Nursing toddler and my constant weight loss! PLEASE help?

Question

So I am still breast feeding my 18 month old toddler girl who is a bad eater. She tries and likes some table foods but mommy's milk seems to be the best.
I weigh 106lbs at 5'3" now. Is that still ok? Before my pregnancy I used to weigh 128lbs and ever since her delivery I'm constantly losing even though I eat A LOT lol.
My thyroid is ok.

Answer 1

The CDC BMI calculator says that weight is fine:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/adult_BMI/english_bmi_calculator/results_normal.htm?pounds=106&inches=63

If you want to gain a little weight try adding some lean protein (like lentils, nuts, seeds, or meat).

Consider though that you are probably very, very active all day chasing a toddler. So you would need more calories even if you weren't breastfeeding. Then add an extra 500 calories to make milk and you might need as much as 3000 calories per day.

Congrats on breastfeeding it is absolutely the best thing for your toddler, and have benefits for you as well (mainly reduced cancer risk, but may also reduce osteoporosis and other diseases).

American Academy of Family Physicians:
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpositionpaper.html
If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned

Extended Breastfeeding Fact Sheet
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
* Nursing toddlers benefit NUTRITIONALLY
* Nursing toddlers are SICK LESS OFTEN
* Nursing toddlers have FEWER ALLERGIES
* Nursing toddlers are SMART
* Nursing toddlers are WELL ADJUSTED SOCIALLY
* Nursing a toddler is NORMAL
* MOTHERS also benefit from nursing past infancy
* Additional Resources
[more on each at link this is just the table of contents]

Answer 2

The older your daughter gets, the more milk she will consume, especially since she's not too keen on solids.
I believe the recommendation for nursing moms is 1000 calories above the normal intake of calories needed to maintain weight, but that's for a newborn, so it'll be a bit more for a toddler.
Considering you need 2000 calories per day to maintain your weight when not nursing, at the minimum you'll need while nursing is 3000 calories per day.
If you are drinking non-fat milk, switch to whole milk. Have a milkshake once in a while. If you can stand supplements like Ensure, drink a couple of those a day, and they will supply between 500 and 750 calories per day (which is the difference between regular Ensure and Ensure Plus).
If you drink lots of water, make it 1/2 and 1/2 water/fruit juice. You not only increase the amount of milk you make, but you're adding a few more calories, too.

Answer 3

I found the book to be very informative and easy to read.

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It clearly works and if I'd followed it exactly I think it would scare the living daylights out of me because of the amount that I'd lose. So thanks again for the information. I've never purchased anything like this before because they are usually full of trash, but 3WD has been a pleasant surprise.

Get started today!

Answer 4

The same thing happened to me whilst breastfeeding both my girls.
With my first I fell pregnant again and so gained weight again.
But with my second I breastfed till she was just shy of 3 yrs.
I was a little heavier than you and I ended up at 106lbs as well. I hated it because you could see all my ribs and I just hated it. My Mother took me to the Dr thinking I was dying of some terrible disease or illness like cancer or something. But after being checked for everything and everything being alright. It was just breastfeeding.

My Dr had no advice other than cut down on coffee intake.
I ate plenty and healthy but still couldnt put on weight. So I took advantage of it and started indulging in cream buns and cakes every now and then to see if that made any difference. It didnt.
Once I weaned the weight slowly came back. Its taken about a year and a half to get back to my normal weight.

So I think it's pretty normal, just make sure you are eating properly and looking after yourself. You really cant help how your body reacts to sustaining another life:)

Answer 5

I'm preggers with my 2nd baby and still nursing my 15 month old dd. I've been steadily losing weight throughout the yr as well. I've always had that problem though, so I expected it. The pediatrician (who is also a lactation consultant) told me to eat (healthy) high fatty things in addition to what I normally eat...avocado, almonds, put olive oil on EVERYTHING... not necessarily greasy/fried things ;D

So far I've been maintaining my weight pretty well. We'll see if I've gained anything this Wednesday.

Kudos on breastfeeding! You're doing great.

Answer 6

eat only from a plate while seated at a table

Answer 7

Get tips from weight loss community

Answer 8

People who plan their weekly meals tend to be successful at losing weight than individuals who don’t. Plan your dishes to feature healthy carbs such as fairly sweet potato and wholegrain pasta, greens and lean proteins, buy all the ingredients in advance and don’t be tempted to consume out or order in.

Answer 9

You say you're eating "a lot", but what are you eating? Breastfeeding burns lots of calories so make sure whatever you're eating is protein- and calorie-rich.

Also, I want to applaud you for continuing to breastfeed your baby. So many women either give up before even trying or stop too early.

Answer 10

Think about what you can contribute to your diet, not that which you must take away. Integrate delicious veggies into your meal, rather than serving them quietly. Not only will they offset the fat as part of your chicken or meat, but the phytochemicals in fresh produce are which can prevent diseases.