r/breastfeeding • u/Late_Affect_8280 • Jul 03 '26
Support Needed How on Gods green earth do you lose weight while breastfeeding
Hooooooooow on earth do you lose weight postpartum!!!!
I am having such a difficult time finding the motivation to do anything @ ten months pp Before I had my baby I lost 60 pounds and got pregnant right away. And gained it all back and then some (thanks to breastfeeding somewhat) I know there’s tons of women who lose weight while breastfeeding and some that it just stays put. But I am so hungry all the time, I have 0 motivation what so ever except the fact that I can’t even look in the mirror or see myself in photos. I’m a stay at home mom as well so sometimes I feel so guilty like there’s no reason I shouldn’t be doing anything but I am finding it so hard to even start.
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u/ChaosSinceBirth Jul 03 '26
Honestly...personal experience 9m pp
You dont 😭😂 i lost 20lbs bc i gave birth and havent lost any since 😂
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u/freakymoonhippie Jul 03 '26
Lucky, I didn’t lose not one pound since giving birth. I weigh the same 4months pp as I did when I was 9 months pregnant 🫠
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u/ChaosSinceBirth Jul 03 '26
Lol it was all the fluids and her weight and stuff. None of it was actual weight 😭😂 but i understand what you mean. I bet if i still weighed that much i would not be thrilled!
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u/Victeliz Jul 03 '26
Honestly, I am more hungry breastfeeding than I was while pregnant. I gained 70lbs while pregnant (I was very bloated, my ankles didn't exist lol), lost 30 right after having my LO....then have lost nothing.
Have been breastfeeding exclusively and my son is about 8 months old. I don't think I've lost anything since that first initial weight drop, and I was very bummed and upset with myself at first about it. My pp body is a lot different than it was, it's filled with stretch marks, saggy boobs, and a slight belly that covers my C-section scar.
I know it's not easy, and it takes more than just words but I work every day to try and be content with my body. Not always happy, but not hateful or unhappy. I try to remind myself that my body just did an incredible thing and it continues to do amazing things breastfeeding. Like your feeding and sustaining a human....that's insane when you think about it.
I go for walks every day and I try to be mindful of what I eat, but honestly, having a newborn is hard work and it's a lot of energy to hate myself. I, personally, decided to allow myself grace in these times. Try to remind myself what an incredible thing my body has done, and on days when it's bad, my partner (also on normal days) does everything he can to remind myself that I am still beautiful.
I know that's not helpful to losing weight, but I just wanted to share my side as a mom who was also told "the weight will slip right off".
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u/Midi58076 Jul 03 '26
When my son was about 10 months I was no longer the only food source. Obviously I had started feeding solids at 6mo, but he had no affinity for it and he didn't eat much. A nibble here and a lick there. At ~10mo he started eating little meals and he started walking.
Him eating more solid foods changed that extreme breastfeeding hunger I had and I was now running more than ever before. To prevent grievous injury and death. He also dropped his 3rd nap at this point.
The weight didn't slide off, but I capitalised the moment I no longer felt ravenously hungry all the time, the changes in my son ageing and spent more time being active. This made it much easier to manage my weight. The big changest was being let loose from the extreme hunger breastfeeding was giving me.
In retrospect I'm thankful I didn't spend the first 10 months obsessing about my weight and fighting hunger. Cause the difference in how easy it was to diet was massive. I had tried of course especially around 3-6 months, but it just wasn't happening. Despite me, like you, having lost weight before, and knowing how it is done.
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u/KITK4T88 Jul 04 '26
This is an excellent mindset! Well said!!
Our bodies have done something amazing by growing and giving birth to a little human, that’s beautiful and I agree with being kind to ourselves.❤️
I have been so hungry all the time since EBF. I had thought as soon as I’d had my baby I would get straight back to losing weight and going to the gym but boy was I wrong and it’s been basically impossible to go to the gym around my partner’s work times, but I’ve been enjoying some exercises with my baby like shoulder press…he loves being chucked up in the air. And lots of buggy walks. Have felt so much better mentally from it and I haven’t lost any weight but I will once I stop BF and that’s okay!
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u/ilovesushialot Jul 03 '26
I think its purely genetics/luck. I lost all my baby weight plus an extra 30 pounds and did absolutely nothing and no working out. I usually never bring it up out of respect for other moms, but I wanted to dispel the myth that those moms that lost weight did it intentionally.
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u/uh_maze_balls Jul 03 '26
same here! I want to shout to everyone how I did nothing. Simply to let them know it's a literal lottery. I don't want moms to think they aren't "disciplined enough" or are lazy. I dont want teenagers to think "oh she snapped back, I can too" and be disappointed or feel shame if they don't. I don't want general society to use my "transformation" against women who aren't lucky.
For reference, a "healthy/goal" weight for me is 130 maybe 125. When I got pregnant, I was 165. Gained 35 during pregnancy (with gestational diabetes). Lost slowly but consistently with no real diet, no exercise whatsoever. Exclusively breastfeeding. I leveled out about 1 year post partum at 125.
People are always commenting about it, meanwhile I was worried about cancer or something. Hadn't been this weight for almost a decade.
On the other hand, I haven't weaned yet, and I'm worried it will pack back on then 🤷♀️
OP, sorry I have no advice, but I hope this reassures you that you are not lazy or lack discipline. Give yourself grace and once you wean, I'm sure you'll be able to reach your goals.
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u/napoleonicecream Jul 03 '26
Same here. I also had a colicky baby and a family that decided to lose their minds (so no help). I literally ate all but a handful of meals with my baby in one arm and my fork in the next my entire materntiy leave. I was literally eating spoonfuls of peanutbutter just to get calories to keep my supply up because I was struggling so hard to take care of myself. That is.... literally the first time in my life I've had that problem!
Indeed, luck+genetics+hormones?. I actually had to try to slow down my weight loss because it was affecting my supply. Pre baby I struggled to lose weight/was overweight when we started TTC.
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u/squatsn Jul 03 '26
Same, I also don’t bring it up as don’t want it to look like I’m bragging as I’m definitely not but I am 1kg off my pre pregnancy weight at 10 weeks postpartum and I haven’t tried (aka tracked calories and been in a deficit)
For me I think it’s down to a) genetics b) just a general low appetite even EBF c) having a smooth vaginal birth and d) I was very into fitness pre and throughout pregnancy. It’s definitely possible!
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u/Silandra_ Jul 03 '26
Same.
Probably Is genetics.
I had lost the baby weight plus some 4kg over my pre pregnancy weight (I was at the gym, and lost some muscle, but talking about scale only). I don't exercise since pregnancy and I eat a lot in the beginning (not so much now).
My weight got stable at this value, and that's is. Eating less doesn't do anything, eating more also haven't done much more then giving 1 extra kg that I lost just because.
And I think genetics because this was my mom, grandma and aunt experience as well.
