Two Part Question About Breastfeeding, C-section and Losing the Weight

Hi, H. - I also had a c-section and breastfed my son for 13 months, and I'm just starting my yoga teacher training program now. I lost the weight very quickly through breastfeeding and did get down to below my pre-pregnancy weight within about 6-8 months. However, the muscle tone takes longer to recover, although I wasn't terribly diligent about crunches in the early months. I agree that your age will be a factor; however, I'm 35 and my stomach is recovering. Take your time - you'll get there!

Good luck-you didn't say how old you are and that has a lot to do with it. I had 2 c-sections. I lost a ssome of the weight the 1st time at age 36 but never, got back to normal. The muscles are gone-face it. the 2nd time and my baby is now 2 is much harder. I am still breastfeeding and I evercise like crazy but I am a lot older now and the muscles never got back nor will they. Sorry but it;s a small sacrafice we make to have kids. But everyone is different maybe you will do better but don't fret if you don't.

Hi H.

I am breastfeeding and I have breast fed all 3 of my kids and I have thyroid issues and I m unsuccessful after kids to lose weight other than the 12-14lbs of baby and liquids. I have held an extra 90lbs for all my life. I got on this program and I have no more thyroid issues, no more GERD, No acne, I have great energy and my depression is gone I lost 50lbs yes I have 40more to go but I feel amazing, my friend lost all the weight she needed to 2 yrs ago and has held with maintenance plan go to http://www.mfbhealthyyoumall.com

Hi H.,

I also had a C-section and was a long distance runner prior to getting pregnant. I understand the frustration of not being in shape, like you were before the C-section. However, even if you are feeling up to it, please be careful and take it easy. Around 7 weeks after my C-section, I went on a slow 3 mile run. I was feeling great and loved being outside. However, a few days later I realized that I had pulled a stitch and because of this, it took almost 7 months for my belly to fully recover from the operation. I had an infection start at the site of the pulled stitch that took a long time to heal

As far as loosing the weight, everyone is different. I lost most of the weight within the first 2 1/2 months (I gained around 45 lbs total). I breastfeed until my son was 7 months (he weened himself at this time!!). However, those last 5-10 lbs are the hardest to shed. My friend gave me a good piece of advice. She said that it takes 9 months to put on the weight, so don't beat yourself up if it takes 9 months to take it all off.

I hope this helped and good luck with everything,
S.

Sorry, I'm no help about the c-section part either, but here are my thoughts on breastfeeding and weight loss: it took me about 3 1/2 months to lose all of the weight, but only about 2 to lose all but the last 8 or so pounds. The good (?) news is that I'm still losing weight, 6 months out, and am now 7 pounds under my prepregnancy weight, but a bunch of that is unfortunately lost muscle--I've found it really hard to exercise. So the tummy is still not down to prebaby shape or size, although my old pants do fit. (on the other hand, it feels like a lot of what's left is still extra skin--anyone know if that ever goes away?)

Hope that's helpful. That 'whose body is this, anyway?' feeling is awful.

Hi H., first I just wanted to say be patient. It doesn't happen all at once. It took me a few months to lose the first 25lbs and I was breastfeeding and working out. I did not have a c-section though. But as you probably know your body is going to take awhile to get back to normal. The hormones that allow us to have children keep us feeling a little off for up to a few months after birth. Which means that you will be more susceptible for injury so be careful too. The last 10lbs took me 6 months to lose. But everybody is different.

Second, yoga is great but there are other classes that you can try too. Have you ever thought about trying Baby Boot Camp classes to help you lose the extra weight more quickly? They do cardio drills, strength training, core work and some yoga and pilates. You may find that you will lose the weight more quickly if you have other moms to encourage you along the way. And you can bring your baby with you. Oh, and your first class is free. www.babybootcamp.com

Breastfeeding won't make the weight disappear but it will help. I know it seems far off but if you take it slow and be consistent with working out it will come off before you know it.