[Ilana]

I've barely put on 20lbs and I'm 34 weeks and started out at 130lbs and 5'6". I know this sounds stupid but I'm SO afraid of wasting away from nursing like I did with DD. it's the only time I've ever feared for my life, when I got so thin and exhausted from the sleepless nights and nursing I really thought it was possible that I could die. I had to eat non-stop to keep up with her and still, by the time she was one month old I was 115lbs, which was 15lbs below my post-pregnancy weight. I doubt I'll gain ten pounds in the next 4 - 6 weeks.<br><br>
I just had to share. I'm really afraid of having a newborn again.<br><br>
ILANA

 

[Jilian]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> I didn't gain a lot of weight this time around either. With my last pregnancy I gorged myself (on not-so-healhty things) and gained 53 lbs (started at 113 lbs) and had a hell of a time losing the weight. This time around I eat all the time but make healthier choices and I've only gained 20 lbs at 33 weeks (started at 117 lbs this time). The lady at the WIC office gave me a really hard time telling me "babies do better when you gain 30-35 lbs", so I'm getting a little worried. I never even thought about the weight I'll lose nursing.<br><br>
Maybe we'll be ok if we eat more fatty foods, like whole milk, cheeses, yogurts, etc? I've tried to up my fat intake but don't want to just start eating junk to gain weight. Sorry for rambling, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I'm a little worried too, and I used to be envious of the women who didn't gain a ton of weight during pregnancy - turns out the grass isn't so green on this side.

 

[Ilana]

No, we definitely don't want to turn to the junk food to pack on the pounds. That's just unhealthy weight. Fat doesn't make you fat. Sugar makes you fat. But fat IS important because then we know we have the ability to store the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K.<br><br>
I've definitely not been eating as purely this pregnancy as last so I would think I'd have gained more by this point.<br><br>
I want to trust my body wisdom but it didn't serve me so well last time!<br><br>
Glad to knwo I'm not alone, though.<br><br>
ILANA

 

[RobynFSU]

I only gained 22 lbs with my first and am on track to do about the same again. At 34 weeks I had gained 17 lbs. Junk doesn't appeal to me. I didn't have your problem with extreme loss afterwards though. It was more gradual for me. I also had my mom staying with me for awhile and she made sure I ate all day long! Keep the nutritiuos foods coming! Your first obviously thrived on it!

 

[BrooklynDoula]

I gained for you! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[MommyTeesa]

Aw, Ilana. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[Eaglevoice]

There are definitely a lot of good for you foods that have higher fat contents. Avocados, almonds, olives and olive oil for example.

 

[stacey0402]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> Ilana<br><br>
Sounds like the newborn phase was no fun for you. My girls always nursed non-stop, but I didn't lose hardly any weight! I've been reading the book, "Happiest Baby on the Block" and I really like it. Maybe reading something like that will help you feel better prepared for a newborn? Sit down with a book and a pint (gallon?) of rich ice cream <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

 

[Ilana]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>stacey0402</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7875824"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> Ilana<br><br>
Sounds like the newborn phase was no fun for you. My girls always nursed non-stop, but I didn't lose hardly any weight! I've been reading the book, "Happiest Baby on the Block" and I really like it. Maybe reading something like that will help you feel better prepared for a newborn? Sit down with a book and a pint (gallon?) of rich ice cream <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"></div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
The ice cream definitely will but parenting books drive me nuts! I don't know what I have to do differently this time. I think I need a brain transplant.<br><br>
AT least DH will be around and available this time but even so, what was it about having a NB that was so difficult back then? I wasn't working and I didn't have another kid. This time I have a three year old and a business that needs to keep running.<br><br>
I think I'll just eat a lot of ice cream. I like that suggestion! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"><br><br>
ILANA

 

[stacey0402]

now I want ice cream! You know there was so much about my experience with dd2 that restored my ego. Her birth was easier, nursing was easier, and I didn't worry so much. I really felt great, like supermom <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> After dd1 I was so afraid to have another. I was a total trainwreck with her, my anxiety was out of control and nursing was miserable. I had mastitis 3 times her first month. I guess I always knew we'd have more than one child, but I couldn't see wnating more than 2. Then I had #2 and suddenly 3 didn't sound like a bad idea. So, there's hope <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
I'm thinking cookies and cream or cookie dough Ben & Jerry's. Maybe chocolate brownie fudge? Decisions, decisions!

 

[nanana_mom]

I didn't gain much weight with dd#2 (around 22 pounds by 39 weeks, when I gave birth). But I didn't waste away afterwards, though I did lose the baby weight very easily and by 8 months post partum was about 10 pounds less than I had started that pregnancy off at. This time I have gained more (27 pounds so far, at 35 weeks) but it still seems fine.<br><br>
I think the key to post-partum eating, especially as a nursing mom, is to concentrate on good foods. And yes, that includes good fats. Fat and calories are actually very important to support milk production. I lived on trail mix in the first few days after dd#2 was born. Milk, eggs, cheese, nuts, avocados, olive oil, in addition to protein and of course fruits and veggies are all good ways to get the calories you need. We're not talking about candy bars here -- real food is obviously better. But I wouldn't skimp on the eggs and cheese just because they are animal fats. And I can highly recommend peanut butter on whole wheat toast <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">. Some people even say we need animal fats to be healthy (see <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/splash_2.htm" target="_blank">http://www.westonaprice.org/splash_2.htm</a>), generally, and I know *I* needed them in the early nursing months.<br><br>
Anyway, drink lots of water and eat good food, and you shouldn't waste away!

 

[ewins24]

I haven't gained back all the weight I've lost but thats ok b/c I was over weight before hand any way but I have gained 18lbs.<br><br>
I lost a lot of weight when I was nursing too but I had a bit to lose then too.<br><br>
Ilana, I'm still hoping and praying that the newborn phase is so much easier for you this time w/ DH around to help.<br><br>
I'm off to have some ice cream!!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[Willzmama]

Mmmmm, avocado...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/yummy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="yummy"> with mayo, lettuce and turkey and cheese, rolled up in a wrap...

 

[tofutti]

"parenting books drive me nuts!"<br><br>
hear hear<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[Goldiemom]

You have gained more weight than I have! I have always gained about 25lbs and this time I think I have only broken even. I seriously weigh the same now as I did before I got pg. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/bag.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Bag">: I am 37 wks tomorrow.

 

[kittn]

im in a similar boat. Im 140, I was 118 but I tend to dip low after pregnancy. with my last I dropped to about 99lbs. then again Im only 5'1.5" (yes I have to add the half inch <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">) I have huge body image issues and will always have an eating dissorder even if I am "better"<br><br>
I can imagine it must be scary to face that again for you.. could your thyroid have been acting up post partum? can that even happen? I dont know, just a thought