breastfeeding vs formula

coraaustin1

Do women who breastfeed actually loose more weight than those who don't. This is my second child (first one 14yrs ago) and I'm going to try. Mainly for the better immune system. For about 8 weeks while I'm off work and for 1yr if all goes well. I have fibrocystic breast also. Pleas be honest. For some reason I'm scared.

Shayna0182

I think breastfeeding in general is a healthier option, if it works with your lifestyle.  I went back to work when ds was 3 months old (5 weeks adjusted) and it would have been too hard to keep up.  For the brief time I did pump, it made me so hungry and thirsty.  I really only lost the weight once ds was on a bottle, and I was able to move around more.   Since ds had a horrible latch, it was pumping or nothing for us, and I hated being attached to the pump every three hours and only getting a half an ounce out of both breasts.

 

preggersINschool25

I gained 75 pounds when I was pregnant.  I am still breastfeeding (mostly pumping at this point) and I have lost 55 pounds so far.  I am consistently losing 1-2 pounds a week.  I am not exercising.  I do watch my portions and what I eat, but I still eat what I want.

malcivar

I gained 40 lbs with my first son, breastfed and pumped for about 4 months and lost maybe 20 lbs. 

I gained 17 lbs with my second son.  I've been breastfeeding, pumping and supplementing with formula for almost 6 months and I've lost 32 lbs.  I'm not exactly watching what I eat either because let me tell you, you thought you had an increased appetite when you were pregnant - it's nothing compared to breastfeeding hunger.  Wow.   

It varies by person.  I think with me it's the combination of the breastfeeding and working full time/running around after an almost 3 year old and a baby that's doing it for me.  

I don't think fibrocystic breasts affect the ability.  I had "healthy" breasts with my first one and it just did NOT work.  That I made it to 4 months was a miracle.  With this one, it's not easy but it's much better than last time.  

Good luck!  And one piece of advice - don't be discouraged.  If you have to supplement w/ formula, it's OK.  Going back to work can make that a possibility.  Don't let anyone make you feel bad if that's what you have to do.   

wino2006

I breastfed both my girls for over a year each. It's one of the best parts of being a mom to an infant imo. I miss it. With both girls, I lost all of the pregnancy weight with the exception of 5-10lbs within the first month. I hung on to the last 5 lbs until about 6mos pp. I am naturally thin though too. You need an extra 500 calories per day while nursing. I was way more hungry nursing than I was pregnant which makes since you are providing sole nourishment for an infant who is growing and is much bigger than a fetus! Good luck. You won't regret it!

d.f

I actually gained weight Bfing. I was so hungry. It eventually leveled off but I didn't actually start losing until I weaned at 19 months. BFing was still worth it to me, beyond the health benefits after the initial hard phase it was so easy and convenient.

coraaustin1

Thank you ladies so much. You have all been so helpful. I think I will try. Wish me luck!!!

Jcrab

BF is totally worth it, both for your well being as well as baby's. Try to find a support group / IBCLC / LLL group or Mom's group that can give you good advice and support if needed. There is so much misinformation out there that can sabotage the BF relationship. The first few weeks of BF can be very trying but it will be worth it if you can keep motivated. Researching the benefits and making a list of WHY you want to breastfeeding may also be helpful to refer to if the initial weeks are harder than you expected. GL!