Extended BF and mama weight-loss: impossible?

[oolongtea]

I am Bfing my 14 month old and hope to continue to age 2, at least. But I also want to drop some weight! Maybe 10-15 lbs. Can I diet and breastfeed? Will it work? Are there special tips? I have my high school reunion in Sept and I'd really like to look like the mama who has it all...

[hrsmom]

You can lose weight while breastfeeding. I dropped quite a bit of weight when my daughter was about that age.

[Bokonon]

Weight Watchers has a plan for breastfeeding women. There is no reason you can't diet while breastfeeding - just make sure you are getting enough calories (I think it's about 500 more while nursing, but for nursing past one year it's probably far fewer extra calories needed).

[momasana]

Rather than dieting and cutting down on my nutritional intake while nursing I found it easier to shed weight by increasing my exercise.

[gracemamma]

Its frustrating getting back to pre-baby weight- especially with a deadline sort of looming but totally doable. I think slow and steady is really important for you and babe. I found differing info on safe loss with BF- some said 1lb/week some 2. I kept watch to make sure it was never more than 2. I walked with babe in ergo most days for 45 min to 1 hr and she naps in ergo too. that + all the walking to sleep was alot of good exercise and really got my legs toned. for dd sensitivities, i cut out dairy, gluten and most sugar and this made the loss alot easier. we eat lots of whole grains, legumes, beans, veggies, fruit, nuts etc. between the exercise, bf and food restrictions, weight loss has been relatively easy- even with lots of avocado, yummy coconut milk ice cream etc. I've lost +/- 65 lbs this year ( was preg w/twins for awhile but became singleton) and was happy to feel really good as matron of honor at my sis' wedding this month. Good luck- I hope you feel gorgeous in sept. for you reunion!