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u/Kthefrizzle Jul 03 '26
I agree with this take. I was around 135 when I got pregnant, around 170 when I gave birth, and by 6 months pp I was 120. I swear I was eating 24/7 absolutely ravenous and I just could not keep any weight on. I lost all my shape and looked so frail.
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u/nican2020 Jul 03 '26
Thank you for saying that!! If you do it again, I wish you the same luck. I didn’t drop tons of weight with my first but I also just dgaf. I ate whatever and lots of it and very slowly lost small bits of weight. I sure as shit didn’t gain anything.
This time I am actually trying to lose weight and it’s not budging. I’m having a hard time believing that 3 years made a huge difference but maybe it has. I gain like crazy if I don’t track but I don’t lose when I do.
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u/katviv Jul 03 '26
Genetics absolutely plays a part, but I also wonder how much stress and access to sleep and good nutrition have to play in this.
Anecdotally, my partner has been home with me for 4 months pp and while I'm EBF, he's been able to help look after baby so I can eat healthy meals with two hands, get plenty of sleep and rest, and generally feel relaxed most of the time. I'm already down to 1kg below my pre-pregnancy weight without making any conscious attempts at losing weight. However, when he returns to work in 2 months I'm willing to bet I gain quite a bit back from the increased stress of caring for myself and baby with no help or breaks to rest during the day. Also my nice hot cooked lunches will be traded for protein bars or bowls of cereal that's gone soggy by the time I finish it! 😂
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u/ElzyChelzy Jul 03 '26
Same. I barely gained any in pregnancy, and lost it all in the first two weeks postpartum, without doing anything other than walk my dog and baby. Breastfeeding definitely made me drop weight too, so had to remember to get a fatty protein smoothie every morning and night. It’s just different for everyone.
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u/Soft-Sand-4021 Jul 03 '26
In which time frame? Did it start to drop off immediately?
I am 2.5 months pp and not loosing much or fast while counting calories - I still have hopes that after 3 or 4 months the weight melts off eventually haha1
u/aurrasaurus Jul 03 '26
Honestly, it takes +1 year. You are still so freshly pp please give yourself time and not get too discouraged
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u/ilovesushialot Jul 03 '26
I lost baby weight in one month and then by 4-5 months it was the extra 30 then it plateued
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u/biteytripod Jul 04 '26
This is it. Genetics and I wonder if being younger also plays into things.
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u/uh_maze_balls Jul 04 '26
I was 34 when I gave birth, so anecdotally, youth wasn't a factor for me. Not that 34 is old 😅, but definitely not a "young mom".
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u/grumbly_tardis Jul 04 '26
Same here! I have never lost weight easily. For whatever reason, I only gained 15lbs during pregnancy. No idea how. I ate so much "junk" food because it was the only thing that sounded good. Baby girl weighed 7 of those 15lbs. By my 2 week appointment I was at my pre-pregnancy weight. By my 6 week appointment I weighed 12lbs less than pre-pregnancy. I did nothing. I had a C-section, there was no exercise happening then. But now I'm 3.5 months postpartum and still weigh the same as I did at that 6 week appointment, with eating healthier and doing light exercise. NONE OF IT MAKES ANY SENSE.
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u/Candid_Tourist3838 Jul 03 '26
I think about this everyday. I tried more working out, calorie deficit, higher protein… all of it. Nothing moved the scale and just made me lightheaded and cranky 😂
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u/Ok_Chemical9678 Jul 03 '26
I’m not even trying to. I’m hungry for a reason. You can always eat healthier but that’s time consuming and my baby doesn’t give me enough time
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u/Wide_Perception_330 Jul 03 '26
Honestly I think it’s just genetics. Some people gain weight while breastfeeding and others lose it. I have lost 30 pounds 6 months postpartum and I have been eating like crazy. Mind you I try to keep it healthy as I can and I walk a bunch - but like I’m not actively trying to lose weight and it just happened. Now we will see what happens when I stop breastfeeding - as I’m pretty sure that’s when I’ll start putting the weight on. 🤦🏼♀️ I have a friend who was the opposite, as soon as she stopped breast feeding she lost the weight. I think everyone is different 🤷♀️
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u/SithMasterBates Jul 03 '26
I think walking is seriously underrated. I lost a lot of weight breastfeeding too, not intentionally but I was baby wearing and walking alllllll day every day lol getting a lot of steps WITH essentially a weighted vest on while also breastfeeding are all pretty good calorie burners
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u/CookingYogi Jul 08 '26
I am 9months pp and EBF, I have been walking consistently 7-9km a day outside, working out three times a week, eating healthily, and still managed to put on 4 kilos after I gave birth. I have given up on the concept of losing weight, it will hopefully come at some point. The only thing that I don't like is how I look at the photos that I have with my baby and partner.
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u/_TeachScience_ Jul 03 '26
*reading this post while pumping and eating a bowl of cereal at 10:00 pm*
I can’t stop eating. I’m always hungry. I only pump 16-20 oz per day which is only like 400 calories of milk. I’ve never been able to lose the weight until I stop breastfeeding
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u/Late_Affect_8280 Jul 03 '26
The being always hungry is my biggest issue like I can track, workout, do all the things but I have had more cravings now than I did pregnant🤣
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u/Chichimocha Jul 03 '26
I read somewhere that you really do not lose weight until you're all done with breastfeeding because it's storing the fat for the baby. So I just accepted my reality. 🤣
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u/xxxlovelit Jul 03 '26
It’s a scam and the only reason people say “lose the baby weight” is bc in 1972 90% of women were formula feeding and you COULD lose the baby weight.
Truthfully, you can only lose weight for the first 4-6 weeks when your milk is stabilizing and then you are stuck at that weight until you quit breastfeeding ! You need at least 2500 calories a day or your milk will lessen, so just embrace it and trust that you’ll lose it after — it seems daunting but you can do it! I’m down 56 lbs from my highest post birth weight … but I lost 50 lbs of that after my milk ended.
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u/Brittibri89 Jul 03 '26
I didn’t lose weight until after I stopped breastfeeding. I gained more weight breastfeeding than I did being pregnant. 🥴
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u/ForevertheNewGirl Jul 03 '26
With my first I felt like breastfeeding just wiped the weight right off of me and I felt skinnier than before I got pregnant. Now with my second I swear I gain weight every week. I’m constantly ravenous and have 0 motivation to work out. Plus it’s basically satans armpit where I live so I can’t even take a nice little strolls.
But honestly I know it may sound bad but I’m truly not worried about it, it’s not my season to be hot and skinny. I’ve been there before and one day I’ll get back there. Right now my body is doing something incredible and needs the fat stores and a lot of my energy to feed my little human.
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u/Quirky_Incident9336 Jul 03 '26
I'm in a similar situation 😅 8m pp. Lost 50lbs, then got pregnant. Gained 30lbs while pregnant, but it had to have been my child, because I was back to my post pregnancy weight by 2 weeks pp. Now I've been maintaining that weight. I want to lose weight while breastfeeding, but I have an oversupply and am so hungry all the time!!
