Expert: Sally Wendkos Olds - 9/1/2010

Question
QUESTION:
Dear Sally,

I would like to turn to you with the following problem (I
feel desperate so if you can't answer please advise me who
to turn). I
have been breastfeeding my baby for almost 2 years (I would
like to wean him soon). I have been trying to lose weight in
a healthy way but even though I eat healthy (no sugar, white
flour, oil, pasta, potatoes, fried stuff etc.), I cannot
lose weight. I have tried to do a 1200 calorie diet but it
was worthless. In 5 months, I lost 6 lbs then my weight
stopped and when I saw it is worthless and started eating
normal amounts, it all came back. I can't lose weight but I
can gain very easily. I have always had weight issues but I
was not obese. My current weight is 183 lbs and I don't
understand how come I cannot lose weight while my lifestyle
is healthy and active. I was wondering why this is happening
and if this has something to do with breastfeeding? As a
breastfeeding expert, have you ever encountered any similar
issue? People around me said when my baby was born that I
would lose weight due to breastfeeding but even though I
breastfeed so much, I lose no weight even on a 1200 calorie
diet. I have tried 3 different diets: a 1200 calorie diet,
and 2 types of low carb ones. I did all of them for 4-6
months without any success. Do you think this means weight
loss in my case would start when I finish breastfeeding? Can
you please advise on this issue? I am very disappointed that
I have put all my effort, time and energy into dieting and I
got no results. Like I said, I have been breastfeeding for
two years so it is not that I am impatient but my weight is
far from being normal. I would appreciate your input so
much. Thank you in advance!

Sue


ANSWER: Dear Sue,

First, congratulations for giving your son the best start in life by breastfeeding him!

Although some women lose weight while they're breastfeeding, others are like you and do not. By this time in your child's life, he is most likely eating a balanced diet of solid foods and taking in relatively small amounts of breast milk. Therefore, the breastfeeding itself is not what's keeping your weight on.

I can't prescribe a weight loss program for you from a distance. I suggest that you see a nutritionist or go to your local Weight Watchers meetings. This organization has a good track record. One good way to keep track of what you're eating is to keep a food diary and record not only what you eat but also the amount of food. Portion control is very important.

I give some suggestions for healthy eating in the newest edition of my book (see below).

Good luck!

Sally
--------------------------------
Sally Wendkos Olds
Author, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BREASTFEEDING: Olds & Marks, 4th edition September 2010, published by Workman Publishing, and soon available in most public libraries, bookstores & La Leche League chapters.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the quick reply. I forgot to add the most
important part. I have been to a doctor who said my
testosterone level is too high (I also have other health
issues because of this). Can that be the reason for this?
Like I said, I have a healthy lifestyle. The doctor couldn't
prescribe any medication because of the breastfeeding. Would
that make a difference?  

Answer
Dear Sue,

I am not familiar with medication for high testosterone, so I can't say whether this would be a problem while you're breastfeeding. I'll consult a physician who is especially knowledgeable about drugs during lactation. If I get a helpful answer, I'll get back to you.

Good luck!

Sally
--------------------------------
Sally Wendkos Olds
Author, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BREASTFEEDING: Olds & Marks, 4th edition, September 2010, published by Workman Publishing, and soon available in most public libraries, bookstores & La Leche League chapters.