Weight Loss After Having a Baby

I had the same thing happen -after the initial drop from giving birth, it all stopped! I highly endorse Weight Watchers. I absolutely love it, and honestly can't wait to go back to my meeting after I have this baby in October! It's "normal" eating, but makes you aware of portion size and calorie/fat content. However, unlike other programs, you can eat anything you want -you just have to watch what else you're eating, the amount, etc. I lost 56 lbs with them before getting pregnant this time around.

The initial lack of sleep and stress will make it harder to lose weight but you have to cut yourself some slack. It sounds cleche, but it took you months to put that weight on and it can take months to get it all off. If you are breastfeeding that helps with the weightloss, but you need to be sure that you are eating enough to maintain milk production. Also, loosing weight too fast can release toxins into your breastmilk.
An amazing thing happened...you just had a baby grow and develop inside of you...take joy in that and know that your body will get back and there is something so beautiful about a new mother and her baby...enjoy that.

Hi B.,
Have you tried chiropractic? Like you said, your body could be 'out of whack', that is very true! Do you have any aches or pains? Headaches? Any sign other than greatness could mean you have a major misalignment. Getting your spine in its correct position will increase your metabolism. It sounds like you've hit a wall.... Give it a try, you dont have anything to loose:) Let me know if you have any questions about it. Also, if you are consuming any artifical sweetners, they have a chemical in them that perserves fat in your body. I would stick to water and regular sugar when you need it. Good luck!

Hi B.,

don't be too hard on yourself! it sounds like you are doing great! those last pounds are always the hardest. Are you nursing? I have a 5 month old, my second girl, and I know once I stopped nursing I lost another 5 pounds, a lot of it around my middle.
Also, I have a great weight loss line that has protein shakes and chews that help with losing those last pounds. And, a new energy fizz drink that is awesome! It increases your energy, increases metabolism and decreases appetite. It doesn't sound like you need to lose a lot, but these are great products even just for energy boosts being at home with 2 kids and great nutritional value!
Let me know if you want more information.
Thanks,
K.

The same exact thing happened to me - I lost a ton for the first 3 weeks, then a little more after that, then nothing. I found that around 3 months and then again at 6 months, more weight fell off. I gained a total of 42 pounds and ended up losing more than that just through breastfeeding and my regular workouts. I would just give it some time and keep up your efforts!

If it has only been 5 1/2 weeks I would be pleased that 20 is gone! Your body can take up to a year to recover and if you are breasfeeding I felt like I always kept a little extra weight for a while. I would just keep up what you are doing and chasing after the kids will take care of the rest.

Are you nursing? That's a great calorie burner! And, yet, while it helps you get over "the hump", nursing still keeps a little on you so you're nice and healthy and a good source of nutrition. Don't worry -- if you're doing all the right things: eating right, exercising (including getting that heart rate up), and sleeping well, you'll lose the weight. (Maybe some people look just like they did before getting pregnant at 5 1/2 weeks but not many! -- you know they say "nine months to put it on and nine months to take it off. -- and I took longer.) Don't fret!

Just chill and enjoy motherhood. The weight loss will come. No one will judge you at the pool. We're all too worried about how WE look! You are beautiful!

I just want to second what everyone has said.
1. Give yourself MUCH more time
2. Don't expect to see much change while you are sleep deprived.
3. Breastfeeding, while requiring more energy also burns more calories and is the best way to get back to your pre-baby body.
4. If you are not breastfeeding, expect a tougher battle, since your body will store what it was saving up to feed your child.
5. Relax about it. You are on the right track, so just hang in there and don't try to change overnight. Mine didn't come off completely until the 9 month mark, so I believe in that adage.

Good luck!

You didn't mention whether or not you were breastfeeding, but if you are, your body needs to hold on to some of that "stubborn fat" to supply the milk. If not, don't be so hard on yourself. I am a fitness instructor with an 11 month old and it certainly took me longer than 5 1/2 weeks to take off the weight. One thing you could do is add some strength training to your workout. You could use weights or just turn your TV to one of the fitness workouts that is strength/muscle building. The more muscle you have, the faster your body will burn calories and fat. Good luck!