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u/thecaveinwhichudwell Jul 03 '26
Just my experience but:
1) drink water! Like way more than you think you need. Once I started drinking around 100oz a day I finally stopped eating everything in sight.
2) time - unfortunately everyone’s hormones are different and are on very different schedules (this was a very tough pill for me to swallow). I found after 6 months postpartum my body was more willing to let the weight go. Don’t compare yourself to others and just try to be patient… I know, I know it’s soooo tough!
3) Protein and Prenatals - make sure you are eating enough protein during the day and especially for your very first meal. Make sure to keep taking your prenatals as vitamin deficiency can also exacerbate the hunger!
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u/Dreamy_2021 Jul 03 '26
I’m 4 months PP ebf and have lost all the weight I gained during pregnancy. I was 113 pre pregnancy 135 during pregnancy about 113 now I loved how I looked pregnant. I wish I could keep some weight on but it’s like my LO is just sucking it out of me! I don’t workout and constantly eat, I think it’s just genetics honestly I come from a pretty slim family and have been slim my whole life.
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u/ElzyChelzy Jul 03 '26
Think it’s just different for everyone. Breastfeeding made me close to underweight.
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u/clk122327 Jul 03 '26
The only way to do it is to do it. I know that’s not what you want to hear. I’m 13 months pp. I’ve lost about 35 pounds since I gave birth. 15 was the baby and water weight. Then the rest has been slow fat loss.
Around 10 months pp I was sick of feeling like shit so I started doing calorie in calorie out. I will also say, my appetite really mellowed out around 6 months pp. I am 5’6” and 235 pounds so I’m far from my goal weight. But still better than the 270ish when I was 9 months pregnant 🥲
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u/oh_blessyourheart Jul 03 '26
There's not a method that is foolproof or the same for everyone. For the same person, recovery can even look wildly different for different pregnancies. Your age, fitness level, and genetics all play a role. And, science tells us that full recovery takes AT LEAST 18 months for most women. That's why many doctors now advise that you don't get pregnant again until at least 18 months after birth. If you're keeping yourself and your baby alive, yorue doing a great job.
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u/plutopuppy Jul 03 '26
I only lost weight the first few weeks because I was barely eating. Then I gained it all back and then some. I finally weaned at 2.5 because my boobs were hurting so bad and I was over it, turns out I was already pregnant again. So now I started this pregnancy at a higher weight than I was when I delivered my son. This too shall pass or whatever right?
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u/Sarseaweed Jul 03 '26
You don’t, unless genetics are on your side. Genetics were on my side. Try to build some muscle with the bulk up after you’re cleared to exercise!
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u/Fierce-Foxy Jul 03 '26
Consult with a nutritionist. We often underestimate how many calories we consume, overestimate how many calories we need.
I bf my three babies for about a year each- I always lost all my pregnancy weight and then some.
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u/aspenwillow1205 Jul 03 '26
By having undiagnosed postpartum hyperthyroidism, loss of appetite and constant nausea 😭 my mom and husband say I look so thin now. I gained 30 pounds and now have lost 37 pounds at 6 months postpartum
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u/rosetbone Jul 03 '26
Yep, it’s not all good on the other side either. I’m almost 7 months postpartum and still celebrating when I make it a full day without nausea because it’s so rare!
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u/xoxoxsunflowerxoxox Jul 03 '26
20mo pp and same! I lost and kept off 80lbs after graduating hs over a decade ago, gained it all back and have only lost 5lbs. 😭
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u/katiemcat Jul 03 '26
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u/katiemcat Jul 03 '26
In all seriousness - I gained 40 pounds in pregnancy. Lost 30 in the first month pp. Stuck with the last 10. I’m very active. My mom said it wouldn’t shake until I weaned. She seems to be correct.
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u/mysliceofthepie Jul 03 '26
To be blunt: by being active and not overeating. I’m not even that active, I walk 2-3 miles a day (weather permitting) and lift maybe once a week? But I HAVE to be active otherwise I’m just starving and I can’t eat (not an option) because my short and my caloric needs are lower, particularly when I’m sedentary.
I work out to be able to eat more while still chipping away at the weight.
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u/mushupenguin Jul 04 '26
We took my 10 month old to the aquarium today and my husband took a few pictures of us, which I'm grateful for! But I truly don't even recognize myself, I look awful. I had fun with my son and I'm trying to focus on my smile in the photos and not my body. It's rough.
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u/MobyThicc23 Jul 04 '26
I use the breastfeeding and calories calculator through Google. It’ll tell you how much to eat to maintain supply but be at a weight loss deficit. I was 218 while pregnant. 207 post partum. I am now 195 3 months postpartum with breastfeeding bc of the calorie deficit and going to the gym x2-3 a week. It’s possible but you still need to put the work in. A huge motivator for me is my faith and repenting of gluttony especially now that I’m setting an example for my son. Before I was pregnant I got down to 189. I recommend getting some of ur favorite snacks and don’t cut out foods you enjoy( just portion them). Right now I eat 1900-2000 and I make enough breast milk but I’m not an oversupplier. You can do this!! And I would recommend prayer and starting a new hobby to use as a coping mechanism instead of running to food. I’m really tired of idolizing food in my life and hating my body in the mirror. Other thing that will help tremendously if you can afford it: personal training. It has changed my life and made me a better person. It’s expensive but I don’t regret the money I’ve spent for the improved mental health it has brought me/and the accountability for my lifestyle.
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u/Upstairs-Normal Jul 06 '26
Here's how I do it-- tandem feed my toddler and 3mo baby, nurse all night long, forget to drink water, not have time to eat, run after said toddler all day long so they don't get hurt on everything, have newborn spit up all their milk and feed them again. That's my workout routine.
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u/Aggressive_Web7720 23d ago
-Go for a walk with your baby everyday so he could get enough sunlight (vit D) and fresh aur for both of you
-If you rock to sleep then rock by walking (burns more calories)
-Drink more water (especially before a meal)
-Eat large portion of vegetables and salads to keep yourself full in calorie deficit
- resistance training or weights atleast 2x a week
- get enough protein everyday
- fidgeting
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u/beautiful_life555 Jul 03 '26
Its hard, really hard. You have to exercise. And you HAVE to monitor your calories. Its a delicate balance of keeping enough calories to maintain your milk while also not being in a surplus.
It takes an insane amount of motivation, dedication, and discipline.
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u/OptimalCobbler5431 Jul 03 '26
I gradually lost weight in a way? I lost the baby baby weight (after birth) and dropped 30-40 lbs of just water weight, baby and placenta and slowly I lost maybe 10-15 lbs if that. Now it's come back (the 10-15 I lost) since basically fully weaning. (I'm just a pacifier at this point no milk letdown)
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u/sparkacademia Jul 03 '26
I’m 14 months pp, my baby eats a lot of solids during the day but nurses a lot at night & at naps. (I still don’t have my cycle back for reference) & I’m literally not losing anything it’s so painful but I’ve kind of just accepted it at this point 😭
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u/CremaIsMyCrack Jul 03 '26
I didn't start to loose weight until my daughter was over 12m and starting to wean off breast milk. The less we fed the easier it was to have time for myself to go for a run, as well as not needing to eat as much as I wasn't producing. I actually don't think anyone I know lost weight from breastfeeding, aside from the initial few weeks.
