Ever since I started this blog, I’ve been privileged to receive direct emails from readers asking me various questions about motherhood. I feel truly honoured that you ladies trust me to give you the right answers. I try my best…
I noticed that many questions are similar. So in order to help more mothers and moms-to-be learn from each other, I decided to share the questions and answers here, with permission of course.
This brand new monthly blog series called ‘Ask Michelle Anything’ is exactly that. You ask, and you get your answers here. Do let me know if you are comfortable to share your queries in this series or if you prefer to be anonymous. Whichever it is, keep the emails coming.
Question:
Hi Michelle, I have had my first baby this July and it’s three months since. (This mail came in October last year). I gained around 12kg and I am breast feeding. However, neither I have lost a single kilogramme nor my milk supply is great.
I am great negligent at eating/hydrating properly and almost at the verge of depression when it comes to weight loss and milk supply.
My milk supply seems to be lower these days. Earlier if I had not latched or expressed for couple of hours, I used to feel heavy and milk used to leak. Now I feel light in my breasts. I express as well as latch baby on. These days she is latching more than me expressing. She has gained around 7lbs 5.
I haven’t started any weight loss program in any manner, as I am not aware of the right approach and am scared to start.
Can you please help me in improving my milk supply as well as losing weight. Appreciate your help and support. Thank you!
PS: I forgot to mention. I am vegetarian and do not eat meat or eggs. Similar to vegan but I eat dairy.
– Kavitha, USA.
Answer:
I’m not a weight loss expert nor a lactation consultant. So I can only provide advice based on personal and client’s experiences.
Firstly, you don’t have a problem with milk supply. It is normal to not feel heavy, engorged nor leaky anymore by now. Your breasts now know just the right amount of milk to produce without overflowing. Otherwise, it would be a pain for mums who breastfeed for a few years!
Don’t worry too much about losing weight at this point. You have given birth ONLY 3 months ago. It is more important to look after yourself and regain health and energy
You could start slow. Our bodies burn 500 extra calories per day just by breastfeeding. You can start slow by just cutting out sugars and alcohol for now. Continue to eat whenever you are hungry, but just NO sugary food or drinks for 5 days a week.
Every week you are allowed to eat whatever you like; we call it cheat day. It is important to give your body a break, so you won’t fall off the wagon.
Don’t weight yourself. Track your progress by how you feel when you put on a piece of clothing – has it gone tighter or looser?
I’m not sure if you have read these posts on fitness on my blog. If you can follow some of the steps, it would be great. But if it is too much to take on right away, just start with the NO SUGAR & ALCOHOL first.
Just do that for now and let me know how you feel in 2 weeks ok?
Congrats on your new baby!
– Michelle
Is there anything else you would tell Kavitha?
My hope is that with you, along with our amazing mummy community, we can share our hard-won knowledge with each other.
During those uncertain early motherhood moments, knowing someone out there can help is very comforting.
Thank you, as always for reading and sharing.
I am sure a lot of mums (even Dads!) will find your “FAQ” section useful.
cheers, Andy
(SengkangBabies.com)
I hate these conversations with my wife. Never have anything good to contribute except consolatory love whispers. Now I have tips. Thank you.
Daddy’s skill +5
Nice interaction you have with your readers, Michelle. Useful tips!
Your new section is so useful! Great tips too. Thanks for sharing!
This is wonderful and it feels like reading those expert column in a magazine.
i love reading tips and expert advice!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing!
I love the advice you give!! You hve so much passion for this!! Salute!! Keep it up
This ‘Ask Michelle’ series on your blog is a wonderful initiative because the FAQs will help so many new and fellow Moms!