Getting really fed up of lack of post-baby weight loss.

[TartyMcFarty]

Feel really bad moaning about this as my DD is so precious and worth every ounce of flab, but 5 months later I'm stuck at 1st 3lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight.

I've been following Weight Watchers since mid-April and initially lost about 10lbs on 30 points (I'm exclusively BFing, so 10 extra points). I exercise virtually every day (Shred) and walk loads. However I've been stuck for about 6 weeks now, just bobbing about my current weight.

I look disgusting! I can't get into any of my pre-pregnancy size 12 clothes. I recently ordered a top for a wedding in both a 14 and 16 and I've had to keep the 16 Was going to borrow a dress from a friend who weighs the same but couldn't get them over my chest It's not just up-top though, I seem to be bigger all over - more than 1st 3lbs bigger!

Before I give up and just start eating whatever the hell I want, has anyone got any pearls of wisdom about BFing and weight loss? I'm obviously not willing to compromise on DD's wellbeing so won't be cutting the cals until we've established solids.

I tried to go back to eating the way i was pre DS, which was about 2000 calories, that should shift weight as your burning up to 500 a day making milk. It's worth it now, as when i stopped BFing DS (2 months ago) I regained quite a bit. I'm now pre-DS weight, but not shape - I've still got massive belly.

Stick at it, if there's any way you can build a bit more exercise into your day, do so. And on the plus side, your DD will be getting heavier - can you stick her in a sling when you're walking places? It will give you more of a work out... (DCs make such good exercise tools!)

Yep - think 30 pts is a bit less than 2000 cals. Wasn't prepared for putting weight on after BFing! Am planning to cut to 25 then 20 pts as I wean her off.

Good idea about the sling - she doesn't like it much but will have to learn to

Try dropping down to 26 points on WW and see if you can shift it. Also, are you drinking lots of water? Will help flush things out. And try shaking up your diet abit (may be that your portion sizes are creeping back up or your body is used to what your'e eating now)

It took me close to a year to lose my baby weight, both times.

What sort of exercise are you doing? You need to be doing proper cardio - running, high impact aerobics etc.

I know of a few mums who tried WW whilst bf-ing and couldn't shift the weight.......I think they decided that they were being allowed too many points..........

I have just stopped BFeedind at 18 months and am only now starting to loose weight.
No matter what I tried while still feeding nothing shifted.
Just try to keep on top of it and not put more on.

Have been bfeeding DD (4 1/2 mths) and also doing WW, losses at first were a good 2/3lb a week but have slowed down to 1/2, 1lb now. Am going to cut down on 4 points a day from next week. Have lost 18lb in total out of the 2 stone I need to lose.

How are you using your points? Because you get so many I find it easy to eat crap and fit in chocolate bars and so on, but weeks where I make sure I use my points on filling foods, I do better. I also count points obsessively - I have the WW scales and don't guess how much things are.

Keep going - even if you're sticking to the plan and not losing, or only losing a small amount, you'll get back to where you want to be quicker than if you do nothing at all. Good luck

It is normal, Sharp loss at the begginning and then stable weight, baby is only 5 months it is still very early. Last time I started loosing slowly 3/4 weeks after stopping BF, this time it took me 3 months after stopping BF.
I was back in my clothes after a year without diet and extra activities (but then I don't have a car so I walk everywhere and a lot).
Last baby is 6 months, and I have been stucked at 1st over since she was 1 month old. Lost 2 pounds this month so it is slowly getting there.
It will come, you are doing great.

I've just got to goal doing WW and breastfeeding. You don't need to cut points. I stalled a bit early on and after some careful research I actually added a couple of points and started losing again. I also found that on weeks that I managed lots of exercise I didn't lose so I made sure that I ate all my exercise points. I also found that I couldn't save points. I had to eat the correct points every day, weigh everything and point carefully. I ate tons of free veg too. I run on the days DD1 is at nursery (3 times a week) and once on the weekend and otherwise just try to make sure I am being active (hard not to be running after the eldest and keeping the house together). Also, are you drinking enough? I have found that I need about 3 litres a day (but am in Aus, so unless it's hot you may need less).

Oh - and it took 6 months for me to lose 14kgs. It was a slow process! DD is now 9 months and I have gone from a 14 to an 8 - so well worth all the tallying up, weighing and writing down!

Hey Ladies

How about getting active to lost the last few baby pounds. I know going for runs and hitting the gum can be painful and might not last long.

We put on netball sessions up and down the country for ladies who have not played for a while or who want to take it up for the first time. The sessions are fun and a great way to meet new people. It beats going to the gym.

If anyone is interested then let me know.

Backtotheball - I'm interested in playing netball - please contact me

Shameless plug BactoNetball but I'm interested too.

Thanks so much, there's some excellent advice here. boardbunny, your post struck a particular chord because although I'm sticking to the points I often eat low fat etc for meals and have chocolate / biscuits / ice-cream to make up the points. I actually felt much better when I filled up on 'sensible' more calorific points for a few days.

You've all made me feel a lot more positive!

more calorificfoods*, I meant!

Oh I give up

Hi there BacktoNetball
I am really interested in getting back into netball. I have recently cancelled my gym membership as it is going to waste.
My lil one is 8 months and I cant seem to shift the baby weight.
Can you please contact me??

Make sure you're spending enough points on protein. BFing mums need at least 65g protein a day. Also very important to keep track of your exercise points and eat them all when BFing.