Those other responses highlighted something important here - for most women it takes almost a year to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. You are completely on the right track, just be patient! The only thing I didn't see on the list was drinking plenty of water. I'm sure you do, since you have such a great workout routine, but getting plenty of fluids will both help you feel fuller and prevent your body from thinking it needs to retain extra water/nutrients. It also helps keep breastmilk going (although I didn't see that in your post).

Finally, you hit the nail on the head for sleep deprivation! Once your baby settles into a regular sleep routine, then you'll see a difference. I have a 4 month old at home, and I lost 20 pounds right away but then didn't lose anything for over a month! Since then I've lost about 2 pounds a week, but I had some extra pounds to drop since I totally blew my workout routine last year. Now I'm gardening in the mornings and walking at night, which makes my energy levels higher, too.

If you're really concerned - ask your doctor. I had a couple of girlfriends who really struggled to lose the baby pounds, and when they talked to the doctor, tests revealed they had a thyroid condition.

Best Wishes, and Congratulations!

If you are nursing, I highly recommend Weight Watchers nursing points. (I don't know about you, but I'm not a meeting person, I just used their literature). I started two weeks after my second daughter was born, and it was the easiest weight I ever lost in my life (16 pounds in 7 weeks). That's because nursing takes 500 extra calories a day, so if you're just watching what you eat a little bit, it's easy to stay satisfied on the amount of calories your body will make in one day. The other benefit of losing weight in the first nine months of nursing is you can actually re-set your body's "set point" the weight your body tends to want to stay at. The hormones in your nursing body are especially advantageous to keeping the weight off for good.

We all have to remember that it takes 9 months to put our weight on, and it takes time to lose the weight after the baby is born. I found that especially true after having my second child. It took me close to 6 months before my body seemed to really get back to the right order. Just keep eating healthy and working out. Try changing your workout routine, so your body does not hit a plateau.

I agree with everyone else, B.! Give yourself more time! :D I know it's hard waiting, after being so big and pregnant, we all think it should all come off with the placenta, right? :D My DD will be 1 year on Sunday, and only two weeks ago am I firmly back at my prepregnancy weight, though I've been back in my PP jeans since DD was about 2 months old. PLEASE do your body and mind (and baby!) a favor and don't stress about it yet. Nursing is great, but even if you aren't, it took 9 months to put it on, I think it's a reasonable expectation that it will take up to 12 to take it back off. ;)

Hi B.!

Congratulations on your new baby! You're way ahead of the game with your efforts to lose weight; especially if you're breastfeeding. When you're ready for some help with your goals, check out www.slimandhealthymoms.com It's a great way to get moving in the right direction!

My doctor always told me "it took 9 months to put the weight on, 9 months to get it off". With that said, I have no patience for that so I went to weight watchers and did the points system. I lost the other 20 pounds in a little less than 3 months. Most locations has a mommy morning that kids are welcome. You may just need to "shock" your system. If you are breast feeding be careful, you need more food for your milk supply as well as more for energy for those sleepless nights. Hope this helps.

5 and 1/2 weeks!! Give yourself a break mama! Sleep is probably the best thing your body needs right now, not excercise. If I were you, I would try to slow down a bit, and worry about those extra pounds later. Your body needs this time to recuperate and heal. Don't worry so much! My son is 2 and 1/2 and I know I'll finally get this last few pounds off when he decides to stop nursing.

:o)
C.

Wow, 5 and 1/2 weeks is awfully early to be expecting to lose all the baby weight. I have a one year old and I did the same thing where I lost the first 20 lbs very quickly and the other 10 stayed there for about 6 months. Also, it get a little harder to lose it 2nd time around. My first one I dropped the weight plus some before he was a month old.
Give it time. It sounds like you are doing all you need to do and it will come of in time. Just focus your time with the knew one and keep up your routine and it will be gone before you know it.
Goodluck.

