Hi there -
I just had my second baby almost 3 months ago. I gained 55 pounds with my first pregnancy (30lbs of which was pure baby fat) and 35 pounds with my second one (of which 15lbs is pure baby fat). With the first one, it took me a good 9-10 months to get down to my pre-preg weight.
With the first baby, I didn't start dieting till the baby was about 4 months old. I lost the weight slowly and steadly using Weight Watchers. I never really considered Weight Watchers a diet - it taught me portion control. I also exercised - pilates and running. Weight Watchers also has a safe plan for nursing mothers. You could do any diet, however. As long as you increase your food intake by 500 calories each day, you'll be fine and you'll be producing enough milk for your little one.
With the second baby, I did not gain as much as the first and it's taking me forever to lose the weight. I did start trying to lose this weight a lot sooner than my first one so I'm convinced it hormones that's keeping me from losing the weight this time around. I've only lost 2 of the 15 pounds so far in 12 weeks.
I know we're all built differently and some ladies can shed the weight quicker and with less effort than other ladies. My suggestion to you is to not fret about the baby weight.. it WILL come off! It came off from my first one and it's just taking a little longer for this one.
A lot of what you gain is water weight, the baby and all that other fun stuff that comes along with it : ) I think your GW of 30-40 pounds in one year is very realistic, especially if you're breast feeding. You may even lose more than that. Good luck and congratulations!