I am big into health/fitness. I have not worked out much since my son was born.
I am going to be ending my breastfeeding when he is 1 year old and am wondering what changes may occur after breastfeeding is done....
how much weight might you lose etc.....
As soon as I complete breastfeeding I will return to my extreme workout regimen! I am unable to work out to the extent I want to and pump and work part-time. That is the reason I have yet to do so!
I lost weight when I was breastfeeding...gained as soon as I stopped. :( I would suggest finding a way to start getting into a work out routine that involves you're son--walks/runs in a stroller or something like that.
Actually, breastfeeding burns additional calories - about 500 a day when you're feeding heavily. About 20 calories per ounce of milk you produce. The weight from the milk is minimal... so when your breast size reduces you won't see any huge loss.
Just be aware of that extra calorie loss going away, and no longer needing to intake the additional calories.
Most women I've met said they started to gain a little bit of weight back at one year (like 5 lbs). Other than that, your breast will become flat and you might feel like you have a little bit more energy.
Congrats on breastfeeding for a year!
V., One of the things I DIDN'T expect after I weaned my 15 month old was baby blues! The chemical difference from not getting the endorphines that trigger let down were gone. I think if I knew, I would have been more prepared for the mood differences. Extra sunshine, vitamins and excersise will help to off set the chemical mix that kept us so content when we nurse that will be gone. Good luck! I wouldn't rush, you'll know when it's time to move on to the next chapter.
S.
I usually hold on to about 5 pounds while I'm breastfeeding and it comes off soon after I wean. I am currently breastfeeding my fifth baby and my experience has been pretty similar. I still exercise quite regularly and I can fit into all my clothes, but I'm not quite as thin as I'd like to be. I always ramp up my exercise regime as I wean. That would be advice to you. Good luck and good job breastfeeding you won't be sorry you did!
Breastfeeding in and of itself is a weight loss program! And I always advocate child-led weaning, so if your child seems very attached to the boobie at 1 year, do not feel that you must wean him for social obligations. There are many, many health benefits to mom and child even after 12 months. In fact UNICEF says the minimum weaning age should be 24 months, not 12. Anyway, that said, I love my water-rower : http://www.waterrower.co.uk/
And I agree with other posts - the weight comes BACK after you wean.
I held on to an extra 15 lbs while breast feeding. Once I stopped it came right off. Yes my breasts were flat for awhile but now that was 2 years ago they have gone back to being small and perky. As for a fitness routine I was able to really work out a lot more because I had so much more energy once breast feeding ended.
It is normal to actually gain weight after stopping breast-feeding because your body burns more calories while you are nursing. I'm sure you won't have anything to worry about, once you start working out everything will even out, but it's not breast-feeding that changes your body, it's that you had a baby. You may notice that your shape changes, the way you hold fat changes, your hips may be a bit wider etc. Don't let that stress you out, it's a beautiful thing! Try to embrace the changes instead of stressing about them.
Good luck! and good for you for keeping up breast-feeding, it sure isn't easy sometimes!
