Losing baby weight?

[BillysWife]

What are some ways that you have found to lose your baby weight? I gained about 50 lbs with Nehemiah, and have only managed to lose about 13-14. I know a lot of people say nursing, but unfortunately that wasn't an option for me, at least not exclusively. He was born tongue-tied and was that way for 5 days before the midwife corrected it, so my milk never fully came in. We had to supplement until just recently when he decided he didn't want to nurse anymore, so he's on cereal and formula now. Anyway, I would like to lose some weight before another one comes. Any tips? I know another one could come at any time, but I would like to lose at least a little bit.

[Tammy]

Boy, that is the question of the year, lol! I think most of us mommies struggle with postpartum weight. Breastfeeding really does help shed the excess pounds, but there are other things you can do to encourage healthy weight loss.

The thing to keep in mind is that in order lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you are taking in. With that in mind, you can tackle "baby weight" on two fronts: What you take in, and what you burn.

What you take in: When pregnant, we tend to not be too concerned with portion size and the calories we are consuming. Our appetites and eating habits change to provide the extra nutrients needed for the little one that is forming within. After the baby is born, however, our eating habits have to change again, and this time it's not so easy. It's important to be mindful of portion size again, and conscious of whether you really need that second helping in order to feel "full". Wait a few minutes before taking another helping, and see if you begin to feel satisfied. Try drinking a full glass of water 30 minutes before each meal. Maybe take some fiber tablets with that water, if fiber is lacking in your diet. Avoid "empty calories," which are foods that are packed with calories but do not offer much real nutrition.

What you burn: You can try every diet on the block, and never drop a single pound if you don't couple it with exercise. Find some kind of activity that you enjoy and have access to several days a week. Personally, I like walking. It doesn't require any special equipment but a good pair of shoes, it's free, and I get some fresh air in the process. But if you like tennis or something more "high-impact", more power to you! The key is consistency, and make sure you get your heart rate up when you exercise, and maintain that rate for several minutes before you slow down.

These are good habits to develop, and will help your body to be in good shape for when the next little one comes along.

Blessings~

[benshelpmeet]

Great topic!

It has been a while since I had my last baby, almost 6 years. I never had much luck loosing weight by nursing, I nursed the whole time, I never even supplemented, I'm not sure why it never worked for me, I do not over eat, I have to make myself eat. I guess everyones metabolism is different though. I know nursing and loosing weight works for people, just not me.

Walking is great exercise and is an easy way to firm up and drop lbs.

Thanks for the helpful advice Tammy. Everyone can benefit from healthy eating habits and a walking schedule not just Mommies. The weather is getting pretty and I'm going to start walking.

We are always hopeful for another baby in our fading future...I'm already 43. Time is slipping by for me. Gods will is my will. I can dream though.

Blessings on your day sisters! ~ sister Darlene ~

[BillysWife]

Thank you for the replies I think part of my problem is I hate to exercise. I do enjoy walking most of the time, so maybe I'll have to start doing more of that.

[benshelpmeet]

We are going to start walking in the mornings and evenings.

Start out slow, do not over do it, when you feel your getting tired, turn around and walk back. Do that for about three days then go a little further. That's what I'm going to do.

Blessings on your day Naomi!

Love ~ sister Darlene ~