Weight Watchers while Nursing?

[SusanPC]

Hi--Well, Maddie is 2 weeks old and I am dying to get back into shape. As luck would have it, I am actually a little over 10 lbs less than my pre preg weight---which was an all time high for me. I'd like to lose about 20 lbs realistically, 30 to get back to my college weight (a girl can dream).

I don't have all of the books from last time I was on the program, and I know I'll get them when I sign up next week (aming for Friday). But, in the meantime, I wanted to get an idea of how many additional points per day I am going to get while nursing--so I can get a jump start. Anyone have any idea?

Thanks in advance.

[Couperine]

I have about 10 more points for nursing, which at my weight seems like a truly insane amount of points. However since I feel hungry all the time, I'm having a rotten time staying with my points target. My 6 week checkup is Tuesday, so I've set that as my mental get with the program date.

I walked so well with DS1, but with DS2, it feels like an ordeal to walk the dog, use a stroller, and manage a 3 year old. I'd like to get back to using the exercise bike again since that worked so well before, but I'm still absolutely exhausted when DS1 goes for his nap, so I'm still napping too. Have to see if the exercise instead of a nap works on my energy levels next week!

[katygirl]

WW does give extra points for nursing but my dear, your baby is two weeks old!! Give your body time to do it's "own thing" for a little bit! I'm not saying you shouldn't be eating healthy but really your body just went through a tramatic thing, being pregnant and having babies isn't easy!

Oh, and congratulations :)

[Delanl]

I'm with Katygirl, give it some time Susan. I'm sure you are eating healthy anyway since you are nursing. Bfing really helps the weight come off, its amazing. I lost 30 of the 38 lbs. I gained by the time Kylie was 4 weeks old.

Enjoy your little one!

Leigh

[SusanPC]

Thanks for the input. I definately am NOT looking to go into starvation mode or anything. I also just want to add some structure to my day and am looking forward to meetings to get out and about and to help me to focus a bit. I am afraid I am starting to do some mindless eating/snacking while in the home all day.......

I had remembered that you get something like 10 extra points for nursing--and that some women even have trouble getting all of their points in. But, I think I'll talk to my DR/midwife and make sure they are on board before I start. It's funny, I feel completely back to normal. I am certainly ravenous (despite the scale going down each day)--I just want to make sure I am filling this need with healthy choices so I don't undo the loss my body has done naturally!

Nancy--I can't imagine having a toddler and a newborn....I am certainly lucky in that when Maddie sleeps, I get things done. I know with a toddler you must be utterly exhausted!!!! Good luck with the exercise and don't overdo it. I know I am not allowed to exercise until after my 6 week all clear. But, I spoke with my midwife when she checked in on me this week and admitted I've been taking walks with Maddie.....I'll only go like 1.5 miles around the neighborhood and I am more strolling than anything of exercise merit. She was actually quite pleased to hear I was getting out and about. I think after the miserable first 20 weeks of my pregnancy, I was blessed in the end with an easy delivery/baby/recovery.

Thanks to all for the comments/advice.

[Couperine]

I'm glad you are feeling recovered Susan!

The scale stopped moving downward at 4 weeks post-partum for me; I think my tired issues are actually more to do with the medication she prescribed for blood pressure, but I won't see my regular doctor until mid-June. I'm having rotten fatigue side-effects that just don't mesh with a newborn.

I'm looking forward to getting really committed to doing WW again - DH gained back all the weight he lost when I cheerfully went off the wagon while pregnant.

[Bawstinn]

I gained 58 :eek: pounds when I was pregnant with Madeleine but my lactation consultant advised me not to join Weight Watchers until the 6 week point because she said I wanted to make sure my milk supply was well established before starting a weight loss program.

I lost 40 of the 58 by the time 6 weeks rolled around and joined ww to lose the rest. I had to eat most of my 35 Flex points in addition to the extra 10 a day to see a loss each week. Honestly it stressed me out more trying to get all my points in and not effect my supply then if I had just focused on eating healthy, but it got the job done.

Couperine - does your doctor's office do blood pressure checks (e.g., don't have to make an appointment to have it checked)? As someone on bp meds I can tell you that if your pressure is too low that would make you tired. You might be able to get it adjusted if needed.

[Couperine]

Maria,

My OB assumes that my DH will check my BP for me. I guess I should have him take some this weekend so when I go on Tuesday I have a few reference BP's, plus I'll have additional data for when I see the other doctor in a few weeks. My BP at the OB's will likely be higher since I have to take both kids with me - Ethan's been a bit wild lately.

It's gratifying to know that you had to work to eat all your points - I didn't feel deprived after the initial weeks of WW before, so I was dreading adding additional hunger issues when I'm already ravenous most of the time. :)