Breastfeeding

I've heard that it really helps you lose weight faster than not breastfeeding after the baby is born. Is this true??
I'm going to try to do my best to BF as long as possible (not for the sake of losing weight...for the baby, of course), but I was just wondering what you all thought about this...
TIA!

Re: Breastfeeding

I did it and I lost all my weight very quickly. It helps to put every thing back in place. I think it makes your uterus contract

Re: Breastfeeding

I gained 58lbs with Emma. breastfed for 2 years and when I got pregnant with Jeremy I had 11 left to go... that was without any diet or exercise. I say it works!

Re: Breastfeeding

I BF and lost all but 8 lbs of my pregnancy weight by my 6 week pp visit. So I'd say it works.

Re: Breastfeeding

I've been breastfeeding for 4.5 months and am currently 10 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight. I've been eating whatever I feel like, and my only exercise is carrying around the baby and going for long walks in the stroller. So, its certainly been true for me.

Re: Breastfeeding

Thanks ladies!
I guess what I heard is true then...but, in my case, I've gained a lot of weight (probably about 50 lbs) so we'll see what it does for me. I just really hope I'll be able to BF for my baby's sake.

Re: Breastfeeding

I am exclusivley breast feeding and I lost just about all the weight in 4 weeks I think it def worked wonders for me.

oh I gained about 50 lbs

Message edited 8/17/2005 9:04:23 PM.

Re: Breastfeeding

They say that breastfeeding burns a minimum of 500 extra calories a day. So if you eat pretty much the same, you are going to end up losing weight. Plus it does cause your uterus to shrink back to it's normal size more quickly so your baby belly goes back to a pre-baby-esque baby a lot more quickly.

I am planning on breastfeeding and also doing the weight watchers breastfeeding program to help me lose more weight after the baby is born beacuse i am a plus sized mom and I don't want to be next time around!