weaning and weight loss?

[addiesmum]

Hi everyone! I am new around here so forgive me if this is answered elsewhere. I have had several people tell me that the final weight won't come off until my baby has weaned? I find this hard to believe as breastfeeding is well known to help with weight loss. I have dropped 40 lbs since giving birth, and have been breast feeding and supplementing with formula. Recently, my daughter has decided she likes the bottle better and we have been breastfeeding less. I am pumping to try and maintain my supply, but my weight loss has also stalled and I am getting a bit frustrated with that! Can anyone share their experience with me? Is it difficult to lose those final pounds until you wean, or is that just a myth/old wives tale? I have 20-30lbs to go and would not stop breastfeeding to do it, I just want to know if that is something I can look forward to once my daughter is ready to wean?

[sren]

I had heard that, too, but I gained weight after I stopped BF.   My DD are 8 & 10 and sometimes I wish I could still BF-- now I have to exercise!

[addiesmum]

LOL! Yes, I am afraid I am going to have to exercise these last 30lbs off too! My little one is in a body cast so breast feeding is a bit challenging these days. She is now 5 months old and we have supplemented with formula from the beginning...however, lately she seems to be more interested in the bottle than the breast, I am still pumping but am considering giving that up too as she just seems to prefer solid food and formula. Let's hope I don't gain once I stop!!

[sewaneecook]

I think breastfeeding sometimes keeps 5-10 pounds extra, but more than that there is usually something else (hormones, diet, exercise) involved.  In my experience with both kiddos I kept about 10 pounds extra until I started exercising (around 6 months).  My youngest is now 2 and still BFing and I'm about 10 pounds lighter than when I got pregnant with him (and 15 pounds less than when I got pregnant with DS1).  BFing isn't always to blame for the last few stubborn pounds, but for particularly small women a few extra pounds are often kept on to help maintain a good supply. 

Keep in mind that a BFing mom only needs an extra 200-500 calories per day which isn't much more than a hearty snack.  If you are also supplementing with formula, less is needed. 

I was in a body cast when I was an infant for hip displasia.  My mom was able to nurse me on an elevated surface while I was on my back and she leaned over me (I have a few photos from this).  She also found lying down an easier position while I had the cast on.  I hope your little one heals quickly!