Your experience with breastfeeding & weightloss after giving birth.?

Question

How was/is your experience with breastfeeding? Is it difficult? painful? or does it come naturally? Does the baby latch on? Do you think it helped you lose weight?

Also, how much weight did you immediately lose after birth?

[ i know this varies from person to person, but i wanted to get a general idea of what will come off after]

Just some questions I was curious about since this my first pregnancy & I really want to give breast feeding a shot.

29 weeks :]

Answer 1

It took a long time for my baby to latch on because i had pethedine so she was drowsy. It tiik weeks to get into it and some more to get to know her and when she was full etc. It was so tough and i was stuck in my room feeding for a long time when we had guests. BUT i loved it all and enjoyed watching her feeding in my arms. My nipples hurt but just take the baby off and latch her on again. it;s a wonderful thing to be able to do.

It didn't help with the weight loss because your body deliberately keeps hold of your body fat because it needs it fr the milk so you will have a harder time working it off. But you won't care much don't worry. I lost the babies weight and a bitmore right after birth, then about another stone in a week (you pee off most of the extra fluid).

My advice is to give it a go like you said and try to relax because it didn't work for me and my baby right away, it took a few weeks. Don't be affraid to ask for help because you're not the only one who will be having a hard time breastfeeding (assuming you do find it tough).

Answer 2

So glad you are going to try breastfeeding!!   It's the best way to feed your baby......but I'm sure you know that since you want to try it.  

First of all I want to recommend that you take a breastfeeding class at the hospital.  Most hospitals offer these classes for free (or very cheap) and they are very imformative.  

Next invest in a good pump.  That is my only regret.  I bought one of those $50 pumps and wish I would have bought a Madela instead.  I've heard they are sooo much better and make the whole pumping experience better.  Because I didn't get a good one I can litterally count the number of bottles I gave my daughter on my fingers.  It was just too much of a hasstle.  (I'm a stay at home mom...so I was with her most of the time....but I wish I could have gone out a whole lot more rather than have to schedule my outings around her feedings)

Anyway, as far as weight loss.   Generally you are still eating for two while you are breastfeeding.  So most likely the weight will not just fall off.  And most doctors do not recommend dieting while breastfeeding due to loss of milk supply.  

That being said, I did start to diet about 10 weeks ago (weight watchers) and have lost 25 lbs.  ( i was slowly starting to gain back all of the baby weight which I had lost within the first 2 weeks of giving birth...all water and baby I guess...but it was coming back)  I was not concerned about loss of my milk supply as I am only breastfeeding 3 times a day now...and my daughter will be 1 on Monday.  So far no problems....but like I mentioned I wasn't worried about it anyway since I am almost through.  

Like I said....go to a class and ask questions.  They will help you out alot!

Answer 3

My experience was great. It definitely came natural to me and my daugher. She latched on right away. Yeah, a tiny bit sore in the beginning but painful? No, I wouldn't say so. Yes, it helped me lose weight very quickly. I went from 115-165 with her and was practically back down to size in no time! It was awesome! I'd definitely give it a shot if I were you. Hopefully all goes well and comes naturally for both you and your child. Best of luck & congrats!

Answer 4

i have had three babies and nursed all three. Each time it hurt greatly for 2 weeks. However, on baby three I discovered a lanolin just for breastfeeding. I applied it every time after she nursed and after each shower. I used it very often. It really helped. While I had pain I did not scab and it felt much less than the other two. It is hard at first but it most definitely does pass. Just make it through the first couple weeks. It is so good for your baby, and yes the pounds just drop off. It is good for you and for baby....

Answer 5

Nursing was tough for me and my baby.  We initally got it the first day and we were quite proud of ourselves. However, the process was not so smooth for the next 7 weeks.  I did not give up and we really became pros (me and my baby).  With the nursing, I lost the preganancy weight pretty quickly and was able to wear my old clothes within just a couple of months!  But - word of caution, I have stopped nursing (he is now 1 year old) and I have gained weight.  So now I technically weigh more than before I got pregnant in the first place.  :-D  But for baby, it is all worth it!

Answer 6

Everybody is different & so is each time.

With my first son: I nursed him & he took to it easily. That all depends on how relaxed you are w/the idea of breastfeeding. Tiny babies pick up on your frustrations and nervousness. It is not painful it is actually quiet sweet. It can however be painful when your milk comes in after the first 2-3 days. You breast might be sore but just continue to nurse your baby & if needed express milk into a bottle (by hand, or pump) & this discomfort can be eased w/ an ice bag (I actually used a bag of frozen peas--LOL) and alternated it. There can also be a little discomfort when the little ones clinch down but it's nothing that is unbearable.

Onto weight; I did however loose weight fairly quickly after my first son...I don't know if this was b/c of nursing or my constantly being active. Probably a combination of both.

With my second it was pretty much the same except I didn't loose the weight quiet as fast...but I wasn't as active either. The other added bonus w/my second child is that the entire time I was nursing I did not have a menstrual period. The doctor was sure to tell me I could still get pregnant so know that if you are one of those lucky ones.

Other than that its quiet easy the nurses will explain to you how to breastfeed & how to get the baby to detach. And to be sure to switch breast each time you nurse b/c the baby can choose favorites. Also you may want to take a La Leche class those are nice as well and most hospitals offer them.

Good Luck and God Bless!!!

Answer 7

Well you should give it a shot no matter what.

I gained 40lbs, lost half right away, just kinda standing still now.

I rather breastfeed than lose weight.

It is the best thing for your baby and every baby deserves it.

VERY painfull the first week. I cried almost every time she latched, once her mouth got bigger as she grew the pain went away.

I had a homebirth, the trick to good breastfeeding is early latching. My baby self latched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3K87l9hN...

Excellent video. Its so amazing the first time.

Also check out some tips for good food to help with milk content. My babe had weight gain problems till I added all the good fats.

http://www.westonaprice.org/

http://www.westonaprice.org/children/die...