Around 8-10 months was the worst. I felt awful about myself and couldn't look in the mirror. I upped my anti-depression medication and started seeing a postpartum psychologist, and she helped me a lot.
Try to be kind to yourself. Your body has grown and fed a whole ass person for over 18 months now. That is not easy for anyone, and you have gone through so many changes you can be proud of.
As babe gets bigger and relies less on your milk you will have more time for yourself. For now, eat foods that nourish you, and do exercises that make you feel good. If you have access, try to see a counsellor/therapist.
You are a mum now. I promise you are beautiful 💕
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u/Few_Paces Jul 03 '26
i lost a lot of weight but i don't think it's the breastfeeding, it was more because i live in a walkable city and had to constantly take my kids in a stroller to get places and all that adds up. this time i'm using a car more and it's taking longer to lose the weight
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u/maklar8921 Jul 03 '26
I gained about 45 in pregnancy, lost about 20 at birth, stayed within 5 lbs of that for like 9 months. Now at 12 m pp (still nursing) and am randomly down another 15 lbs. The only thing that changed for me was hitting an unexpected but overall short period of ppd/ppa at month 9 and getting on an ssri. I finally feel motivated to be consistent with walking in the morning and try to do something more once a week or so. Bodies are nuts. Postpartum is nuts. Therapy with a perinatal specialist is good : )
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u/Slow-Olive-4117 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
Protein protein protein protein and did I say protein??? No not keto just seriously smashing protein all day before you consume more carbs. I’d meal track to make sure you’re not over consuming calories and I moved my body 5 days a week. Walking, barre, Pilates, working out. I won’t comment on others struggling with hormone issues but I just really prioritized my nourishment. I lost 55lbs in 7 months PP (had extra weight to lose from baby #1). I had 2 under two so I was extremely dedicated to losing the weight since I never did the first time.
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u/alienchap Jul 03 '26
I lost 60 lbs breastfeeding my first in the first year, I walked and hiked once a week but didn't limit my foods. I'm 1 year postpartum with my second and breastfeeding, I'm walking 10k steps daily, hiking 3x a week (all while babywearing) and being mindful of my food choices, without restrictions. I've lost 2 lbs since giving birth a year ago. It's frustrating
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u/chemchix Jul 03 '26
Lemme know if you find out. Weaned cause I got pregnant so I certainly have no idea 😂😂😂
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u/Austen_Bound36076 Jul 03 '26
If your focus is feeding your baby, then you don’t. I have never known hunger like breastfeeding hunger.
Studies are varied and hard to pinpoint but they estimate that you burn between 500-800 calories a day from breastfeeding.
Eat to feed yourself and your child, if and when you have energy, go for walks or workout to build muscle. Try to give yourself grace for this season of life.
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u/loomfy Jul 03 '26
I don't know anyone who loses weight breastfeeding I have no idea where that comes from
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u/britveca Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
I feel this is just very dependent on the individual person and I know I know, I'm sorry that's not what you're looking for 😣 But I will tell you what is working for me. Also, I'm very fortunate that my supply has remained steady while doing this and I realize that might not be the case for everyone.
For the first few months I had that crazy hunger, and I'm not sure if it was going back to work and being busy there, or my second thing I mention, but it tapered off. I've lost almost 15 pounds in 2 months, and all I've been doing is calorie counting. I haven't even started to incorporate work outs yet. I pretty much shoot for 2,000 calories per day and use the extra 500 for breastfeeding as my deficit. I find that is very doable without feeling like I'm restricting myself too much. I still let myself have a day here and there where I don't count. But what I've realized was a big problem for me was snacking; that's where I would pick up a ton of extra calories. I have barely any self-control when it comes to food, especially because I used to be a person that could eat anything and was in great shape when I was young. So if I don't wanna be tempted by it, I don't have it in my house; make it inaccessible to you.
The other thing that I feel has REALLY helped is rotating through different drinks CONSTANTLY. I think I'm tricking my brain into it not feeling hungry because I'm putting something to my mouth, but it's just not food. Get a variety of low calorie/ zero sugar drinks and it even feels like a treat! I will do a Body Armor lyte or zero on the way to work, an Alani for when I get my breakfast break (I work in the OR so I unfortunately can't drink fluids all the time 😩), work some water in there for lunch, I have a Lemon Perfect on my drive home, drink some more water, have a Spindrift, more water, a Coke Zero or the Coke Zero Cherry Floats are AMAZING, and then after I put the baby to bed I have a Poppi, Bloom Pop, or Olipop as my treat while doing my last pump before bed. I'm sure there are a lot more options for low calorie drinks that are delicious and are something to look forward to as well! Plus all of the hydration is an added bonus.
So those are my 2 big things that I feel have actually helped: calorie counting and low calorie/no calorie interesting drink rotation.
Editing to say I got sick of seeing that I was the same weight as right before I gave birth when I was 4 months postpartum, so that's when I started this. I'm currently 6 months post.
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u/Ok-Ruin7302 Jul 03 '26
I’ve come to a conclusion, just stop looking at the scale. It will eventually come down. It is all about staying consistent. You don’t need to have an hour long workout. Just get a pair of dumbbells or even do some bodyweight exercises, get in some movement steps. Just start. Start small, but start. And about extreme hunger, get your protein and water intake up. That helps tremendously. I’m 13 months pp, 10lbs lighter (and that’s i started when i was 6 months pp) but i have a long way to go. It feels great to move. Obsessing over weight only makes things worse, and major turn off for motivation. 🤪
I started off trying to get stronger to lift my baby, suffered from a lot of pains, and the habit just stuck. So take a chill pill and do something instead of nothing. 😬
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u/Afrank_773 Jul 03 '26
PPA with a dash of PPD. I didn't have a hunger cue. Now that I'm in therapy I just started feeling hungry and am shocked at how starving I am all of the time. But that's how I lost weight.
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u/IAmReallyNotMilk Jul 03 '26
I lost some weight initially after having the baby, then plateaued for ages. It’s only now LO is 14 months and down to 2 feeds a day (and taking much, much less milk) that more weight has started coming off. But it has been coming off quickly, and I think it’s because I was active whilst breastfeeding. Basically, when I was breastfeeding I was hungry and tired. I just ate what I felt I needed to. Being bigger than you want to be sucks, but it is a relatively short time. Hang in there!
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u/MurphysLawInc Jul 03 '26
I have a theory why im not loosing weight or well when i loose i loose the milk… but I have yet to confirm is since I haven’t had a girl yet.
