is it really hard to lose weight after pregnancy?

Question

i've heard that if you breast feed that you lose weight faster... is this true... and is it really hard to lose wieght after pregnancy?
i'm 24 weeks along and have gained 28 pounds... i'm worried i wont lose it afterwards... help!

Answer 1

If you eat properly and exercise, then losing the weight shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 2

There can be a myriad of answers ranging from some just don't care to medical issues to the fact that as women hit their middle age years their metabolism automatically slows down anyways whether they have a medical issue or not. I think when weight won't come off easy many women find it discouraging enough that it then becomes just as much of a psychological issue as perhaps a physical one. I've never been a toothpick, in fact when I was in Jr. High I was always called the fat girl because I had reached my adult height and weight of 5'3 and 130 lbs. For me that's normal and some guys don't like that and some do and I'm okay with that. The ones that don't like it, that's their preference. I'm healthy - I played three sports a year until the age of 30 when I got married. I also have Hypothyroidism so I have to really be strict about my diet because I know if I put more weight on I will have a very hard time taking it off again.

Answer 3

I am trying to losee weight after my son. It is hard but you have to have a mind set to want to los it. Yes breast feeding does make you lose weight you burn like 500 calories. But the thing is you still have to eat healthy and you can't pig out on foods because you have a craving or something and you can do some exercising. Losing the weight is all up to you. If you really want it bad enough you will be determined to it. But don't think about that bridge until you cross it or you will deprive yourself and your child food because you are conscience of your weight. Just eat right and you will be fine. Be blessed and hope this helps you.

Answer 4

My boyfriend is a personal trainer (and I am 28 weeks pregnant), and here is what he says... Breast feeding does help you lose weight, but if you also work out after you have the baby, you can lose weight at an increadibly fast rate. It is because of a few things including your hormones and your metabolism. If you don't work out much, at least walk a few miles a day... that is the biggest fat burner even over running. But if you can get in the gym starting at about 6 weeks after you have the baby, you will be amazed! All of the women he has trained after giving birth have amazing bodies! He says most of them get down to a lower weight than they were when he trained them BEFORE they were even pregnant... again because of the hormones, etc... good luck.

Answer 5

Well, for me, it was easy. I was 125 lbs, and gained 25 lbs. I lost it all within a few months, and then lost even more. I was down to 110 lbs within 18 months, and now I'm pregnant again.

The key for me was breastfeeding, and also just staying active all the time. I hardly ever sat still after the first few weeks. My baby was colicky, and she wanted to be held and rocked for hours at a time. The thing that worked best was to turn on some dance music and dance with her! She loved that. So, I swear, I burned so many calories!

Just walking for 30 minutes a day is great for you and the baby. Take him/her out in the stroller every day for a nice walk in the park, or just in your neighborhood.

P.S. I eat like a pig! But I try to eat healthy. Whole wheat toast, eggs, peanut butter, milk, yogurt, pasta, veggies, etc.

Answer 6

It is never too late to begin a light exercise routine. Begin walking now and keep it up. Try eating a well balanced diet and then after the baby is born, if you are breastfeeding, you should be well situated to take of the pounds. I tried to breastfeed my son (gained 40 lbs), but couldn't keep it up. Still have that weight. I bottle fed my two girls and within one week was back in pre-preg. clothes. I was eating better and exercising with them so that made all the difference.

Good luck

Answer 7

You really shouldn't worry about your weight right now. For the babies sake. Eat healthy and excerise berfore and after. Remember your feeding 2 bodies and the water..and such inside you will weigh a lot but it'll drop off in no time! Your belly skin will come back in time too.
There are plenty of excerise programs for pregnant and new moms. Join one and make new friends that are in the same boat. It'll be fun!
Breast feeding does help too. But the baby will be helped the most by your milk.

Answer 8

I would check with your OB and make sure that you are having a healthy weight gain. Not gaining a lot of extra weight definitely helps. After the baby is born, you just really need to take care of yourself and eat healthy foods.

Answer 9

I heard the same thing about breastfeeding, it helps your uterus shrink back to the size you need it to be.And after your rest time is up (usually after 4-6 weeks) then you should start with light exercises like walking and jogging. Also you wont be able to eat the way you are now so make sure you cut back on what you eat and be sure to eat alot of fruits and veggies because that will be something you need especially if you are breastfeeding. dont take any kinds of diet pills or anything until after you are completely done breastfeeding.

Answer 10

The easiest thing to do would be not to gain as much weight while you're pregnant. The less you gain, the less you'll have to loose. Many women think that because they are pregant, they can eat all they want. My wife gained only 17 lbs. and had a healthy 8 lb. 10 oz. baby.