How long does it take to loose postpartum weight?

Question

I'm at Stay at Home mother of a 5 month old (my first) and I'm just wondering if anyone could give me suggestions on how to loose these extra pounds or if anyone could share their experiences. I was 115 pounds before my pregnancy and I weighed 165 right before I gave birth and I've only lost 25 pounds. I see other skinny mom's with their babies and it makes me feel awful. Any ideas? Thanks so much.

Please leave your rude comments to yourself. I don't come here to take crap from people, just friendly advice. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Comes with the territory having kids. Live with it!

Answer 2

I was 135 before I got preggers adn when I went in to give birth, I weighed an astonishing 209. When I became pregnant with my second child, nearly a year later, I weighed 164. I wasn't too worried about the weight because it was coming off, but my hubby kept telling me that if I was unhappy with it, then I should do sit-ups. That helps the muscles in your belly retract to the state they were in before they were stretched. And for the record, these moms walking around here with skinny bellies, probably weren't built to get very big in the first place or got o the gym 3-4 times a week if they can find the time and a sitter. I don't have many friends and I live in a small town that doesn't offer services such as Lamaze class.

Answer 3

I know how you feel. I was 125 when I got pregnant with my first over 4 years ago. I was at 165 when I gave birth to her, and no matter how hard I tried, it never went away. When I got pregnant with my second, I got up to over 216lbs. After the baby was born, I worked my butt off trying to lose the weight. It seemed like it would never end. I got back down to 165, which was good, but I felt overweight still. The way I ended up l;osing the weight though I wouldn't recommend to anyone. I was on an all liquid diet for 2 1/2 weeks because I had to have major surgery (had to have a kidney removed that was making me extremely ill) BAck down to 125 though, and I am exerising every day, even if it is taking the kids to the playground so they can run around and chase them - try chasing a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old in opposite directions...lol. The best way to lose the weight in a healthy way would be to walk a LOT. carry your baby in a snugli around the house. they will love being close, and you will have the added weight to help you lose some yourself. Also, eat healthy. Lots of fruits and veggies. You can also do some morning exercise, like pilates or yoga or something like that. If you can, put your baby in a playpen for 20-30 minutes while you work out. they will be right there so if you need to get them you can, or even do it while they nap. Also, eating right will help too. Instead of white bread, go with whole grain breads. Drink low-non fat milk instead of whole milk. Eat more fruits and veggies instead of chips and other junk foods. Drink more water and juices instead of koolaid and soda.

Good luck and you will be fine.

Answer 4

I've heard that even with a regular exericise plan and a healthy diet, that it can take a full year to get back to normal. I myself am up 35 pounds after 3 pregnancies, but I need to lose 55 pounds to be a healthy BMI. After delivering I gave up chocolate, ice cream, and most other sweets and I'm already about 15 pounds less then I expected at 6 weeks postpartum. Now I'm going to start an exercise program from a book called "Lose That Baby Fat!" which is mostly an exercise ball workout. I hope it works for me. Plus I'm going to start using some exercise equipment in the living room (which should be easier then getting out) like a stair stepper, exercise bike, and a treadmill. But I agree with you about seeing all of the skinny moms, it makes me sick. But then I think to myself...I'm glad I'm solid boned...because when I'm old I won't get osteoporosis or broken hips.

Answer 5

in the book what to expect while your expecting there is a healthy nursing diet if your nursing. i used it along with Daile walks and lost all baby weight within 6 months of all my pregnancys ( 3 ) and now i weigh 10 lbs. lees than my first pre-baby weight. if your not nursing then healthy diet and exercises is the key. maybe you can join a gym and work out when your husbands home or a lot of gyms have free child care provided with a membership. this will also give you a needed break and you time from your baby which i strongly recommend for your sanity as i am a stay at home mom myself. congrats on motherhood its an amazing thing and good luck on the weight loss. be patient and don't feel bad if your not as skinny as other new moms. are bodies are all different and it takes each of us different times.

Answer 6

Hormones play a role. I read that it can take up to 3 normal periods before your body will release the weight. The first month after my baby was born I exercised and dieted like crazy, and NOTHING came off. My body wasn't responding the way it had done to my weight-loss tricks before I became pregnant. It was very frustrating. I'm now 3 mo pp and I've lost 1/2 the weight, but I'm not breastfeeding (depending on the person that can help you lose weight or prevent you from dropping the last 15 lbs, go figure). It seems to be coming off for me b/c of diet. I basically eat a good filling breakfast and fairly big lunch and no dinner. I'm sure dieticians out there wouldn't recommend this approach, but really I don't care if I have to starve myself to get the rest of the weight off, I have an entire wardrobe I can't fit into and I'm not buying a new one!!

I feel your pain. Good luck.

PS: one "trick" that really worked for me to get my shape back (but not lose lbs) is to wear basically a girdle. They're called shapers now, and they help to rid you of water around your middle. I bought mine at Macy's on-line.

Answer 7

I lost my origonal figure after I got pregnant. I have had 3 babys. I learned to live with it, although I do try to maintain a healthy weight. You could find a mothers group and see if they are doing anything as a team. You could find groups with your baby and make new friends to walk and go to the park with. Our mall has walking hours 1 hour before the mall opens. I always make it a point to go twice a week, you don't have to buy things. Replace soda and extra juices with water. Replace white bread with wheat bread. White rice with wheat rice. Join curves ( I found I didn't care for it but some people do like it). Just look at what you do different now, then make a plan as to how you could change to bring what you want to life. Sounds easier then it is. I was 130 when I got pregnant. I got to 206 with one of my kids. I am 160 now, working for a goal of 145.

Answer 8

Just do all you can to get some sort of exercise in. Whether its taking the baby for a walk or even just playing with the baby. Really the only thing I know is to diet and exercise. And drink a lot of water! It's helps with your metabolism and its good for your complexion! I lost weight with Taebo tapes. I do 30 mintue workouts while my baby takes naps! It's a total body workout and its great for toning muscles.

Don't fret on how other mom's look. Some people just lose weight faster then others.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Just exercise and diet. I have two kids. I weighed about the same as you before pregnancies. Now I weigh about what you did (lil less) when gave birth. But, I dont do anything (dieting exercising) to get the extra pounds off. You just gotta work at. Good Luck!! If you had a c-section that makes it a lil harder too!!

Answer 10

I hate seeing skinny mothers toting their three or four kids around! I have one and I have yet to loose my "baby weight". You have to remember that some women have higher metabolism, so they don't have to do much for the weight to fall off. Others, have to work really hard and put in a lot of time. I work at a desk, so it's extremely difficult for me to burn energy during the day. Try taking a walk once or twice a day. Bring your baby with! It'll take time, but you can do it if you are dedicated!

Answer 11

I'm still waiting and my daughter is almost 1. Really it's just part of it and now as a mother of 2 kids I don't have much time for the gym. I do what I can and live with it. Good Luck!