BF 5 1/2 mo and weight watchers program

[eaf]

I was just wondering if any of you ladies tried following a Weight Watchers program while breastfeeding? DD is 5 1/5 months old and has just started solids. I'm going back to work in 3 weeks, but I will still be able to breastfeed at least 4 times a day, including once during luch break. I would really like to speed up the process of loosing the baby weight IYKWIM. I'm still 8 kilos over my pre pregnancy weight and none of my working clothes fit me! I'm not one of those persons that lose weight naturaly, and I've been very successful with WWs previously. But, of course, BF and keeping my supply is my absolute priority!!
So, any good or bad experiences to share?
Thank you so much in advance!

[Fiver]

Not sure about WW, but know that Slimming World gives you extra dairy and suchlike if you're BF so imagine WW is probably similar.

[Erin M]

Everything I've heard says to make sure you keep some extra calories and to go slowly.  If you lose weight too rapidly it can have an affect on your supply. 

[lacecc]

Hi,
I joined weight watchers online about 6 weeks ago. They have a program for breastfeeding women. I get about 20 more points a day than my g/f who is on the program I can't recommend it enough. I haven't had a problem with my milk supply, and i've lost 12 lbs and 9 inches so far. Let me know if u have any questions

[atlantamomofthree]

That's very cool, Lacecc! Congrats!! Sounds like a great thing. 

[lidiayy]

Also not sure about WW, but I am on a diet controlling the amount of calories/day (similar concept) and my supply hasn't dipped.
Last month DD2's appt, the doc said that she should have put on more weight that she actually did, though. He asked whether I felt my milk supply had changed.
TBH, I think that provided that you have a healthy diet and that you don't rush too much to lose weight (I mean, do it slowly as Erin suggested), I wouldn't expect it to dip.
Can you pump a little? I am pumping twice a day to keep my supply up too!
HTH

 

[lacecc]

I totally agree with losing slowly. I've lost an average of 2 pounds per week,which is healthy.  I didn't start the plan too early. I waited until my supply was established and I knew she was gaining well. I am totally not depriving myself on the plan. It's really helped me realize that I was an over eater. Even while breastfeeding, thats not a good thing. I feel like I get to eat a lot of food on WW and still lose weight.

[eaf]

Thank you so much for your inputs!
Hmmm. Maybe I will wait a little bit more before starting the program. DD just started STTN (8h-6h), so she is having one less feed a day. I guess my body will need some time to adjust to that. Also, we are going really slow with the solids, so she will still get almost all of her calories from mommy's milk for a while.
Yes, I've been pumping for a while and donating to a local milk bank. When I return to work, I'll probably continue pumping but use the milk for DD's afternoon feed. I'm not sure that pumping would have an effect on the quality of the milk though (I've read somewhere that a lower calorie intake, especially a reduction in carbs, would lead to a "slimmer" milk  - but I don't know if it's true!).
Laccec, how old was your LO when you joined the program?

[lacecc]

I joined a few days before she was 4 months

[eaf]

Thank you, Laccec! DD is 6,5 months now and eating a lot more solids (2 x fruit + lunch). I'm planning on starting with WWs next week.