Does Breastfeeding Cause Weight Gain?

My little princess is nine months old!  I am so proud of her because she’s developing nicely.  Even though she’s not quite crawling yet, my independent little one is already trying to walk, talk, and feed herself. There are many benefits to breastfeeding, but can it cause weight gain?

I still can’t believe how big Princess has gotten. This may sound a bit selfish, but I take all the credit.  I’ve managed to avoid formula, and have been nursing for the past nine months.  I couldn’t be prouder.  Please don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with formula.  I was formula and breast fed, and so were my siblings.  In fact, most people I know formula feed their babies and it’s totally okay.  But, I do feel that there are a lot of benefits to breast feeding.  Besides the fact that it does provide a great bonding experience and builds immunity, it’s also a great way to save.  Rather than spend money on Emfamil or Similac, I invested in a breast pump and I’ve been expressing my milk at least four times a day.  But I can’t lie, another reason I choose to go this route is that it helps to shed those extra lbs.  For me, the pounds melted off like butter in the first few months, but has recently hit a stand still.  In fact, I might have gained some back.  Yikes!!

It’s insane how the rubbing of my thighs generate so much heat when I walk.  So before things get out of hand, I must take control and get my body back!  I know you’re probably thinking it’s all in my head.  As you know, I work in TV.  Believe me, everything shows.  The camera isn’t so forgiving.  I’ve managed to stand at an angle to hide my post pregnancy gut.  It’s a little trick I picked up from my modeling days.

Many people tell me how great I look, since I had the baby.  Although I appreciate the kind words, I don’t feel like myself.  I can barely fit into my clothes and I refuse to go shopping because I don’t want to buy a bigger size.
breastfeeding

I can’t exactly go on a low calorie diet because I’m still nursing.  Plus, I don’t want to rob my little princess of precious nutrients.  But what I can do is make healthier choices and up my workout regimen.  In the meantime, I’ll be hitting the gym at least a few times  a week.  I’ll let you know how I do.  I would love to hear from you.  Whether you recently had a baby, or struggling to knock off a few pounds.  We’re in this together.

Also, if any of you mamas out there have any advice for me, send them my way!

Weather Anchor Mama

Signature

The Network Niche

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    You look fine!!! What works for me is the spinning class. You’ll melt.

    Malcolm.

  2. Anonymous says

    weathermama – don’t fret. you look sensational, simply smashing ! in time you will have the pre-childbirth model physique, but cherish these moments. Don’t blink – they grow up so fast. we just celebrated my son’s graduation from University of Michigan. still can’t figure how we got here-seems just the other day I was taking him to Gymboree.
    (your penpal bud- Bruce)

  3. Anonymous says

    Weather Anchor Mama, you look better than you did in high school and better than 95 percent of the people we went to school with! Keep doing your thing and don’t get so caught up on your pre-baby weight. Most women, including myself, would kill to be your size. Besides, your smile shines through any extra lkbs you may think you need to lose. Congrats on your little princess and keep up the good work!

    Keisha H.

  4. says

    I too am on that “shed the baby fat” road so I know how you feel. Breastfeeding is so good for your baby so eating right is the key. You look great by the way. Don’t despise the small steps because consistency is key. People always show the before and after pictures. Its the in between time that counts. Keep up the good work. You will do it.

  5. says

    You look FABULOUS!! I’m so excited you started this blog! I’m going to make a new list of News Mama blogs to list on my blog if that’s ok with you! Yippiee!!!