I'm Wasting Away! Are Any Of You Serious Exercisers?

[LilacMama]

My 14mo DD gets the majority of her calories from breast milk. I just started exercising again and it is very important to me to get in good physical shape. I am already underweight for my height and I'm not sure that my body will fully utilize all the strength training I do if I'm not getting all the right nutrients. Not to mention being tired and hungry all the time!

I eat lots of eggs, whole fat dairy, avocados, nuts, etc. But I also work full time as an RN and get busy sometimes and don't eat often enough. Or I cook a big meal and enjoy it and I'm starving 2 hours later while running errands.

Is exercising frequently (running 20-25 miles per week plus yoga/pilates daily) AND nursing a toddler a feasible thing to do or am I kidding myself? I just ate a HUGE bowl of chili con carne with cheese, half an avocado, sour cream....about 45 minutes ago. And I'm SO HUNGRY right now! Help!

[ryan'smom]

When I was nursing ds #1, I dropped the baby weight 2 weeks pp and was about 10 lbs underweight until he weaned at the age of 3. I too was constantly hungry, but was on a pretty restrictive diet (no egg, dairy, nuts due to ds's allergies). I too wanted to exercise, but with nursing, working, chasing after a toddler, and dealing with multiple nightwakings.....I think that's all my body could handle. I really think anything *extra* like exercising on a regular basis would have impacted my milk supply. Funny thing is, when he weaned, I immediatly noticed a weight gain (not significant, but still noticable)....

[luv]

I'm nursing a one year old, a 2.5yo and training for a half marathon. I have noticed a bit of a decrease in supply but I've chalked that up to the fact that they are both night weaned, the 2yo only nurses at bed time and the 1yo only nurses maybe 4 or 5 times a day.

Sounds like you might be doing to much too soon. Can you dial back on the exercise (either frequency or duration) and then resume very gradually until you find your comfort zone?

C

[kittywitty]

That's how I was with #1 and #3. I ate constantly and was underweight. It's different this time for some reason. You may be doing too much too soon if you just started exercising again. Could you join something like Spark people to track your exercise/eating to make sure you're getting enough nutrients?

[pbjmama]

So you are doing 2 forms of exercise daily as well as working at least part time. Wow! I agree with the other posters but also wanted to add you might consider getting your thyroid checked.

[LilacMama]

Thanks everyone. The exercise frequency I listed was my GOAL, but that's not what I'm doing yet (about 1/3 that currently!) because I am trying to ease back into it. Sorry I wasn't clear about that! My grocery bill is getting huge.

[~bookcase~]

i have weight loss problems with nursing too, especially during the second year. just eat and be grateful if you can!! but i second getting thyroid checked. it's been on my to do list for months

[Shanny2032]

dd is 15 months and i am still constantly starving. I swear I am going to start exercising ANY day now .

Do you eat any bars - they can be quick and easy to take with you o you don't forget to snack. Of course, I give the advice just dont always follow it!

[averlee]

I have found that while breastfeeding, I am not able to sustain a rigorous exercise routine. It's like all my resources are being utilized- I'm skinny and eat like a hog, and I've modified my workout to be really mellow- some stretching, dance/cardio, and calisthenics.

[claddaghmom]

1/3 of your goal, eh...

Meanwhile I try to avoid the stairs....




I wanted to say though, from my old, long gone days of gymnastics....protein protein protein. Otherwise you're piling on carbs and won't be satisfied. And could lose muscle mass.