Weight gain while breastfeeding?

[stopgap]

I know what all the books say: breastfeeding will make the pounds melt away. But that hasn't been the case for me. I was back to pre-pregnancy size within two weeks of giving birth, but have since developed a bloated stomach and face, much like when I take the contraceptive pill.

Has anyone else found that breastfeeding hormones actually cause weight gain? For the record, I'm very active (swimming, walk everywhere, gym etc.) and eat the same as I've always done.

I ate like a pig whilst breastfeeding in the early days

I was soooooo hungry

Crumpets and butter

It did settle down and I had loads of water retention for weeks post birth

Initially I lost alot of weight in the first few weeks, went below my pre-pregnancy weigth but the last couple of months (dd is 4 months old) have certainly started piling on the pounds fast, am eating loads too, just feel i can eat much larger portions now and have a big appetite...

yes - but I ate loads of cake too

I gained weight, mainly because I wasn't eating very well. Didn't have the bloating you describe though (just cake retention)