Posts: 4
3/15/12 11:05 A

I had my 4th c-section about 7 weeks ago. I am healing well and getting back to exercising again...walking for now, but hoping to get back to my regular running routine at some point. Running just feels kind-of weird right now.
I'm eating when I'm hungry, trying to eat nutritious foods and drinking lots of water...not counting calories.
I've read different articles about losing weight after a c-section and while breast feeding, and am feeling a little discouraged with the recommended 1 pound/week. I have about 20-30 lbs to lose and was hoping to fit into most of my pre-pregnancy clothes by summer. (My main problem is hips and thighs, and of course the belly!) Is this even possible? Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Thanks!

Posts: 17086
3/16/12 2:16 P

Congratulations on the delivery of your little one and way to go on starting exercise. Each woman's post pregnancy weight loss journey is unique, but if you stick with healthy habits you'll successfully lose the weight while breastfeeding.

1 lb per week is a great goal. It might feel slower than you'd like, but it is sustainable and that what is most important.

Read Getting back to your Pre-Pregnancy Weight While Breastfeeding for more information from BabyFit.com.

Posts: 9315
3/30/12 4:01 P

You're doing great and just continue to focus on your exercise-that's an important component to healthy weight loss. One thing I would recommend to help with your recover is to start doing the exercises at the link below. This series of exercises are perfect for helping you strengthen your tummy after surgery. Make sure your incision is fully healed before doing ab exercises (check with your doc if you're not sure) and take your time progressing through the exercises.
Cathy


http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/a
rticles.asp?id=805

Posts: 1
4/28/12 8:39 A

I have joined weight watchers, which has a "nursing moms" program. The weight melted off so fast that I was lower than my prepregnancy weight within 4 months. It really helped me make good food choices and still feel confident that I was doing the best for my nursing baby. My milk supply was fantastic. The weekly weigh-ins helped me keep focused when I felt like jumping ship and eating without thinking first.

Posts: 2
5/9/12 2:28 A

I had great success losing the baby weight by joining a group fitness program that met daily for 8 weeks. Some gyms offer this - you are really hiring a personal trainer who works with a group. It saves you money in the long run. Ours even met before work (5-6 AM) so we didn't need to worry about babysitting issues.

Sometimes these groups are called "fitness bootcamps".

I kept my daily food log, aimed for 1500 calories a day (breastfeeding a 6 month old who ate solids, too) and excersized for strength 4 days a week and added an additional cardio workout 3x a week. One day was a rest day.

The results- I did lose 1 pound a week, sometimes 1.5-2 pounds a week, and maintained a good milk supply.

The short answer is, if you want to maintain your milk supply you must not crash diet. You must add strength training (muscle burns calories very efficiently and looks better, too). You must add cardio to burn the butt/belly fat. You must cut out junk food and flour and stick with wholesome brown carbs instead.

Best wishes to you!

Posts: 3
11/17/12 9:27 P

I have lost all of my baby weight and an additional 6 lbs on that but i still can't fit into my prepregnacy jeans. I can get them up but not buttoned. Any tips to help with the belly? I have an injured knee so i have only been walking 3x a week for 30 minutes.

Posts: 9315
11/18/12 7:04 P

I've pasted a link to ab exercises that'll help tighten your abdomen without causing back strain. One other thing to keep in mind is that your pelvis will take some time returning to pre-pregnancy size. The extra space made by the pelvic joints widening during pregnancy can make it hard to fit into your pants for a few months postpartum. The exercises will help tighten your tummy so give them a try.
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/a
rticles.asp?id=805


Cathy