Breastfeeding and weightloss myth

[Greatgoing]

I have breastfed both my babies and both experiences have been wonderful-easy, positive, convenient, all the usual. I definitely felt that initially feeding 'pulled' my uterus back in, but that was a very much internal sensation.

However, does anyone else agree that the whole 'weight drops off' thing is absolute codswallop? I eat really sensibly,do loads of excercise but there is no doubt in my mind that breastfeeding actually makes me retain stubborn preg fat round my stomach, arms, thighs.

As pro pro pro breastfeeding as I am I smother a smirk when I read celebs sighting breastfeeding as the way they 'sprung back into shape'. Is it just me?!?!?

I've not have a period yet and I'm still losing.

I agree. I didn't lose weight while breastfeeding for the first year or so. What made a difference was running 3 x per week and eating less! (Which I finally found the energy for when each DC was about 1)

I do have a friend who lost weight all through pg and bf.

I don't think it's a myth, but it certainly doesn't work for everyone. I found it impossible to shift the baby weight while breastfeeding, and it was only after about 2 years that it came off (with weight watchers!). And then I got pregnant and it's going back on!

I do know a lot of women who found they lost weight very effectively while bf. (of course, they might not have been allowing themselves all the cake and biscuits that I was...)

one of the unfortunates here too...I piled weight on while breastfeeding...my little one had failure to thrive and reflux, she fed and fed and fed and fed and I was asked constantly if I was eating well. so I made sure I did and got huge. I have been dieting since February and have lost 16 measly pounds, still a stone over my pre preg weight but there is no way that I can shift it. If I up my exercise I just seem to cling on to it. she only feed 3 times a day now (almost 11 months)

I lost all my baby weight (2 stone) and was back into my pre pregnancy clothes in the first 2 weeks of having DD. Don't know whether this was due to breastfeeding though or just coincidence. I certainly didn't diet or exercise during this time though and was in fact a regular visitor to Greggs for donuts so think it might have contributed.