Breastfeeding and losing weight

[Zola78]

I had my ds just under 6 weeks ago. I want to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and shape so I wanted to start going to the gym but I also want to continue breastfeeding. What can I do?

[notnowbernard]

Congratulations

What's the hurry to lose weight? Let yourself recover first!

IME bf did help me lose weight... I am slimmer and lighter and 2 dress sizes smaller than pre-pregnancy. HOWEVER I think the massive lifestyle change may also have had something to do with it... no more lie-ins, sunday afternoons at the pub etc

Do you mean how can you go to the gym and breastfeed at the same time?

[LardyMardyDaisyBoo]

No reason why you can't go to the gym whilst you are BFing (but obv not at the same time ), unless there were complications with your pregnancy/delivery. ie it's not advisable to do stomach exercises until around 12 weeks after a section.

Ask your doctor at your six weeks check, and get a VERY supportive bra as things could be quite uncomfortable until your boobs have settled down a bit.

But, as nnb said, where's the hurry?

[Tinasan]

What's the rush? Your baby is still so tiny!!

I know loads of people who bf and went to the gym at the same time- they are not mutually exclusive you know!! You should have a check around now with your GP I think, you'll give you the all-clear to start exercising again, but you should take it very slowly to begin with, and take professional advice if you can on what sort of exercise you should do, and how long for.

For what it's worth, the only exercise I did was lots of walking with my baby in the pram, and I lost all the weight very quickly. I now weigh a bit less than before I conceived (about 8 stone), and DD is 15 months (bf until she was a year old).

Good luck but be kind to yourself, it does take a bit of time to get your old body back but there's nothing wrong with that!

[kelbel]

hey zola - a woman after my own heart! I had an emergency section and asked this question after 6 weeks! i was v fit and active before and am craving to get back into it...obviously not at the expense of my little one, but luckily at only 9 weeks he's in a routine where he's down at 7 n i could just fancy doing a bit of exercise. Haven't ectually done it yet mind you, but will soon.

I'm breast feeding too and have been having lots of v long walks to ease myself back in. Doc at 6 week check was useless. I asked the question n told him id had a section n he still didn't have any advice!

In answer - exercise is fine if you feel ok, stop when you feel tired and wear a good bra x

[Bouncingturtle]

Zola - someone (Suey2) on my PN thread advised against running if bfing, something to do with muscles being soft, I would advise you seek advice before doing any high impact stuff.
Why not go swimming?

[naturelover]

I was back in my jeans after 3 months doing brisk walks with the pram and nothing more! Felt like I was eating non-stop but obviously breastfeeding was burning it all off. I'm now lighter than pre-baby, I think it's a combination of brisk walks, breastfeeding and not (ahem) snacking through boredom at a computer all day. I don't have time to get bored now! I can't offer any advice re exercise but just wanted to say that the weight will probably come off quite quickly anyway if you're eating well and moving a bit.