https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:49:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782540 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:04:46 +0000 psw27 2782540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Chiming in to add that I think #2 is way way harder. I had my first at 34 weeks and my second at 39 weeks so I gained more and was much bigger! I'm 6 months PP with #2 and I'm about 4-6 pounds over where I was pre-baby. I'm still breastfeeding and I don't think I will be able to drop those pounds until I wean. My chest gets really huge when I'm nursing. Plus I'm just hungry like crazy when I'm nursing. The only thing that has helped me drop weight quickly is cutting out all sugar - like 100% elimination - no ketchup, no sauces, no cheating. I lost 7 pounds in a month doing that over the summer. Since then I've ramped up my exercise routine and that has only helped a little since I'm back to eating sugar (hello Halloween candy, I love you). It sounds like you've got a great diet so I would give yourself some time - especially if you are nursing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782507 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 09:26:56 +0000 maddyz 2782507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am grateful for the few extra pounds I still have as I feel like I need the support to continue to breastfeed my 13 month old ALL NIGHT LONG. But as soon as thats over I will eat a little less for a few month and see if I can lose the last few pounds (5-8 would be nice).</p> <p>But really, exercise, while not really about weight lose has done SO MUCH to make me feel better about my body and to shape what I have and that's been huge for me. I actually often get smaller but gain weight and I always feel better, like how I look better when I am gaining muscle. Which I (at least used to) put on pretty easily.</p> <p>All this is to say that what the scale says is only part of it, how you look and feel is also important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782497 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 09:18:37 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2782497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: I aim for 1600 at 5’2” and 150. It gives me about a 1-1.5lb loss per week. But I also allow myself one or two 2000-2200 calorie days per week. Psychologically it helps me. I also slowly lowered down to 1600. I started by logging for two weeks and seeing how much food was maintaining my weight, then slowly subtracted calories each week until I got to a 1lb loss per week. I also cannot give up bread and sweets so I figured out that including them within my calories is totally necessary for me, otherwise I go on crazy binges. </p> <p>I basically am coming from the place where I need to rework my relationship with food because I’ve been overweight since puberty and my whole family is overweight or obese. Once I started counting calories it was super easy to see why. I’ve always eaten fairly healthily, I just always ate way too damn much. </p> <p>I’m not looking at this like a temporary diet. This is just the way I live my life now and it’s a total lifestyle change. But I also have a lot of weight to lose (I’m still 15lbs from a healthy weight), and I expect my total weight loss (80lbs from my highest pregnant weight) to take 1-2 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782485 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:55:00 +0000 Shantuck 2782485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lost my baby weight by breastfeeding really quickly with my first but my second was a different story (though in all fairness, my pregnancy went two weeks longer the second time and I had gained a bit more than the first time). I remember reading something about the period of peak weight loss from breastfeeding is between months 3-6 because the composition of the breastmilk becomes fattier, I guess. I know breastfeeding affects everyone differently but that did end up being true for me. By month 6, all of the weight came off - it was just much slower than the first time. Obvisouly, it's great to eat well for you and your baby but I'd try to be patient with yourself and give your body some time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782482 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:46:02 +0000 mrsjd 2782482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: I did paleo/primal pre-pregnancy and still try to loosely follow - harder now that I have a toddler. </p> <p>I went from about 150 to 138, in combination with doing HIIT and weight lifting. I'm 5'7". I gained 23 lbs during pregnancy and lost it all while breastfeeding. </p> <p>While I can't speak to losing postpartum, using paleo to lose pre-pregnancy was the thing that finally got me to my ideal(ish) weight. I love the diet because for me, I can't be hungry. When I am, I don't make good choices. I focus on eating nutrient filled foods and I haven't counted calories in years. When I'm strictly following the diet, it makes a huge difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782478 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:41:38 +0000 looch 2782478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: I've also noticed that as I get older, it becomes more difficult to lose weight and keep it off.</p> <p>I think the biggest thing is to understand what you're eating. I was always resistant to measuring portions, until I measured and realized I was overeating. It took some adjustments, but I am happy to say I am doing much better with portions now because I measure, not estimate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782477 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 08:36:06 +0000 Mrs D 2782477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, Baby #2 is so much harder.</p> <p>I gained too much with both girls, and never fully lost it after DD1. So now I am 18 mos out from DD2...still up 10lbs from where I got pregnant...which was about 10-15lbs up from where I got pregnant with DD2. Ya, no bueno!</p> <p>For me - I have been on basically a whole food lifestyle since Jan 1. I initially saw a good drop (about 10 lbs) but that has leveled off, I have kept it off but have not been able to move the scales more.</p> <p>I am having my IUD removed because a lot of my pp weightloss stopped after I had it put in. I had it placed at 8w pp...I EBF until 6 mos. I'm one of those awesome folks who loses no weight while BFing...so cool... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782461 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 06:58:23 +0000 hellobeeboston 2782461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: when baby #2 for me was 6 months old I started Weight Watchers and I was also breastfeeding... But at 6 months he was also eating food so I felt like I could start... WW has an online only version (that's all I've done) but they also have a meeting option.... I just liked it was all on my phone and easy to follow - with the BFing they give you LOTS of extra points, but I still lost weight. I also had DH do it with me so we could do it together and hold each other accountable!