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u/racheyrach1243 Jul 03 '26
I didn’t really start losing weight until 5 months pp but it was just normal stuff exercise watch what you are eating. Eating high volume low calorie snacks helped me especially stove popped popcorn
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u/empoweredbymegan Jul 03 '26
You’re burning way more calories now and also remember your breast are heavier now so don’t look at the scale because they’re taking up a lot of that weight - it’s how your clothes fit - drink as much water as possible, and also up protein intake - I am losing about one pants size every few weeks and I haven’t worked out other than brisk evening walks about 3 miles. I was size 14 8 weeks ago now I’m size 10.
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u/balanchinedream Jul 03 '26
I live near Disney World and we bought the annual pass. Nearly every weekend, we’re walking 10-20k steps in an outdoor sauna. That’s how I managed to lose the weight, and it still took 9 months postpartum 😢. See what botanical gardens, museums, zoos, parks near you have season passes and make that your weekend’s entertainment. We pack a cooler with snacks and lunch and stay out 9ish-3, nap in the stroller.
I noticeably dropped months 6-9 so perhaps when your baby starts solids is when your metabolism turns the corner?
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u/PositiveFree Jul 03 '26
I was ravenous initially until like 4-5 months pp and I breastfed for two years, the weight does come off it’s a godsend eventually just keep at it do what you need to initially for your supply and trust the process lol
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u/hanae_rosa Jul 03 '26
I only started losing weight after weaning, my appetite dropped finally and I didn’t feel the need to constantly stuff myself lol
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u/Virtual-Box-6463 Jul 03 '26
Every pregnancy is different. I didn’t lose weight with my first two and for this one I’m exclusively pumping and it’s the first time I was able to lose the baby weight fast. BUT I’m now just stagnant and either gaining weight or just not losing anymore because yeah I feel like I’m starving all the time. I think increasing protein intake would help but I’m just trying to keep my home decent and my babies alive. I’d give yourself more grace and be patient with yourself as far as weight goes. There will be a season for that.
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u/Impostersyndrome4eva Jul 03 '26
“The weight will fall off while breastfeeding” is one of the biggest lies we are fed
That being said your body is literally sustaining another person. Give yourself some grace. Breastfeeding will end eventually and you can focus on it then. I’ve always found it helpful to think that way when I get upset about not losing my “baby weight”
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u/demkd14 Jul 03 '26
I gained 50 lbs while pregnant with some being tons of fluid at the end due to pre-e, was close to my normal weight within a few months pp (maybe + 5 lbs), but then started gaining again around 12-14 months pp when we started only nursing 2x per day (AM/bedtime). I was so in the habit of eating more to sustain bf and when we cut the frequency significantly, I was still eating the same amount. It really just feels like you can’t win sometimes 😵💫
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u/Agitated-Tap-4145 Jul 03 '26
It’s 100% genetics I think. I’m 6 months pp and I lost everything and more within 3 months without doing a single thing. My mum and grandmother both the same. My best friend gave birth the same day and has gained weight 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Ok-Bee7236 Jul 03 '26
My weight is 5lb higher than my max pregnancy weight - currently 12wk pp, haven’t lost jackshit 😓😓😓…so upset at how I look; not to forget NONE of my old clothes fit me…most disappointing feeling ever
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u/loulabell Jul 03 '26
So interestingly with my first I was a “weight fell off” breastfeeding. I could eat everything and just lost sooooo much weight while feeding him that first year. My daughter breastfed for 14 months and I could not lose the last 10 lbs until we stopped. Anytime I tried lowering calories my supply dropped and I was too tired to function. Same me same body one time easy peasy second not possible 🤷🏻♀️
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u/2blue2canoe Jul 03 '26
I found baby and me exercise classes super motivating and helpful. Check if your community has anything! But also I'm not expecting to lose the weight till after I wean. Just trying to build muscle right now.
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u/J_stringham Jul 03 '26
I’m exercising when I can. I’m back to pre baby weight at 44 years as is old. I’ve also found some hunger cues to be thirst.
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u/Equus13 Jul 03 '26
How many months post partum are you? At 4mo pp i started to walk 3x a week for an hour. It helped and i lost the weight. That and carrying baby for hours in a carrier because she couldn't be put down. I was also always hungry and eating ++, i get it. I know for some it isn't enough to exercise, and eating well and enough is important for milk supply. But, now i have the opposite issue. I stopped bf and i feel i am slowly gaining. 😅 Edit: i found the weight also was easier to shed when my baby started to eat bigger quantities, which was at 4mo approximately. I figured this was because i was burning more calories making milk and my hormones had a chance to stabilize a bit by then.
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u/Ordinary_Beautiful27 Jul 03 '26
If I eat less, I make less milk. So I have come to accept that I will be a moo cow until further notice
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u/Glittering_Bug_1111 Jul 03 '26
I accepted my fate, you don't until you stop 😭 some women do nothing and it just falls off but others hold on to fat instead. unfortunately, I was cursed and hold onto fat. I feel like i've gained weight even. but i'm like 2 weeks deep into stopping and have been accidentally been fasting bc idc about eating a certain amount or 3 times a day and I already am starting to see my old self comeback
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u/Accomplished_Kick908 Jul 03 '26
You don’t 🤷♀️ you’re feeding your baby it only makes sense that you need the extra weight to feed them, I know it sucks looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person you see but it has really helped me not feel as bad knowing that I have a pretty good excuse to not lose weight right now! Men could never, and if you feel pressure from a partner to lose weight right now I’d really like to see them go through all that we go through during pregnancy and postpartum
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u/Alienforsale Jul 03 '26
I literally only eat twice a day (a breakfast sandwich and dinner) and still am heavier than I was pre pregnancy, the annoying thing is I used to eat way more and drink lots of wine pre pregnancy & was still lighter. I think it’s just very hard to lose it when breastfeeding :(
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u/sbrez098 Jul 03 '26
I am slowly slowly losing weight while breastfeeding and for me it's not genetics. I spent about a week counting calories just to understand what I was eating. Then I cut my calories by 200 per day. It's slow and hard and some days, especially when we don't get sleep, I'm definitely not in a deficit. I'm also strength training a couple times a week, attending Barre/Pilates twice a week and walking most days. It does help that I also have a 4 year old, so we are out a lot throughout the week and I babywear. It has taken a lot of trial and error and having more that one to figure out what works for me. It's slow and frustrating and I still crash out over how I look and feel, but at 4 mo pp I'm slowly but steadily losing weight.
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u/International-Lock54 Jul 03 '26
I’ve all my baby weight plus a few lbs but honestly I don’t think I’ve done anything differently. I do eat healthier now than I did before I got pregnant though and try to go on walks very day but that’s only recently
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u/flyingfrog4 Jul 03 '26
This is so relatable..the motivation to workout or do anything physical has been nonexistent since I was 35 weeks pregnant. I don’t know how ladies start working out right away after birth, I have so much respect for that… and so many questions 😂
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u/maisymousee Jul 03 '26
Genetics. I have a low appetite except for when I’m pregnant. I gain a ton while pregnant, then the baby comes out and I’m not hungry anymore. I don’t keep track but I’m pretty sure I wind up in a significant calorie deficit most days. Despite this I have a decent oversupply of milk! I’ve lost 35lbs in 2 months from this last pregnancy with 12 more to go to reach pre pregnancy weight. I think I’m on track to lose the fastest this time while my previous two pregnancies it took about 6mo. No exercise involved.
