Strech Marks & Lack of Weight Loss

I am not saying anyone is wrong here but Grace did say realistic ideas and for breastfeeding mothers with 4 month olds simply want to nap still between bouts of baby being attached to your boob.

I started right after I had my daughter a year ago simply watching closely the number of calories I took in. I used a program called Weight-By-Date (available online at http://www.weightbydate.com/pro_overview.htm) and it takes about 15 minutes total of your time each day to put in what you ate. Use the calculators in the program to determine you ideal calorie intake (for instance, mine is 1700 calories) and try to stay 200 calories under that. Eat whatever you want, just be mindful of the calories.

I have lost 50lbs in the past year with this method. I am a couch potato, I take my daughter out on walks now and then but I by no means exercize any mroe then my daughter makes me. I did a yoga-pilates tape for a while to help stretch and repair all of the muscles in my body (if you have nexflix get Crunch: Super Slimdown Pilates Yoga Blend) and it helped bring the loose skin back into order. It's very low-impant and takes about 30 minutes to do. That's it.

Between those two things, I've lost my pregnancy weight plus 30lbs (totaling 50lbs) and I'm losing about 2 lbs a week. Keep in mind, 2lbs a week is healthy weight loss. Anything mroe then that is being a bit too agressive and you're more likely to put it back on, and TWICE as much as you lost!

Patience and perserverence.

I know how you feel. I have two and the first one I did not loose the weight. So for the second one I am bound and determine to loose the weight and get my body back. I will tell you before you start to diet, I would see a nutritionist. If you don’t get enough calories you will start to dry up. I did that with my first child going on the South Beach Diet and lost 6 pounds in 3 days and then never could produce the milk that I was doing again and had to do the half breastfeeding and half formula. Also, find a gym that has a daycare in it. I workout at Gold’s Gym and they have a great baby/kid room or let Daddy watch the little one for an hour. Pump for a couple of bottles and you are good to go. It will give you time to yourself and I know how you feel that it is hard to start to workout. I have a 6 month old and I just started to workout. Also, give your body a little time to get back into shape. It took 10 months to get big it is going to at least take that much to get it back into shape. Now, I know there are people out there that spring right back but they are not normal. Good Luck!!! Hang in there!!!

I hear you! I have a hard time accepting that my stomach will not be flat again without effort on my part!!

Well the breast feeding will definitely help for you to loose weight. Instead of diet, you can't while you are breastfeeding, watch WHAT and WHEN you eat. Try to eat mostly vegetables, salads, fruits, but make sure you eat protein as well. Cut out all junk foods (if you eat them) or any other empty calories (soda, etc.) Also no heavy meals after dark or before you go to bed. Try to make lunch your heavy meal. You have to eat alot to keep up your milk, but just try to make every calorie count as empty calories go straight to the hips, stomach and thighs!

Exercise is important to get your metabolism up. I used to work out with my twins and use them as weights. Instead of laying down to play, I would do squats going up and down with them. Or put one on my legs and do leg lifts. They would love it and it made it slightly more bareable since at least they were enjoying it! ;> Also you can go for walks. I would suggest getting a baby carrier, so you can wear your baby (again weight training!) or to start you can push the stroller. A few times I went rollerblading pushing the stroller, what a sight! You have to forget the typical gym time and work around what you do now.

I have heard that coco butter is supposed to help reduce stretch marks and exercise will also help because once you tighten up, they will be less noticeable.

Have fun!!

A.

Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do to lose the weight. But really four months isn't that long. Give it some more time.

The stretch marks will fade, give yourself another 3-6 months. Of course, they will always be "silvery" and never disappear entirely.
Dieting while breastfeeding IS possible. Check out Weight Watchers, they have suggestions/program goals for breastfeeding moms. (You can even bring your child to the meetings, I did.) Another suggestion diet-wise is to watch sugar and salt intake. As another post suggested, go natural. Cut out as many processed foods as you can.
Walking is a great suggestion. Another, if it's in your budget is finding a gym with a daycare. It will give you a bit of a break and that fitness time you want. My trainer even told me to just come daily to ride the bike/treadmill. Sometimes gyms have gentle yoga/pilates classes in addition to traditional aerobics. A great way to meet other Moms!
Good luck!

You need to give it a little time. You just had a baby about 4 months ago. You have to have a little patience. I have 3 sons and still some stretch marks, they are not nearly as visible as they once were but they are slowly going away. Eat right and exercise, and drinking lots of water are the best ways to loosing weight. Again be patient, it will happen in time.

S.
SAHM of 3 boys, 12, 4 and 22 months

After having three children I have plenty of stretch marks. I have not yet figured out how to completely get rid of them. I can tell you that they are much less noticeable now.

As far as loosing weight, I lost a lot while breastfeeding. But once I stopped I gained a lot back. I have had to cut my eating significantly. I just started eating mainly whole foods and have lost some weight this way. This has also helped provide me with energy. All the sugars and coffee I was drinking was wearing on my body. I feel great and hope to continue loosing weight.