</p> <p>There are free apps like MyFitness Pal &amp; LoseIt that count calories.... but for some reason I feel like WW works better and I like that its a very structured plan. I followed a lot of SkinnyTaste recipes too because she gives SmartPoints values! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782441 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:45:48 +0000 Nutella 2782441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@newlypregnantlady: 'you can't outrun your fork' - this is amazing!! :grin: I really need to have this written on my kitchen wall 😂 </p> <p>Can I ask how many calories you aim for? Last time I was on an 1800 cal per day program and it was heaps of food, but I still couldn't sustain it long term. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782440 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:35:06 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2782440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: I have not needed to add exercise. I’m a SAHM and we go to the park, but with an infant I don’t do more than push the stroller around while I make sure my toddler is playing safely. </p> <p>It really just comes down to calories. Obviously exercise will up your calories burned, which will enable you to eat more or lose weight faster. And exercise is vital for health, but it’s not strictly necessary for weight loss. You can’t outrun your fork. </p> <p>You just have to find what works for you. If you’re enjoying paleo, keep at it and just figure out how to eat less. I have just come to terms with the fact that I am almost totally incapable of intuitively knowing how much food I need! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782429 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 21:41:06 +0000 Nutella 2782429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: I hear you on the food prep - this becomes my make or break! I find I manage ok until about Wednesday and then Thursday/Friday can be a disaster or I'm just hangry until DH comes home to fix dinner. Everything is that little bit tricky when feeding an infant!</p> <p>@newlypregnantlady: oh thank you for this! I migh check that link out. I agree with you and the others on the calories- I thought the whole premise of paleo was that your body will 'know' what's right amount but I'm not convinced that works when BFing as I'm just so much hungrier! Congrats on all your progress so far - have you needed to add in any exercise at all? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782421 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 20:38:25 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2782421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn’t read all the replies but I just wanted to say I’m right there with you. </p> <p>The only way to lose weight is by burning more calories than you consume. The good news is that you don’t need to exercise to lose weight, just eat less. An easy way to do this is just log the calories of the foods you eat (I use MyFitnessPal), then slowly lower it each week until you start to see the loss you want. A safe loss while nursing is typically .5-1lb per week. </p> <p>You can wall me if you want more details. I’m almost 5 months pp and I’ve lost 45 of the 50 I gained during my second pregnancy (and I’m only about halfway to my goal weight). Weight loss is not easy, but it’s definitely simple. </p> <p>I’ve found <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/loseit" rel="nofollow">http://www.reddit.com/r/loseit</a> to be a huge help. They have a great FAQ and it’s a huge supportive community! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782382 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:35:46 +0000 Nutella 2782382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: omg yes - boys and their metabolisms 😫 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782380 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:29:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2782380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nutella: You know what's so annoying; DH cuts out sugar for a week and drops like 5 lbs :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782379 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 16:27:17 +0000 Nutella 2782379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ah thanks so much ladies!!</p> <p>It does seem to be one of those things that can go either way, so I appreciate the responses. It seems an indulgence to be able to complain of this sort of thing...but I guess I worry because I have an uphill battle if I look at genetics and trends in the women in my family. They are all of the idea that you just let it go after babies which is so not my style. I have way too many fun clothes I still want to wear!</p> <p>Tracking sounds like a great idea, just so I'm aware - probs time to dust off myfitnespal :silly: </p> <p>Also, I find that once I get more inner desire to exercise that will hopefully help kickstart things too. I spend an embarrassing amount of time researching best workouts but then I don't actually do them! :shocked: waiting for this energy to come back soon. @Mrs. Microscope: I'm impressed with your 6x week habit! What time of day do you do it &amp; where?! I'm looking into the Kayla itsines BBG program - it sounds so good! Plus my tummy is so soft still it's freaking me out.</p> <p>I wish I knew the fine line between relaxing about it all vs. letting it all go and eating all the chocolate! @snowjewelz: I'm still glad you say paleo works for you, I've found other benefits like clear skin and good hair/nails, more general energy and no moody sugar roller-coaster behaviour...just not the major one of weight loss haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782155 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 09:18:04 +0000 Becky 2782155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the above posters that it's much different with baby 2, and I was also frustrated with this. I plateaued for months, and it was probably around 9 months when I finally saw the last few pounds come off. This also coincided with my baby sleeping more, and us transitioning to formula due to supply issues secondary to not being able to pump enough at work. This was the opposite with my first--I was one of those can't keep weight on breastfeeding mom's that time but I was also sleeping a lot more and had more time to exercise. </p> <p>And of course eating is only part of it too--if you're not able to be active enough you won't be able to lose weight. But again--you're only 4 months PP so I wouldn't stress too much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782150 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 09:06:05 +0000 snowjewelz 2782150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Um, my 2nd is almost 1 and I'm still not there. I never quite lost all the weight from my first pregnancy and got pregnant sooner than planned, soooo I'm def stuck with like 20 lbs. My goal next year is to get into shape! </p> <p>I have to say paleo works. I had GD both pregnancies and barely gained weight once I was diagnosed b/c I was basically on a Paleo diet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782140 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:46:45 +0000 catlady 2782140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lost all the weight plus an additional 10 pounds while EBF LO1 (probably largely due to super restrictive elimination diet). After getting off the elimination diet, I gained those 10 pounds back, plus another 5-10 after getting pregnant and miscarrying.