6 replies to this topic

[kvalente26]

I totally know the feeling of hunger thru the midnight feedings...Baby #2 is 8 weeks old and wakes up once for sure but sometimes 2x - which is when the hunger pangs really growl at me Have you thought about pumping some milk so that your husband may bottle feed a few nights a week if he is able? I was solely pumping my milk and it helped the few nights my husband could help out - also I would be able to see exactly how many ounces my little guy was getting and if needed I would undress him, keep him up and made sure he finished however many ounces he needed to stay full. I agree that the lack of sleep can lead to unwanted lbs....it's amazing how much better you feel with a full night's sleep. Have you thought about maybe cutting out the middle of the night feeding? It's rough for a few nights - and really hard to hear them cry - but it all pays off when you look at the clock and you realize it's morning and you got a full night's rest.

[MLC0528]

I would suggest weaning your child off the middle of the night feedings. Most kids are fine giving up middle of the night feedings by 9 months, and all should be fine giving it up by 12 months unless there are extenuating medical conditions. It'll be a few rough nights weaning him off that feeding, but it'll be worth it in the long run for *both* of you, because you both need more sleep than you're getting. My DS is almost 11 months, and he now sleeps through from 7 pm to 7 am without feeding.

If you're not willing to wean him off those feedings yet, I would suggest going to bed earlier, and then not giving yourself the option of eating when you're up. Even if you can't fall back asleep, turn on a dim bedside lamp and read either until you fall asleep or your DS wakes for the day. If you really need to consume something, bring a bottle of water with you when you first go to bed, and drink that while you read so you don't have an excuse to go to the kitchen. You don't need food overnight, it's just a habit.

Good luck!

[emerald_green]

If you are still breastfeeding, then you are also on one of the higher calorie levels... even partial breastfeeding you should be getting at least 2100 calories... so save some of those extra calories for middle of the night if you are unable or unwilling to give up the middle of the night feeding.

You'll sleep better if you get in some sort of exersize during the day... even just taking baby for a brisk stroll around the block a couple of times. Also, look into local activity classes you can do with baby. My local rec center offers mommy & baby yoga classes and stroller fitness classes.

Take care,
Angela

[cristabean]

My son is 14 mos. and I *totally* know what you mean! He still gets up 2-3x a night, between being hungry and teething... and I end up starving. I just started JC (this is Day 1 of Wk 2) so all this past week I drank a big glass of carbonated spring water before I went into his room and it worked pretty well. The hunger pangs were usually gone by the time he was back asleep, and if they weren't I had some celery - BORING, but I told myself if I was really actually hungry, it was good enough. What's driving me bonkers right now is my son is so used to us having really similar meals that now he sees my JC stuff so won't touch HIS breakfast/lunch/dinner.

[shopgirl06]

I absolutely know what you mean about the night time eating! What I do is save myself a snack to eat. I have no willpower in the middle of the night so snacking on celery etc will not cut it! So I set out a JC snack with water and I eat it when I am up with the baby. That way I don't feel guilty. If left to my own devices at 2AM, I would raid the cabinets! Planning ahead is key!

[Jmama]

First I suggest to take stock of why you're eating. If it's because you are bored, then I would suggest that you try doing something to keep yourself busy during those idle times. (ie exercise, read, pick up a knitting?- lol) if it's bec you are hungry, then you should definitely eat. A nursing mama needs more cals. You should talk to counselor and see if he/ she can suggest heartier meals during the daytime to curb your hunger at night or perhaps amping up your daily intake?

I've had to do my own soul searching, too and discovered that I was eating bec. I was bored. (probably the same arson why I gained over 50 lbs during this pregnancy. Lol) Bec of this, I've had to be really honest with myself and know that keeping myself from eating wouldn't work. So.... I found some alternatives that would work for me: salad with low fat dressing, string cheese, cottage cheese, egg whites. I also saved my yogurt/ dairy servings for the day, mix them with some fresh fruit and make myself a late- night parfait. Sugar free pops (sweetened with splenda) are a quick go-to but I limit those to 2 a day. You can also make smoothies with frozen fruit, frozen yogurt, ice and a little non- fat milk. I substitute my cottage cheese servings with actual protein servings like tuna, lean meats.... You get the point.

The key is to choose healthier options so that even though you are eating more, you're eating smart.

Believe me, I totally get it- but it can be done.....

Good luck, mama!