Self-introduction

[mrshester]

Hi! I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, and take the first step (again) of joining the "community". And because I'm not technically new to bb.com, I know that someone of my low post stature can be kind of suspicious and it can take a while for folks to take us seriously and not think we're some kind of troll I first joined back in 2006 under a different account and with the motivation I had from myself and from witnessing the transformations here and encouragement of others, I was able to go from being nearly 150 lbs to less than 125 (I think my lowest was about 122). Well, I didn't keep it off and actually gained back more than I had lost in a matter of a few years. I allowed some things to get in the way and fell for some sad excuses that kept me at about 165 for a while. No matter how much I wanted to be back at 125, I just never had the nerve to actually get back into that old routine. I am now at my highest weight ever (I was about 160/170 when I graduated hs in 2001) at 180 lbs, but I am also beginning the 3rd trimester of my first pregnancy...my long-awaited, long-prayed for, very much wanted first pregnancy. The weight gain is really really really beginning to take a toll on my mental idea of myself, even though I am in the normal weight gain range for this point of the preg. and I KNOW I will not be in this "state" forever (my husband has been so good to remind me of this). So, I suppose I am getting a serious test in patience, not wanting to even try to lose any weight right now and living with the fact that I may gain more...and realizing that it may be months (I'm hoping my body will cooperate and I can breastfeed) before I can really get back into that hardcore lifestyle I used to know. So, that's a little about me...if anyone's the praying kind, I'd take any you can offer for a slightly neurotic, over-analytical (and this was before the super-hormones!LOL), mommy-to-be. I am glad to be back, itching to get back on the weight training and falling numbers wagon, but trying to be patient to, and looking forward to hopefully making some friends again here...but most of all, I am already motivated by so many of the ladies here...I know this is only the beginning (again). Now, if I can just get up the nerve to post a recent (read: big belly momma) profile picture...honesty is important, right? Oy...

[birdiefu]

Welcome back! You sound very hard on yourself, I don't think anyone should be worrying about their weight when they are in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy! Heck, when I was preggo with my 1st, I maxxed out at 201 pounds and was sorta excited about that (like, wow, I got over 200, something I can brag about in the future!), LOL. Your body is growing another person, the last thing you should worry about right now, and really even many months after the birth, is getting your weight down as fast as you can.

And as far as your BFing comment, "I'm hoping my body will cooperate and I can breastfeed", sounds like you might be setting yourself up for failure. Just like your body can grow a baby, it can and will produce milk to nourish that baby (except in the very rare case of hypoplastic breast tissue, but you would likely know if you had that problem, and even then you can still provide some BFing). The biggest problem with BFing and major problem for "failure" is not your body, but often the fact that most new mothers are hugely uninformed and get stuck in a downward spiral of losing supply due to technique and improper advice. BFing is relatively simple, but *is* a learning process for mother *and* baby - most human societies through time have had little girls raised seeing nursing and learning of how to overcome any difficulties, but our society has made it so taboo that that vital transfer of knowledge is either flawed or just not available.

I would suggest you visit kellymom.com and study up now before the baby is born, and locate some IBCLC certified lactation consultants nearby just in case. Most docs and nurses do *not* know correct BFing techniques and timing. Basically as long as milk transfer is good (correct latch) and the baby is allowed to nurse as frequently as he/she wants to (supply/demand and frequency is very important to keep the hormones up for long term milk supply), your BFing relationship should be able to be sustained as long as you and your child wish.

Sorry about my BFing soapbox, but I think women don't get enough info, and I take the opportunity to help when I can. I've nursed for almost 7 years straight (through pregnancy with my 2nd), my son weaned at 5 and my daughter at almost 4 might be done (hasn't nursed in a while...), and have dealt with a lot of issues over time including working and pumping.

[mrshester]

Welcome back! You sound very hard on yourself, I don't think anyone should be worrying about their weight when they are in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy! Heck, when I was preggo with my 1st, I maxxed out at 201 pounds and was sorta excited about that (like, wow, I got over 200, something I can brag about in the future!), LOL. Your body is growing another person, the last thing you should worry about right now, and really even many months after the birth, is getting your weight down as fast as you can.

And as far as your BFing comment, "I'm hoping my body will cooperate and I can breastfeed", sounds like you might be setting yourself up for failure. Just like your body can grow a baby, it can and will produce milk to nourish that baby (except in the very rare case of hypoplastic breast tissue, but you would likely know if you had that problem, and even then you can still provide some BFing). The biggest problem with BFing and major problem for "failure" is not your body, but often the fact that most new mothers are hugely uninformed and get stuck in a downward spiral of losing supply due to technique and improper advice. BFing is relatively simple, but *is* a learning process for mother *and* baby - most human societies through time have had little girls raised seeing nursing and learning of how to overcome any difficulties, but our society has made it so taboo that that vital transfer of knowledge is either flawed or just not available.

I would suggest you visit kellymom.com and study up now before the baby is born, and locate some IBCLC certified lactation consultants nearby just in case. Most docs and nurses do *not* know correct BFing techniques and timing. Basically as long as milk transfer is good (correct latch) and the baby is allowed to nurse as frequently as he/she wants to (supply/demand and frequency is very important to keep the hormones up for long term milk supply), your BFing relationship should be able to be sustained as long as you and your child wish.

Sorry about my BFing soapbox, but I think women don't get enough info, and I take the opportunity to help when I can. I've nursed for almost 7 years straight (through pregnancy with my 2nd), my son weaned at 5 and my daughter at almost 4 might be done (hasn't nursed in a while...), and have dealt with a lot of issues over time including working and pumping.

Thanks so much, Birdie! The pregnancy threads have been a real help and encouragement to me. I do admit that I can be hard on myself...some days are better than others, and today is a pretty good day My only real concern with weight is that I don't just pack it on, which I really haven't, I just started out chunky I realize I could end up near 200 lbs, but I have lost weight before, and I know I can do again. I keep reminding myself that it won't come off quickly, or shouldn't, if I expect to produce quality milk for our baby. I can appreciate the BF soapbox I just meant that in the case of a couple of women I knew who (according to them) did what they could and could still only bf for a few months. My midwife is a lactation specialist as well, and as of now she sees no reason why I can't...I am definitely looking forward to being able to be that special person in our son's life that helps him grow like only I can. Thanks for the welcome, and thank you for the encouragement!