Breastfeeding and bodyfat

[TNeuf]

Wow, I'm so excited to have found this site! I should have been in bed an hour ago, but there's so much good stuff to read on here!

I'm hoping someone can give me a definitive answer here. I'm a mom to three girls. My youngest, who is 11 months old, is still breastfeeding. I've been weight training for about 7 years now. I'm finding it VERY difficult to get my bodyfat percentage down. No matter what I do, my weight stays static at around 150-153lbs (I'm 5'8 1/2"). I'm still gaining muscle, but boy, that fat on my gut is just hanging on for dear life. Does anyone know if this is associated with breastfeeding?

I try to keep positive, but this is really getting frustrating (especially when I see my hubby scrutinizing his ripped abs - thank goodness he doesn't use the same yard stick to measure my bod)!!

Thanks for any suggestions,
Tara

 

[TNeuf]

Oops, I should have made it clear that before this baby I was able to lose weight quite easily by just cleaning up my diet. Presently, I have a very clean diet so I don't think that's the problem.
thanks again,
Tara

 

[wend]

Hi Tara, and welcome. I can't give you a definite answer, just one based on my own experience. I was able to get very lean while breastfeeding my first (I was doing a lot of walking). But the fat I gained during my second pregnancy seemed to hang around a lot longer (also while breastfeeding, and now, even well after weaning, there's a bit on my belly and butt that I'd love to get rid of). I think that it might have something to do with advancing age...

 

[Gymgurl]

I can tell you that my third baby was the hardest weight to lose for me! I myself never lose weight or body fat until I stop breastfeeding, but everyone is different....good luck!