I'm Losing Weight Due to Stress Any Advice Since I'm Still Nursing?

Hi M.,

I tend to lose weight when I'm stressed, too, so I know what it's like. This is going to be one of those do as I say, not as I do things (because I avoid going to the doctor as much I can), but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to visit your doctor to make sure it's not more than stress? And he or she could give you advice about how to maintain or gain weight back healthily. Just a suggestion!

Well it's not like I am an expert or anything, but I would say take prenatel vitamens because they help with the nutrients for the baby while you are breastfeeding. They should also give you a better appetite. I would say to eat lots of healthy foods to maintain a heathy weight.

Are you sure it's just the stress that is making you lose weight? The reason I ask is because for me, nursing made me lose a lot of weight - even though I was eating healthy and a lot. I ended 30 lbs less than I was before I got pregnant!!! I was losing so much weight, so fast that my doctor actually had my thyroid tested! Turned out, the only explanation was the nursing... When I stopped nursing I gained about 10 lbs, but it was good for me, plus I looked a lot better! If you are very concerned I would talk to a doctor, just in case! Or, if you are sure it's the stress - than that is the root of your problem and you need to deal with that first, and then the rest will fall into place ;)
Good Luck!

Your baby will get the nutrients he needs, but you may not be. The nutrients will go to your breast milk first and then your own body, hence losing weight SO fast.

My heart absolutely goes out to you and here's my advice. Baby yourself! Give yourself all the care and love you are giving your baby. Go out w/ girlfriends, lean on your support as much as you can and by all means, eat a pint of ice cream! Take baths, honor your body for making and sustaining your baby, honor yourself for what you are going through. Cry, throw pillows, walk, but you have to take care of your baby's mother!

All the best to you and I hope the best for your situation!

J.

Many hugs to you....know that it's good that you posted this here.

DO NOT give your baby milk! A baby should not have milk until 1 year old. AND it has to be "whole" milk.

FIRST, make sure your baby is getting enough intake, not getting dehydrated, and is making enough wet/poopy diapers. Then, do you KNOW for sure that this is affecting your milk output?

Next, is your baby gaining enough weight/growth per his well-baby check ups? (he must have had a well-baby check up at 9 months old, right?) If not, and his weight is not gaining and/or he is losing weight, it may be affecting him, and he may not be getting enough intake.

Next, how is your baby? Is the "stress" affecting him? Meaning, is he crying or getting fussier etc.? This "might" mean he is not getting enough intake as well.

Are you nursing on demand and at least every 3-4 hours? You STILL need to do this... direct nursing is the best way to insure that your body will make milk and aide in production. Nurse him at night too, even if he wakes in the middle of the night.
And, I'm sure your baby is eating solids? But still, for the first year of life, a baby's primary source of nutrition is from breastmilk/formula.

Next, STILL take your "pre-natal" vitamins... this helps with lactating Moms. My OB/GYN ALWAYS has his patients take their Pre-natal vitamins as long as they are breastfeeding. No matter how long that is.

Next, eat well balanced-- eat protein, you need the iron. Eat calorie dense foods like peanut butter. Eat carbs, this will give you energy. KEEP hydrated as well, drink lots of water.
Don't skimp on foods or calories now, since the stress is affecting your weight and milk output.

Next, DO check with his Pediatrician and tell them about what you said here... see what they recommend. Or, see a Lactation Consultant. If you DO need to supplement your baby with Formula... then do so. There are many different brands/types... and some babies will not take one, but will take another. SEE what your Pediatrician says.

Next, see your own Doctor.. and see what they can recommend. Just be sure NOT to take anything that you don't know about... because anything "not good" can leech into the breastmilk and affect your baby.

Take care and all the best...
Susan