long enough. So...the weight started coming back on. It wasn't until someone asked me how far along I was (even though they knew I had a two month old!) - I knew it was time to hit the gym.
I would definately suggest trying that. I have a membership to Pure Fitness and I would definately reommend them. They will even help you go over a meal plan that is designed just for you - plus they offer personally training.
And hey, If you need a workout buddy - let me know. Sometimes the extra support helps.
Good luck!
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K.L. answers from Phoenix on September 19, 2007
Baby Boot Camp!! Check out the website, www.babybootcamp.com. It is a stroller fitness program for post partum mommies! You get to bring your baby with you. It really is the best program out there as all of the instructors are required to be nationally certified! It is like getting a personal trainer for a fraction of the cost. Your first class is free, so you can always check it out! Good Luck.
K.
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T.T. answers from Tucson on September 20, 2007
Weight Watchers has a great program for breatfeeding moms. Even if you don't chose to go to meetings or pay to continue, the lessons on portion control and selecting lighter options for common sides and high calorie food items will really add up if you add them to your diet. The best advice I can give overall is to add lots of veggies to your meals so that you can fill up on low-cal items, and it will help you to take in the additional nutrients you need when breastfeeding. Add frozen veggies to soups, make taco salads with cabbage, romaine lettuce and tomato as the bulk of the salad. Saute broccoli and zucchini and eat this before you eat your main course.
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J.V. answers from Phoenix on September 19, 2007
I take an excercise class at the community center located at 35th Ave. and Pinnacle Peak. You get to bring your baby and they offer it once or twice a week. It is really fun and is a great workout! I also try to take baby for a walk every single day.
As far as food is concerned, I do eat more, but I really try to make sure they are good calories... fruits, veggies, yogurt, etc... That really seemed to help a lot.
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