Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink, and if you don’t take in the extra 500 calories it requires, you’d lose more weight.

But, it isn’t a cure-all. And you need the calories to keep your energy up. It helps with initial weight loss–but chasing the baby helps more.

It takes time, and the hormones do impact quite a bit.

Hang in there, Amy! It will happen!

You sound just like me when you talk about pony tail, no make up, finger nail biting and I bet you probably don’t wear great clothes at home either. I do daycare in my home so I never want to wear my good clothes. I end up wearing sweats a lot of the time. BIG MISTAKE! Don’t get down on yourself. It will be okay. We are here for you.

The important thing is your healthy baby. I gained 60 pounds with my last pregnancy (with complications) and I’m still trying to get it off. And THAT baby is almost 23 years old. Keep doing what you’re doing…sounds like you’re on the right track. Hormones can really mess with our systems.

What a beautiful thing to stay home with your baby. Take time to make yourself feel good. When I did home child care it took me a while to realize that even if I’m home and no one will see me, I wasn’t resigned to wearing a baseball hat and no makeup every day. Find a couple of outfits that make you feel good and wear them just because. Do it just for you, even if its 3p.m. by the time you get to it. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of your family. The rest will come. Give it time and keep doing what you’re doing!

Honey, did you read MY blog? I swear I wrote the same thing yesterday, minus the bonus calories for nursing.

I think it’s sooo normal, especially as a mom of a new one, to feel frumpy/ugly/gross. All your energy (litterally and figuratively) is going to your baby now. One thing my husband tells me, often, is that all those people that I think are good looking put effort into it and I’m not willing to put that much effor into my looks. Or am I? One thing I’m learning is to take time for myself, which means work out, yoga, a SHOWER, anything, and it really helps me be a better Mom. It’s taken about 14 months to learn this, but I’m just now “getting it.” You’re a great Mommy and THAT is beautiful. Don’t forget the value of that.

It sounds like you’re doing everything right–and since you haven’t started menstruating again, it could very well be tied to hormones and your metabolism being all over the place.

It’s hard, but maybe try concentrating on being healthy–you’re eating well and exercising (one up on me!)–and eventually your body will catch up with you. And take measurements–your weight might stay the same, but you may be shifting from body fat to muscle, and that’s a good thing.

((((Giant hugs))))) Oh I’ve so been there!!

Can you go get a cute (shorter) hair cut? That always helped me feel better (and kept it out the reach of the kids).

I found that I was always ravenous while breastfeeding, and honestly didn’t start losing the weight until after we were done (not a reason to stop nursing, just so you don’t think you’re doing something wrong about the weight thing).

Our husbands, bless them, see the best parts of us and forget about the rest. And sometimes we need to be more gentle with ourselves. Try to find ways that make you feel better about yourself. Sometimes, I was easy, I just needed a shower with some nice smelling shower gel! But hey, if you need a few new outfits that fit and help you feel better, that’s not a bad thing either.

Hang in there, it will get easier and that baby weight will come off.

{{{{HUGS}}}}}

I used to be a SAHM. I so remember everything you just said, minus the breastfeeding.

It will come off.. I lost most of the weight I had w. both pregancies. ( It was the going back to work that did me in…) It just takes a little time. hang in there.

I want to thank each of you for your supportive comments. I’m doing better today and I just have to remember to stay with the good habits I currently have and to hone those habits that aren’t as up to par, then the weight should just come off once my body is ready.

I’m not a mom (not of children at least) so for posts like this I have a hard time chiming in because I can’t speak from experience.

I do recommend that anyone in your situation, that has concerns that their weight gain/maintain/loss is medically related, talk directly with their physican about their concerns.

Those silly husbands, don’t they know that while we appreciate their bending the truth, we really need them to be honest?

Aww Amy, I swear I could have written this myself!
I am nursing a 6 month old daughter. I am at least 83lbs overweight (find out tomorrow for sure at WW meeting) I have only 3 pairs of trousers that fit (and I refuse to buy more clothes in this size cause I am so gonna lose weight and it would be a waste of money) and feel that I look awful most of the time. Not everyone loses weight with the breastfeeding hun. Some ladies bodies hold on to fat especially for the job of nursing and its not until afterwards that the lbs drop off….give yourself plenty of time - you are giving your baby a precious gift by nursing! Congratultions, I know its hard sometimes. :hug:
With my 1st I lost weight easy while breastfeeding, I ate everything in sight and still lost weight!! This time around I guess I was expecting the same but unfortunately my body had other ideas. It will come off…give yourself time, keep up the healthy eating and you will lose weight it might just take a little longer that all….
Take Care
Ivoryfrog x