You are doing great at what you are doing. Your getting your heart rate pumping by biking and then walking at night. You will lose 10-15lb right away because most of it is baby and baby fluid, the rest is fat. Give your self some time to lose the weight. On my first it took me 8mo to lose my baby fat. I pushed a stroller for about 2mi and had 3 hills to climb. It was not fun but the results of losing the weight made me feel good about my self. Keep up the great work.

5 1/2 WEEKS!!! Give your self time! You should still be taking it easy. Don't worry it will come off in time, not all weight drops right off right away, just be patient and get some rest! Congrads on the new one.

Wow mom you are doing awesome! Like you, I gained about the same amount of weight during my 3 pregnancies and was anxious to lose the weight & get out of the maternity clothes. Just make sure you and your OB/Gyn are talking about your weight loss goals. (Get the thumbs up first)
Are you nursing??? I nursed all my kids and because of my quick weight loss (I returned to pp weight in 3 months with each) I lost my milk sooner than intended. You will need at least 2000 calories per day to maintain your milk if you are nursing.
My secret was cardio cardio cardio- no weights or classes- just cardio machines. HR at 140 to burn fat for 45 minutes 3x/week. I also reduced my carb intake and ate more clean protein (+/-120 gms daily).
Be patient with yourself as you get to your ideal healthy weight. In the meantime, go get a couple cute (inexpensive) outfits that aren't maternity clothes that make you feel great about your current figure. Best of luck.

It has only been 5.5 weeks!! I would just be patient with yourself!!

The same thing happened to me........I lost most of my weight quickly, but got stuck after the initial loss. I remember going to my son's 8 week pediatrician appointment and asking how much I could cut back without loosing my milk supply. Even though I was exercising and eating well, I couldn't get the weight off. I was so frustrated. However, by 12 weeks my extra weight was falling all by itself. No dieting, just eating healthy and continuing my normal workout routine. I'd give yourself a little more time! Good luck.

I will just say what you have already heard! give yourself time to heal! especially if your b/f you need the extra calories. BUT the only thing that has helped me lose that extra 15 lbs is to cut my calories and keep my fat grams low, I try to eat around 15 but keep it under 20 grams a day and drink plenty plenty of water! if you dont like water, try the flavor packets, crystal light makes a strawberry one and walmart brand has alot of no calorie ones that taste just as good. some different choices in what you buy too could help, like Light Wheat bread and ff mayo, stuff like that. good luck and breathe!

after my child was born, somebody told me the phrase "9 months on, 9 months off." it took 9 months to gain your 32 lbs (in my case it was 45), and it will take at least 9 months to lose it. i took 18 months to get back to my pre-pregnancy size. i started out as a size 4, and it was hard for me to be bigger than i wanted. so i feel your struggle, but it will come off. you are doing everything right, b/c as i'm sure you know there is no wonder drug. you need to be patient with your body right now and understand that weight loss is not its priority. getting your hormones back to normal and re-regulating itself is what your body is doing right now. also remember that the best way NOT to gain weight back is to lose no more than 2 lbs a week. it's barely been over a month for you - so think about it: at any other time in your life, would you expect to lose 32 pounds in a month? no way! it just takes time. you're doing great.

Are you nursing at all? My daughter is almost 10 months old and I am still 5 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight...I have read a lot of books that say your body keeps the "fat reserves" while you are nursing to ensure your baby gets all the nutrition they need. I lost my first 20 pounds right away (I gained about 35 pounds) the next 10 came off a lot slower and I am still waiting on the last 5. It sounds like you are doing all the right stuff in terms of exercising and diet...so just be patient. Most books I read say it takes you 9 months to gain the weight and many times it takes 9 months to lose it again :) Good luck!

The rule of thumb is that you should do whatever is normal for you exercise and eating wise (unless you're breastfeeding, in which case you need more calories than normal) for six months and see where you are. I had a flat stomach before pregnancy and was distraught that I looked five months pregnant for the first few months after giving birth. About six months post partum I suddenly lost the extra weight and had my flat stomach back. 5.5 weeks is WAY too soon to expect "results". Your body has been through a huge ordeal and it will probably be about three months before your abs even work properly again. I felt better when I wore my Bella Band to keep my tummy in.