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Weight loss

4 replies

cautiousoptimist1 · 14/04/2017 09:55

Good morning,

For background, I had my DD last year. I put on 12kg in pregnancy which was normal. I've never dieted and was BFing so decided not to try and lose weight at all. At my 6 week post partum check, I was below my pre pregnancy weight.

Between then and Xmas I lost on average of half a kg a week but it started to make me feel ill. I went to the doctor who thought it pointed to either an overactive thyroid or diabetes so I had blood tests but they were all clear. I went back to the doctor to talk through the results and he did more bloods (although I'm not sure what he was testing for) but still all clear. So in the end he decided that it must be BFing that was taking too much out of me.

I stopped BFing at the end of January and I haven't lost any more weight since. However I haven't put any back on so I'm hoping you may have some ideas! My periods finally returned approx 8 weeks after stopping feeding but so far I've only had 1, now on CD35 so I'm now worried that the weight loss could be impacting my cycles too.

I eat normal amounts, probably more than I ate pre pregnancy when I would very rarely have breakfast but I must be eating the wrong things. Is it simply a case of needing to eat more?

I do want to put the weight back on, my DH is worried about my weight and I can't even wear my watch or rings as they're too loose. I feel like the doctor I saw was a bit dismissive and even the people I've spoken to about it (normally other mums when talking about feeding) think it's great and I'm so lucky!

For info I'm approx 5 foot 8 and 52.5kg so BMI is 17.5.

Thank you in advance if any of you have any ideas or have been through it too!

OP posts:

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Minime85 · 14/04/2017 12:45

It may just take a while to come back on. I was lowest weights after babies both times but over years since the weight gradually returned. I would say not to try and find a quick fix. Are your portion sizes right? If you are worried in few more months go back to doctors again

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PollyPerky · 14/04/2017 13:34

I think you need to eat more but the right foods.

I only put on 14 lbs when PG with a 7lb baby.
I lost it all after giving birth.

I was ravenous when BFeeding.

What's your normal daily food intake like?

Are you getting enough protein, good fats and having snacks like full fat plain yoghurt, nuts, fruit, cheese etc? You need high quality protein and some wholefood carbs.

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sadie9 · 14/04/2017 13:45

If this is your first baby, then you are probably more active than you were before having kids. There is just more rushing around going on. So you are burning more fuel.
So yes you probably do need to eat more than before. Even one decent extra snack a day will help.
Also if you were already a person who sort of ignored food, forgot to eat, etc, then having a baby increases that sort of behaviour. Because the meal times or 'signposts' for having a meal can be all over the place.

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cautiousoptimist1 · 14/04/2017 13:54

Thank you ladies.

My portions are probably on the small side so I could try increasing them. I have added certain foods to my diet - houmous, peanut butter and full fat yogurt for example - but they've replaced meals rather than in addition to a normal breakfast. If I use these as snacks then it might help. Thank you!

Sadie - yes it is my first baby and you're right, I am much more active! We walk around the village every day but I'm also now chasing her out of the places she shouldn't be