Breastfeeding and gaining weight?

Question

I only gained 7 pounds in pregnancy and had a 7 lbs. baby. I just wasn't hungry at all, so I thought I was going to keep loosing weight while breastfeeding. Well, I am not. I am hungry all the time and I am gaining weight. What should I do to stop it????

Answer 1

I ate very healthy with all three of my pg, and only gained a little weight, then lost a lot! While bfing, I thought I was absolutely starving! I ate all the time, but didn't gain much at first. After my 2nd pg, I started gaining because I ate EVERYTHING! I didn't watch what I ate. You just might be taking in a few more calories than you are burning. It's easy to do when bf, because you stay hungry. Try eating several small meals all day long. Include fresh fruits and veges, baked chicken, whole grains, low-fat dairies, lentils, beans, a little peanut butter, and plenty of excercise. Hopefully you have a lot more self control than I do.(I need to follow my own advice! LOL) Oh, yeah, and LOTS of water! good luck!

Answer 2

You need to carefully watch what you eat. I would suggest only buying fresh or frozen food, leaving the boxed foods on the shelf. You are hungry because your body is working extra hard to prepare milk for your child. You may not be eating all the right things, so your body is suggesting that you eat more, because it needs nutrients. I would suggest eating the food guide pyramid way, i have enclosed the link. Remember you need at least one extra serving of all categories, except fat, while you are nursing. Fruits and Veggies. The more the better, just stay away from "gas producing" and "strong flavor" veggies like broccoli and spinach or your baby will also complain, and not be a happy camper.

Congratulations on Breastfeeding. If you need more information or moral support, please email. This is part of my job, a part I really like.

Answer 3

I don't think you want to stop it - baby needs lots of nutrients and milk production takes a lot of energy (besides the actual physical care of baby), so if you are hungry, eat. Choose foods wisely but don't starve because you're afraid of a little weight gain - you can lose that later on when baby is no longer directly dependent on you for nutrition.

Answer 4

It's completely normal to be ravenous when you first begin breastfeeding. You just need to watch WHAT you're eating. Sometimes weight gain can have other sources, however. When my little guy was 5 months old, I gained 15 lbs out of the blue. Turns out my thyroid was shot. So if you are watching what you eat and you are still gaining weight, check with your doctor just to be sure all is fine.
BTW - breastfeeding actually burns calories, so please don't quit because of weight gain!

Answer 5

As long as you are eating healthy you're fine. You need to have extra fat stores in your body when you are nursing. You are hungry all the time because your baby needs more calories as he or she grows and your body must meet that. Just eat fruits and vegetables, low fat dair, whole wheat bread and pasta and lean meats, and do moderate exercise. Don't go overboard with the exercise because that can decrease your milk production. Make sure to drink lots of water.

Answer 6

are you pregnant? i was the doctor told me i couldnt be pregnant because i was breastfeeding,that is an old wives tale.my last 2 babies were 11 months apart.take a pregnancy test.if it says you are you are go to the doctor to be sure if not get on some kind of birth control and use it every time.good luck.

Answer 7

Eat the best food choices you can, fruit and veggies, low fat meats and protein and whole grains.

And get out and walk walk walk.

Also make sure you have enough water that can help cut hunger.

Answer 8

I read that some women actually store fat when pregnant. I read this on MSN recently. Maybe your body is doing this because you do not need to lose weight.

Answer 9

while you are nursing you will need to eat enough to keep yourself healthy. if you feel hungry eat. don't ignore your body. it knows what is best. try to get some exercise. any chance you are pregnant again?