I’m 24 and had a c-section 7 months back. I have been giving my baby expressed breast milk ever since but don’t seem to have lost any weight. I’m told breastfeeding should aid in weight loss. Anyway I’ve started a protein rich/low carb diet now and interval training but I feel quite drained of energy and still hungry by the end of the day and I’m worried my milk’s started looking a bit ‘watery’. I’m worried that the milk for the baby is going to be less nutritious now. But also I thought the body uses body fat to produce milk, why is that not happening with me? I have plenty of body fat! I weigh 90kg (pre-pregnancy weight was 60kg) and I’m 5″6. I was wondering if you could give us a simple diet plan for a breastfeeding woman should eat…. It would be a great
help. Thank you.

Ps my baby was severely premature and still has a very slow weight gain but on the other hand, I’m ballooning which is not good for me either as I had severe pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and doctors have advised me to keep my weight down as I’m at risk of developing hypertension in later life.

Thank you for your kind reply. We do focus on protein via why powder, shakes, P2 bars, as well as a lot of chicken and healthy portions of other meat when we have it. We eat a ton of Chobani greek yogurt too, hehe.

However, my husband and I have been mindful of keeping that protein up and sometimes we need to tweak as all do. My protein intake from last week was 113.8g

So, if I am understanding correctly, I can still burn off the baby belly that is still there while not loosing any weight? I think I was under the impression in order to lose the fat, I would have to decrease my weight which would be very unhealthy. From what I have read, I would just need to up my cardio if my baby belly is not coming off with my current cardio? Believe me, the belly has come way down, but I still have a good sized pooch that looks as if I am just starting to show or as if I have given birth! The rest of me looks trim and fit, it is just the belly bulge that looks weird against my nice new thin bod. It really bums me out as I have been working so hard over six months and that thing is still hanging there.

If you are doing a lot of exercise then yes, you do need to eat more to gain some weight. You may need to increase your protein intake to help build more muscle though. Do you get much protein at the moment? Really you should be eating protein with each meal – eggs, chicken, fish, seafood, pork, beef etc. Also eat more pulses (beans and peas) and nuts. Keep your diet varied and healthy, but also more balanced.

I joined the gyn a fourtnight a go and so far i have only had 3 rest days, I am eating healthy, still breastfeeding at night a year on (child no 3). I am doing gym workout, spin classes and toning classes with some circuit work too. I know it is only 2 weeks but i have not lost any weight and i have a generous 28lb to loose when will this happen? My husband also joined the gym at the same time and has done a bit less than me and so far he is 5lb down. What am i doing wrong?
Thanks