Breastfeeding/What now?

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Expert: - 11/26/2007


Question
So I quit breastfeeding my 2 and a half year old about four mths ago. Now I don't know what happened I have no energy I have gained like 20 lbs. It's crazy I would think the opposite would have happened. Help Please!

Answer
Hello Mel - yes, this is quite common.  I too had kept weight completely in control thru two pregnancy and packed on the pounds afterwards. Your body has gone thru a tremendous change and since it's mainly hormonal driven, you need to just work to reset your "clock".  While you were breastfeeding, your body was working and expending energy to produce the supply for your baby.  That keep your metabolism going at a different rate, where now, you need to alter your food intake to match what it was prior to the pregnancy and also try to increase your activity...even it's just a brisk daily walk.  Time and nature will bring everything back to where it should be, but eating a balanced diet and also drinking lots of water will help .. as for the energy level, monitor your sleep as well.  Too much sleep or not getting into a deep sleep will cause fatigue and realize that the "resting" state of sitting and breastfeeding is not in your pattern...so a combination of resting and adding activity coupled with a balanced diet and water should do the trick...not to mention that this time of year also causes many to have a seasonal drop in energy with the time change and the darkness started much earlier.  Take good care and all the best!

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Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

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