</p> <p>So I started off my pregnancy with LO2 at 5-10 higher than I was with LO1, and have since lost all my pregnancy weight but it was slower. I'm 11 months post-partum, didn't lose it all until at least 8 months pp. I still haven't lost those extra 5-10 pounds and I'm ok with it as I am still EBF and hungry all the time. And frankly, I look and feel ok at this weight and have decided for myself that if I stay this way, I'm ok with that too.</p> <p>My advice would be to just be kind to yourself right now and try not to stress, especially if you are still nursing. I feel like breastfeeding does all sorts of weird things to your body and you are still very recently post-partum. Also, if you are not sleeping well, that can change things. I tend to eat more poorly and gain weight when I am tired. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782137 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:39:05 +0000 bhbee 2782137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a much easier time losing the last of the weight post breastfeeding. But agree with above that #2 is so different. I felt like I pretty much bounced back from #1 ... #2 changed my body (beyond just the number on the scale).<br /> Counting calories is always a good first step for me. I also try to get a ton of plant based protein and fiber to stay full ... that lets me cut calories much more but requires more effort in prepping food for sure.<br /> And to be transparent I have not been doing a good job at any of that lately :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782130 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:22:15 +0000 skinnycow 2782130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agreed with tracking calories in/calories out - that really helped me when I was breastfeeding. I used My Fitness Pal and added an extra 500 calories or so to my goal so I wouldn't lose my supply.</p> <p>I also think a lot of it is genetics. I was lucky enough to lose weight breastfeeding (and gained some back when DD weaned :silly: ) but I know others hold on to weight until they wean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782127 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:18:19 +0000 josina 2782127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It definitely has taken longer to lose the weight after baby #2 vs. 1, I think with DS I was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans around 4 months after, and with DD I'm 9 months out and still not in all my jeans. I think I leveled my weight loss between 3 and 5 months though, and then finally saw some more pounds come off. Finally at 8 months I'm down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Hang in there!</p> <p>ETA: I used MyFitness Pal to get my calorie intake back on track, and added 600 for bf'ing. I also just walk on my lunch break, and did a 30 day guns, buns, abs challenge (google it if interested). I think my main issue now is just tightening up my stomach again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782119 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:09:24 +0000 mrskansas 2782119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you try tracking your calories to see how much you're actually eating? I think that would be a good place to start since calories in/calories out is all the really matters for weight loss. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782118 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 08:09:16 +0000 avivoca 2782118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PP weight loss the second time around is a whole different ballgame for me. I never lost all the weight after DD1 (still had 15 pounds to go). I started to lose/redistribute after I weaned at 21 months but then I got pregnant again. I'm back to the same weight but I think these extra pounds are here to stay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782115 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 07:52:06 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2782115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been on a ketosis/ carb cycling diet for the last 5ish weeks (started at 6 weeks pp), in conjunction with hiit exercise 6 days a week, and I'm back to pre pregnancy weight after baby #2. I gained 28lbs the second time, and I am breastfeeding. Don't know how much weight loss was natural vs. from the program. I honestly think that genetics has a lot to do with it, and every body is different. Best of luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782114 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 07:51:13 +0000 gotkimchi 2782114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think breastfeeding is a total crapshoot because I’ve had friends who’ve been dairy free and couldn’t keep weight on and others who’ve lost nothing. The best advice I’ve gotten is to do what’s worked for you before, so if that was cutting calories I would do that again </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/weight-loss-after-baby-2#post-2782083 Thu, 26 Oct 2017 00:31:41 +0000 Nutella 2782083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>Just another post on postpartum weight loss :grin: </p> <p>I had baby #2 four months ago now, and I'm still 15lb over my pre-preg weight, and a few more off my pre-both babies weight...</p> <p>I know it's possibly not the right time to be worrying about it, since I am EBFing. But I've had no supply issues. And didn't last time. </p> <p>We have been eating paleo ish for a few months now &amp; I'm devastated that I've hardly lost any weight even after cutting out dairy/grains/legumes and a whole lot of sugar (I still have my moments with chocolate though), but I figured breastfeeding would help! I just want to feel like myself again :bummed: </p> <p>Has anyone had any experience with successfully losing weight on paleo/primal? Did you need to do intense exercise too? I'm only walking at the moment as don't have much time for anything else.</p> <p>It seems to be taking so much longer than first time ( where I successfully used a reduced calorie diet over a couple of months). I did remember the last bit of the weight came off only after weaning so maybe that's what's happening again?</p> <p>Thanks for reading and in advance for any help. </p>