FTM question regarding working out

Re: FTM question regarding working out

• jamdv3

  June 2012

  I worked out while breastfeeding, but didn't count calories. But yes, you definitely need to make sure you're getting enough to eat and drink. If you count calories I would say 1700-1800 calories would probably be a good place to start ONCE bfing is established. You can't really do much in the way of exercising, (besides like light walking) until 4-6 weeks anyway, and I honestly would try to be patient and wait until then to cut back. And when you do, do so gradually, meaning cut back just a bit, wait a week to see if it affects your supply, and then go from there.  Weight watchers has a plan for nursing moms too. 

  
  

  If it's any comfort, I also gained 35 pounds with my first. I would say I was back to wearing my pre preg pants comfortable by 1 month PP. Especially if you've been eating healthy and working out throughout your pregnancy, you might find, like I did, that a lot of it falls off. BFing really does help to torch calories. Good luck, hope that helps.  

  
  

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• brewcitybride

  June 2012

  With DD#1, I did a lot of outdoor workouts while I was breastfeeding. I was a SAHM with her for a year, and I got in GREAT shape simply by going for a long walk with her every day, eating healthy, drinking tons of water, and really just by staying active. I didn't belong to a gym or anything, it was just cardio with the baby, and doing push ups and situps, lunges and squats, that sort of thing.

  I lost 30 pounds in three weeks, simply by breastfeeding. This happens to a lot of people, especially with the first baby (yeah, it did NOT happen with the second baby quite so easily, ha!). I can't guarantee it will happen for you, but there's a good chance!

  I didn't count calories or anything like that when I started working out again. I guess my advice is don't try to overanalyze it - your body will do what it needs to do, you will lose the weight eventually as it sounds like you are super healthy and like to work out. One thing to note - if you are like me, and like a lot of women, your feelings about your body might shift a little, and you won't be quite so intent on working out - you will want to be with your precious bundle:) The feeling to want to work out might subside, although at 39 weeks, I am sure you really really think you want your body back FAST! Believe me, I've done it twice, I know what you are feeling! Just give yourself time and it will happen.

  

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• crusty1 member

  July 2012

  If you've been active and eating healthy throughout your pregnancy, you will probably be fine to work out as soon as you're feeling up to it. I swam 3 times per week from the beginning of the 2nd trimester up to a week before I gave birth. then as soon as the baby was born, I started walking again. Mostly out of boredom in the hospital... they kept us in for a few days due to tearing issues. (I won't give you any further details). Anyway, I watched what I ate for the most part, and I gained 52lbs! 2 weeks after DS was born, I was down 45. I ended up having to lose only 7lbs to get back to my pre-baby weight. I did the weight watchers plan when DS was about 3 months old (milk was well-established) and lost 17lbs in total. I walked everywhere and ate when I was hungry. I even had Starbucks 3 times a week.

  The rule of thumb (I believe) is that the growing baby needs an extra 300 calories per day while pregnant. and when BFing full time you need an extra 500 calories per day. Definitely talk to your doctor after baby is born. But most will tell you it's OK to start regular exercise when you feel OK. You'll know when it's time to start.
  

  

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