Life is Good

Melanie is probably fine. She is ready for solid foods and nursing is still very important but not her only source of nutrients. In a couple of months she may be only nursing morning and night for comfort and a snack. You are a good Mom..just watch and see if she seems hungry or grouchy and then you'll know she may need more from you.

I always lose a lot of weight around 9 months. As long as you aren't starving yourself or anything crazy like that you are probably fine.

Thanks Sarah. That makes me feel a little better. She is eating solids, so I know that she isn't starving. I'm just one of those overly concerned first time mommys.

Hi Camille,

I think you get extra points for running in Arizona. Hats off to you. I like cold myself, so I'm amazed when I hear about folks who run year round in temperatures I find intolerable. Bravo!

I just want to give you any encouragement I can to nurse as long as you can. It is so wonderful in so many ways! I'm sure you already know that, but there isn't a lot of encouragement in the main stream so I'll put mine in where I can. You are her hero every day by continuing to nurse!

If you feel you need to eat more, I'd concentrate on protein and veggies. That will keep you both healthier without some of the damaging effects of too much simple sugars. I know the typical runner's diet is carbs, carbs, carbs, but I am living proof that this is not necessarily the right way to eat. When I switched to a more produce-dominated diet I was able to raise my mileage to the 50's (miles per week) and had much better energy throughout the day. A good book for eating this way is The Garden of Eating by Matesz. (http://www.thegardenofeatingdiet.com/) Just my 2c but I feel great since I've made the switch. For carbs, I rely mostly on fruit (dried and fresh) and root vegetables.

Good luck with your little angel and your running. :)

I'll second the vote to nurse a long time..I stop when I'm pregnant with the next baby joy. I'll also second the protein vote. I need meat, dairy and legumes and love them..yum!

I think you are a wonderful first time Mommy. I used to worry about everything too and I think that's normal..it gets you curious and interested in learning what's best for your child. It's kind of second nature to me now so I've relaxed a lot..good luck..don't go hungry..enjoy that you CAN eat as much as you want..just focus on good calories.

Thanks ladies! I appreciate your advice!

Who complains about losing too much weight too fast? WOW!!! You are a good mommy! I would be kidding that nursing baby every second for the weight loss help!

My 2 cents, according to weight watchers rules, is that a 5 mile run might mean you need about 200 more calories is all. An extra snack or two! Add a nice smoothie---protein and fruit in one.

thanks Kelli! Good to know!

You also get like an extra 1000 calories for breastfeeding! You get permission to eat like a horse---so enjoy it while you can!