How to stop losing so much weight carrying a baby around

[bluebird887]

I’m 9 months postpartum. I’ve always been slim but am now underweight based on BMI, my clothes don’t fit, I feel bony, it’s affecting my confidence.

GP isn’t concerned (I’ve also had bloods done for other things - all normal).

My baby is over 20 pounds, is very strong and active, I’m constantly running after her, and she tries to climb up my legs whenever I’m cooking so I have to hold her in one hand and cook everything one handed. I sometimes wear a sling but that now gives me a back ache after a while. I’m also breastfeeding so that takes some energy too.

I have obviously been trying to eat a bit more but it’s hard with a baby. I do try to eat lots of nut butters etc, grab slices of toast between meals as snacks, fruit and cereal bars when out and about.

Does anyone have any tips on how to gain weight while looking after a growing baby?

No advice but following as I’m in the same boat. I’m now borderline underweight and I really don’t want to loose much more.

Everyone is complimentary but I feel weak and haggard!

Are you breastfeeding? I’m hoping ill bounce back a bit once I stop.

I’d take a really good look at what you’re actually eating over a week. Keep a proper food diary and if you can manage it use something like my fitness pal to keep track of your calories. If you’re losing a lot of weight still there’s either a medical problem (which if bloods are clear there may not be) or you’re simply not eating anywhere near enough calories.

Once you can see a clearer oversight of what you’re eating, you can decide where to add calories. For example - do you often not finish a meal? Do you have small portions? Are you filling up on a lot of fruit and veg (usually great but no good for packing calories in). I’d focus on easy ways to up calories in the food you’re already eating - adding cream, cheese and good fats like avocado where you can. Protein shakes or smoothies can be a good way to get calories in if you’re very busy and struggling to eat. Make them up with full fat milk

Could you try adding some calorific drinks and sipping now and then if you are full. Eg a milkshake or smoothie. You could add nut butters to smoothies

It’s the breastfeeding, it depletes you. I had the same.

Thanks all. Sorry I should also have said I’ve been dairy free for a few months as breastfeeding little one with an allergy, but am actually just starting to reintroduce dairy as a trial. So I’ve not been able to have any of the good stuff - cheese, pastry, chocolate, ice cream, biscuits! I’ve had some dairy substitutes (for milk and butter) but try to limit UPFs so that’s probably had quite a big impact too.

I had/have this problem too, especially when breastfeeding and ESPECIALLY when breastfeeding a baby with cows milk intolerance.

I found a daily vegan protein shake with 30g of oats added to it really helped with my energy levels when BF, as did eating lots of protein heavy foods such as chicken breasts, avocados, eggs, nuts, hummous etc. Basically lots and lots of protein and fats. Full fat Greek yoghurt is good too when you manage to introduce dairy.

My baby was also CMPA!

It’s very reassuring to know others have experienced the same when breastfeeding a baby while dairy free!

hi op
try adding high calorie but nutritious food. For example if you have a salad add avocado and nuts, peanut butter in shakes and on toast. Full fat everything etc x

I don't think I lost weight but when I was bf twins (and had a toddler) I was ravenous, and would eat a king-size !!!! mars bars whilst walking around pushing buggy etc- I didn't especially enjoy it but it was the most efficient way to sate my appetite
I would never normally be able to do that- I see you are not having dairy but there may be a vegan equivalent?

It's probably mostly the breastfeeding, it really burns a lot of calories. Honestly just snack loads. Treat yourself to a cake every day!

Also the good news is as baby gets closer to 1 they will eat more and breastfeed a bit less so it'll start burning fewer calories.