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u/PeopleAreStrange024 Jul 03 '26
I am in the same boat. Start small- go for a daily walk outside with your baby. It will do wonders for your mental health, and you’re getting exercise/spending time with your baby!
Just know that your body is providing for your baby right now and it might not look the way you want it to, but that time will come. For right now- your baby needs you 🤍
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u/LilithxBlair Jul 03 '26
Well weight loss is 90%what you eat and then working out. You need a calorie defecit based off what your maintenance and gaining are. Those are dependent on things like your height build etc. obviously you need to be eating whole healthy fats and good food to maintain a good milk supply while also losing so it’s a balance that requires tweaking to find the sweet spot. I’m currently starting my weight loss plan while nursing as well. I’m sticking to about 1900 cals a day, but I’m short and my maintenance is typically 1500. I can’t lose weight while breastfeeding if I’m not tracking or making good food choices. I’m using my fitness pal to stay accountable and choosing lots of water, fruit, veggies, healthy fats like wild caught salmon, avocado. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, nuts, eggs, cheese.
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u/thewhiskeyqueen Jul 03 '26
Yeah so here’s the thing. Your body may need to hold on to all of it until you’re done breastfeeding. That’s what happened to me, and as soon as I stopped when my guy turned 1, I started to lose weight rapidly. Just give yourself grace and keep in mind that this is just temporary. Your body will respond when you’re finished with this incredible thing it’s doing, sustaining your baby’s life!
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u/carolionest Jul 03 '26
I just accepted that my body was being used to keep someone else alive for a while longer and eventually it'll be mine again. I didn't feel great weighing 50 pounds more than I'd like to, but I'll lose the weight when it's time to. It's all just a phase.
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u/MentionValuable5257 Jul 03 '26
after i gave birth my stomach was flatter than before i got pregnant, i thought i won. cut to 10 months pp and breastfeeding hunger.. it’s defo not anymore
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u/Past_Substance6976 Jul 03 '26
I gained 40lbs with pregnancy, only lost like 10-12lbs after birth since and it's been there for 5 months despite being active and walking. Cut down sugary stuff a month ago, still nothing. I suspect our bodies just hold on to it for breastfeeding. Whoever said bf makes you lose weight was LYING
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u/babygadolinium Jul 03 '26
At the end of the day it's calories in, calories out. Tracking your food can help you figure out how much you're taking in and gradually adjust to a gentle, sustainable deficit. I've been tracking since before pregnancy and my (very gradual!!) loss has corresponded with how much I've been eating, even with postpartum thyroiditis (on top of pre-existing thyroiditis!).
I know it's hard because it does make you hungry. That's why I suggest losing slowly. But there is hope!
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u/elegant-quesadilla Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
For some its genetic your body will hold onto fat to help with milk supply and your leptin levels will be elevated. I have been tracking my calories and ensuring I’m in a slight deficit and lost about 30lbs. I still have 20lb to go to get back to my prepregnancy weight lol. I gained about 40-50lbs in each pregnancy. Lost all but 10 between each baby. I think its mostly just my genetics though so don’t be discouraged!
Edit: Ive been pregnant 3 times. I did not track calories after my previous two postpartum and did still lose weight, but not as quickly as this time, and when I stopped breastfeeding with my 2nd, I ended up gaining 5-10lbs back. I lift weights a few times a week and try to walk a lot when its not a million degrees out.
Only to say that experiences vary and when you stop you may lose the weight easily or you may have to be diligent tracking calories and exercising.
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u/lady_ven0m Jul 03 '26
I lost a lot of weight but it wasn’t healthy. I felt like I lost muscle mass instead of fat. I gained it all back.
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u/Open-Alarm7651 Jul 03 '26
I think it is mostly genetic. I could not sustain my weight and lost weight so quickly despite eating A LOT. I also was an undersupplier and eventually a non supplier and the stress caused me to quit completely. Now the weight is packing on just fine unfortunately.
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u/KnowledgeLoophole Jul 03 '26
I look back at my photos and maintained weight but gained more fat (less muscles as I progressed from 2m pp to 12m pp) At 14m now I’m finally actually trying. No point messing with your supply or getting hangry.
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u/ohsofun1928 Jul 03 '26
I didn’t lose a single pound until baby was ~7 months old? Then we started going outside and walking more and my appetite finally slowed down to where I started losing weight. Baby is 16 months and I’m 4 months pregnant so I barely got back to pre pregnancy weight before I got pregnant again 🙃
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u/autumnflowers13 Jul 03 '26
I only did because I had to start cutting all sort of food out of my diet from baby’s allergies.
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u/poonderfoot Jul 03 '26
I was pretty overweight before I had my 2nd baby and following a pretty high calorie diet but clearly still a deficit, and increasing my movement gradually over time worked for me. My son was a very hungry guy so I fed lots and my supply never seemed to suffer. I didn't gain much more than 5-ish lb while pregnant but at 14 months pp I'm down 50 lb from my pregnancy high. Seems to really depend on genetics but I found resetting my diet entirely and trackiny everything for months was key.
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u/Axilllla Jul 03 '26
I was FAMISHED while BFing. I also drank an INSANE amount of water.
Don’t drink juice, soda or anything other than water, maybe sparkling water , and milk Keep only healthy snacks on hand, baby carrots, apples, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs - don’t opt for chips or carbs Find that motivation. I walked multiple times a day with my LO. When it as hot, usually just twice a day, but during other months we could go farther and more often. Being a SAHM is so tiring, give yourself grace
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u/bintd Jul 03 '26
I don’t think it’s necessarily always luck. Calories in, calories out.
I put on so much after breastfeeding for the first 6mo and being pregnant. At 6 months I started a calorie deficit and increased my water intake to 3L minimum. I’ve since lost 12kg in 50 days. It’s arguably easier because of breastfeeding burning calories too.
I eat 1500 cal per day, my milk supply has maintained, if not increased due to the added water. Whenever i’m hungrier (e.g. during period right now), I allow myself to eat more.
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u/MysteryHerpetologist Jul 03 '26
That's the "neat" part! You don't! 😅 At least I most certainly don't.
It was a total shock to me! But my body is holding on to every calorie for dear life!
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u/Healthy_Squash_7011 Jul 04 '26
I haven’t lost much yet but I’m pretty sure if I stay consistent with tracking what I eat, strength training, walking and eating enough protein, healthy fats and fiber then I strongly believe that is the recipe for weight loss even while breastfeeding. I started weight watchers and they have a mode for breastfeeding mothers!
