I gave birth to a baby girl 5 months ago. During my pregnancy gained 50 pounds. Since birth I have lost 42 pounds. I am wondering if breastfeeding has really helped me to lose the weight? In your experience should it help me lose the last 7 pounds or have the weight loss benefits of breastfeeding already done their job?
FYI: I've been exercising and eating healthy as well!

I can't speak for you, but I lost a ton of weight breastfeeding and that was one of the reasons I stopped (along with being hospitalized for illness - so bring on the thumbs down, Breastfeeding Nazis). However, I have heard that alot of people eat more while breastfeeding due to the amount of energy you expend and they didn't lose that last 5 lbs until they stopped. I gained 20lbs during my pregnancy and lost about 35 breastfeeding.

If you are exercising and eating right, it is defiantly helping you burn calories. Your body is always making milk, therefore, always working and burning more calories then if you were not to breastfeed. I have heard that strictly breastfeeding can burn as much as 500 calories per day. Of course if someone is eating junk and not getting daily exercise, it probably wont have as great an effect. Way to go with the breastfeeding!

Oh yeah! You burn an extra 300 calories by breastfeeding. I was losing weight like crazy until my daughter weaned me @ 5 months. I quickly realized you can't continue nibbling like you do when you breastfeed. I gained all the weight I had lost in 5 months back in like 4. And its not coming off as easily.

Sounds like you're doing really well to me! Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories a day. I nursed my first daughter for a year, and when she was weaned, 10 pounds crept back on over the next few months! I'd say the breastfeeding was helping with my weight the entire time I nursed! I just had my 2nd baby almost 3 months ago. Every time my friends see me, they say I'm a lot smaller than even just the last time they saw me. Hooray for bf-ing! lol
I'd LOVE to have you in my online breastfeeding group. Please check it out and come hang with other nursing moms =) http://www.lilaguide.com/groups/bosombud...

Sounds familiar to me. I gained almost 65 lbs during pregnancy and have lost about 55 just breastfeeding. I just started walking this week, but I know that I may keep this last 10lbs, so I've heard. I kinda watch what I eat, for baby's sake, but actually not too much. I KNOW the weight loss is due to me nursing my now 7 month old. Yay for us!

Breastfeeding does burn a lot of calories, so nursing moms usually lose the babyweight faster.
(Some women do find that they 'hang on to' the last 5-10 pounds -- probably nature's way of protecting mother and baby against unexpected famine.)

You only lose weight if you are burning off more then you are taking in,
So with that, its best to adjust your dietary intake once you reach your desired weight.

good job mom. keep up the good work. the feeding is definitly helping you, along with the exercise and heathly diet. GOOD JOB

You burn calories by breastfeeding so yeah...