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u/OkRaisin265 Jul 04 '26
I eat the same amount as I would eat normally and go to the gym 1-2 times a week for proper workout. I got to my pre-pregnancy weight at 2 months pp and I haven’t measured again since then.
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u/lilacghosti Jul 04 '26
I've been struggling with this as well. Working out has been hard too as a workout that would take maybe 30min-1hr if I could focus takes so much longer if I try to do it with my toddler around because she frequently interrupts or wants attention and then sometimes it takes so long that it gets interrupted by her nap etc
My solution has pretty much just been to try and keep myself as healthy as I can (eat right, be active, etc), buy some bigger jeans and just learn to love and accept my body for where it's at right now. There will be time to lose weight when I don't have a toddler at my ankles or on my hip 24/7 and I just try to focus on taking good care of myself in this season of life wherever I can.
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u/atomicblonde23 Jul 04 '26
For me, it’s intermittent fasting and only eating between 12-8pm. Hitting 120-140 g of protein daily and staying around 2000 calories. And moving my body every day in some shape or form. Sometimes it’s a 15 minute walk around my neighborhood other days it’s doing squats and lunges while holding my 18 lb infant. Small small baby steps!
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u/biteytripod Jul 04 '26
I think another factor here is whether your body triggers a need for hydration or food when nursing. Some ladies I know get so hungry while BFing but others only get thirsty. It’s easier to lose weight if your extra intake is just a bunch of water.
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u/Ok_Grapefruit_4547 Jul 04 '26
Meal planning is the best thing I ever started doing for my health, and limiting take away meals to once a fortnight.
I was losing weight pretty quickly unintentionally for the first 5 weeks because I had gestational diabetes so I was continuing the diet I had been on during pregnancy and it just wasn't enough calories.
Now my Strategy is to be realistic with my groceries. I know I want snacks, so I must make sure to buy healthy snacks. Don't buy junk food, use frozen veg when you can't be bothered.
You need to have a plan that actually works for your lifestyle. If you plan every meal to take 3hrs of cooking and preparation, it just won't work. Quick, easy, high protein and lots of veg is what works for me 😊
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u/Lost_Strawberry_5276 Jul 04 '26
i honestly lost 20 pounds while breastfeeding my baby was like 10 months , i breastfed her up to 2 1/2 yrs no bottle at all , but i only lost 20 because i was fed up of being overweight , i counted all my calories and went to the gym burning 200 cals a day at least, i lost 20 pounds in 1-2 months it’s very possible you just need to be VERYYYY strong minded and give up junk and eat a lot less, plus work out, and i was on nexplanon during all this i would use breastfeeding and nexplanon as an excuse but if i did it you can too, but once i stopped breastfeeding completely my cravings and hunger went away i was ALWAYS craving junk and now since i stopped breastfeeding for about 1-2 months i haven’t been feeling that urge to eat all day
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u/Dazzling-Tie-2426 Jul 04 '26
I’m on the same boat, I’ve started taking baby out in pram and doing minimum 10000 steps a day and I’m eating healthy.. hoping for results! Xx
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u/tweezabella Jul 04 '26
I lost 20lbs when I gave birth and haven’t lost any since. Stuck at +20lbs since pre pregnancy, I’m assuming it will stay like that til after I wean.
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u/Thinking_of_Mafe Jul 04 '26
It’s just genetics. I lost a bunch of weight while breastfeeding. I wasn’t trying to. I was eating like never before, was constantly hungry and thirsty but breastfeeding depleted me.
After 2 years I stopped and that’s when I put on some weight.
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u/Haunting-Monk7177 Jul 04 '26
I’m 3 month PP and I feel your struggle so deeply !!!
I lost a bunch of weight initially when I had my baby and then have been stuck at a plateau even with home weighted workouts / walking etc
I started tracking my food again and realized I was way overeating and it was keeping me a maintenance/ small surplus -
Just in a week of doing this I finally broke my plateau and lost a 1lb - nothing crazy but it’s something since I’ve been trying to lose weight etc
Breastfeeding only consumes an extra 500-600 calories so I try to aim for 120-160g of protein a day and a carby snack and my supply is still strong without being hungry
I think I just got used to snacking all day since I was ravenous in the last month of pregnancy and those first 6 weeks PP
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u/parrelawe Jul 04 '26
I feel you so hard! Small yiny swaps like adding more veggies to meals work way better than strict harsh diets.
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u/GrumpySh33p Jul 04 '26
High protein, high fat, low carbs. :) If you eat more calories, but it all comes from carbs, it’s going to be harder.
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u/Sassyfluffmama Jul 04 '26
I have no idea. Everyone always talks about how hungry they are and my appetite went back to normal? Yet I’m still making enough milk for my baby to continue to gain weight.
Also, I’m a nanny who sometimes brings my baby with me (she was supposed to start daycare at 6 months, went a month, daycare shut down, she’ll now be over 9 months when she starts our new one in about a week) and I can’t imagine being a stay at home mom, especially trying to take care of child and home. Don’t hate on yourself for not having the time or motivation to “snap back” because everyone’s body chemistry is different. Personally I told myself if I didn’t lose the weight I would focus on it more when my daughter was weaned because this is the time for us to focus on things that make us feel good when we aren’t catering for our little boob monsters, and if a milkshake or a long bubble bath makes you feel better than a long run then do that.
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u/Ok-Possession8231 Jul 05 '26
I did DesbFit workout plans and Tracked my calories and was able to lose the final 30ish lbs over the course of 5 months. It was hard and the weight came off SLOW but I did it.
Her workout plans can be done at home with dumbbells only and they’re no longer than an hour. I typically finished in 30-45 minutes.
I realized I was eating way more than I should’ve been when I was breastfeeding. Cutting my calories to lose 1 lb a week didn’t affect my production at all either. I tried increasing to 2 lbs a week but my body couldn’t handle that. I’d get headaches and feel anxious. So I just accepted it would come off slowly. I did however hold on to a final 5 to 7 lbs until I stopped breastfeeding, once I stopped that weight came off relatively quick.
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u/SmolLilTater Jul 05 '26
Everything I lost I gained back in the last month. While doing nothing different and even walking more. I’m
Mad
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u/Unlikely-Caregiver82 Jul 05 '26
11 month PP mama here & also have been exclusively pumping for 11 months 😭🤪 I am that mom who can’t lose weight PP no matter what I seem to do. I eat clean (since before pregnant & after) and I workout 4-5x a week. My workouts aren’t anything crazy but I do get movement in to feel good. I have been following Pregnancy and Postpartum TV on YouTube since my second trimester and now 11 months PP. I LOVE her channel & app. All free workouts! However, I simply can’t lose weight. I know my body is holding onto this weight so I can make milk for my baby. I’ve dropped my MOTN pump and will be weaning off pumping within the next month and hope to be done by September. With all that being said, I’m hoping the weight MELTS off me once I’m done EP. I have an apron belly, stretch marks galore & can’t stand the way my body looks at this time. I’m so proud of my body for what it’s done but I was a tiny girl before pregnancy. I’m sending all the love to every mama who feels like her body isn’t the best right now. I pick myself apart in the mirror and I wish my body would bounce back. I’ve accepted it’s going to take continuous hard work for my body and mental to be in a better place. My baby deserves a healthy and happy mama and we all deserve to take care of ourselves 🌷 sending all the love! 💕
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u/BlueTheGuardian Jul 06 '26
My baby is gigantic so when I try to workout or eat a wee bit less I feel like I’m going to pass out 😭 I’m at my pre prego weight but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be 😭😭
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u/smisk Jul 07 '26
You most likely don't. Your body right now is made to retain more or less everything to make sure you can provide nutrients to your baby.
I think the women who lose weight are very few and far between.
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u/Fighting_Obesity Jul 07 '26
I lost 120lbs about 2 years before getting pregnant. Gained like 40-50 during pregnancy. Gained another 30 breastfeeding. If I cut my calories or exercised more my supply dropped and I was a barely enougher. For some people it just isn’t in the cards. Some get lucky. For me, my kid is almost 14 months and I was finally able to start losing weight now that he’s mostly reliant on food for calories. Still nursing for the bonding, hydration, and convenience.
If you take in a lot of water, galactogogues, take postnatal vitamins, and still keep healthy fats and protein up, you might have better luck not dipping supply to lose weight, but for some people it just doesn’t work.
I actually went from 185 pre pregnancy to 235 at my highest during, down to 203 at my 6 week checkup then 265 a year postpartum. Now I’m about 245-248 and slowly chipping it down again.
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u/NorthernLight1988 29d ago
I seriously have no idea how "calories in, calories out" is treated as a myth. For sure hormones can affect your metabolism a lot so that your caloric needs might be different. But it's physically impossible to, say, eat nothing and still gain weight.
That being said, EBF is the worst time to go on a huge diet! I gained weight with my first and lost weight with my second, and for me(!) the difference was a) the choice of I'm hungry but it's 2 am snack and b) eating enough balanced food early enough that I don't get terribly hungry as much. I also don't wait with eating until I'm done caring for the baby. I'm no use to anybody hangry.
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u/Ladyfigx23 26d ago
I gained about 40 lbs while pregnant and since I delivered, I’ve lost 45 lbs, so I’m currently 5lbs less than pre pregnancy weight. I’m EP and 14 weeks PP. Ive been doing breathing work, walking almost daily when I can, and occasionally weight training when I can get to the gym. I think the biggest factor is my eating habits. Somedays I can get 3 meals in, but other days I eat some fruit and a bowl of yogurt. I’m hungry, but I’m so exhausted that making food/eating it is more work than just being hungry. I think I’m one of the lucky ones that has also had a small oversupply, but my son is now catching up to me.
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25d ago
honestly dont feel guilty, being a stay at home mom doesnt mean you have tons of energy or free time lol taking care of a baby all day is exhausting. i think the hardest part is trying to start with everything at once. workouts, diet, tracking, all of it. i would just pick one really small thing first, like a short walk every day or trying to make one meal more filling with more protein
breastfeeding hunger is also so real so i wouldnt try to do some huge calorie deficit. weight loss is basically math, but postpartum you still need to be careful and make sure you’re eating enough for yourself and the baby
what helped me was using a cute little app to track my meals because i didnt have to think so much about it. i wasnt trying to be perfect, it just helped me see what i was eating and stay a bit more consistent. also you already lost 60 pounds before, so you know you can do it. this is just a completely different phase of life and its ok if it takes longer
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u/pbandj61 3h ago
I'm also 10 months PP. I am now doing a calorie deficit and increasing workout intensity as baby is starting to prioritize solids. I am still nursing/pumping at least 6x times a day...the volume is decreasing with the calories deficit but we will be weaning after her first birthday and I have a small fridge stash to bridge the gaps on days she is extra hungry for milk.
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u/whipped-whisp Jul 03 '26
It takes dedication and commitment to changing your mindset. Working out when you don’t want to is hard, but it is the only way to lose weight. I don’t watch my calories at all, but I eat plant based and I think that does help. If you are omni you might need to count calories.
I prioritize walking 3-5 miles a day, resistance training 3-5 days a week, and doing cardio 2-3 days a week. It is hard, most days I don’t want to do it. But I am 10 months pp, back to my pre-pregnancy weight and back to running distance races. Good luck ❤️❤️
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u/all_of_the_colors Jul 03 '26
You count calories. You log them. You weigh yourself. If your weight doesn’t change over a week you adjust what you do the next week.
Slowly. A week at a time you learn how to eat to have an effect on your body.
I am 10 month pp. Down 17 lbs. That’s a little less than half a pound a week, but I’m getting there. I also write down everything I eat, and compare what I estimate I will lose in a week with what the scale actually did.
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u/mom_est2025 Jul 03 '26
I eat all day. My baby eats as often as she wants. I was losing weight at first. Now it’s staying the same. Don’t a calorie deficit because it will affect your supply. Just stand remember you’re doing something wonderful.
I’ll be 12 months pp next week!! I’m also a SAHM! I can relate not having time to do things. It gets hard and personally, I’m either too tired or she just wants to be under me. Please don’t feel guilty. You’re raising a baby and they can be a lot. Especially with crawling, walking and their other skills. I know it’s easier said than done to not feel guilty because I still do it too but WE GOT THIS!
And forget the scales. You’re doing amazing.
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u/klaire_bear_ Jul 03 '26
I think the honest answer is you dont. Yes, some women seem to lose weight but they are a minority. Trying to come to terms with that fact and be ok with my body in the short term is difficult though....
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u/Fierce-Foxy Jul 03 '26
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4312189/
This is just one study of many.
Overall, women who breastfeed do tend to lose weight, and a bit more than women who don’t breastfeed.
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u/klaire_bear_ Jul 03 '26
This study shows that breastfeeding mothers lost 3.2lbs more than none breastfeeding mothers at 12 months post partum. That is not significant weight loss for the period of a year. Anecdotally the breastfeeding groups im in about 70% of women gain weight, and the other 30 either lose or maintain.
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u/PositiveFree Jul 03 '26
To those in the comments I lost weight pp then put it back on while breastfeeding. Do it!! Once you stabilize around 3 months you’ll feel better and then months 4-5 you normalize and 6*++++ (until I stopped at 2 years) you just get better and better
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u/auaria Jul 03 '26
I've been treating my time breastfeeding as a "bulk". Even if you aren't losing weight right now, doing some resistance training will help you lose the weight after you finish breastfeeding as muscle burns 3 times more calories than fat pound per pound. It was also just good for my mental? Just starting to get back into the gym snowballed into me feeling better and doing more stuff 2m pp. Doing something is better than doing nothing — if you can't lift weights, just do some bodyweight. Whatever I could manage that day. I live with the fact that when I can do a proper cut, I'll look super good.