30 minutes is enough according to some research. But you do have to watch the eating. Some say what you eat is 75% part of it, those who are busy - especially with young children, if you work on this aspect some pounds should drop off. Of course, to get the full benefit you should exercise just like you are.

Because you are most likely just starting a program you need to take it easy and start off small - just like the walking you are. After about a month increase that so maybe you do this everyday.

Taking away the comfort food is very hard - go talk to someone about it, a dietician even a psychologist or your best friend as you need to also take care of what turned you to the food in the first place. You could say it was the pregnancy but when you are pregnant, we all get to eat what we want basically and now that you are not pregnant you need to go back to how you used to eat. Try to cut out the junk, stick with a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables - it will be EXTREMELY hard in the first month to get out those cravings for food but after that it gets easier. This is a life long challenge.

The way you've let your body go tells me you lack the basic understanding of how to be healthy and treat yourself well. You should see a dietician or join Weight Watchers. There is no quick fix. Walking 30 minutes every other day isn't going to do it, and you know it. You need to be active AT LEAST one hour every single day. Turn off the TV, quit buying junk food, and never eat out. Don't make excuses for yourself or your habits.

30 minutes every other day is only enough exercise if you want to maintain, not if you want to lose weight. At least an hour a day would probably do more good. Find exercise you like so you stick with it. I hate the gym because it's so boring, so I go hiking, do yoga and take the occasional pole dancing class! I don't think you need to wait a month before walking every day! The key to losing weight is burning more calories than you are consuming- so you have to pay more attention to your diet. I don't think anyone should deprive themselves of treats they enjoy - the key is small portions. Mix it up. If I have a burger and fries for lunch, then have a banana for a snack. If I have a healthy salad for lunch, I'll have a cookie as a snack. Eat 6 small meals a day so you always have energy. I rarely eat fast food, but if I crave McDonald's, I'll get a Happy Meal instead of a super size Big Mac. Genetics play a large part in our bodies, but that just means some have to work harder than others. Stay focused on your goal and you can do it. Don't give up.

You should keep a journal of what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel when you eat. You can do it yourself in a notebook, or online. i personally use the glamour.com better body challenge page. They give you a weekly challenge to do and you can keep track of your food and exercise. I know from experience how hard it is to eat well. Do not cut out your "temptation" food completely you need to find a better way to eat it. I love chocolate so I will have a chocolate Slim fast in the morning or a 100 calorie chocolate snack sometimes. Also allow yourself 1 day to eat a small portion of a food you crave. I have 1 "cheat" meal a week not cheat day because I was finding myself over indulging and feeling guilty about it after.
30 minutes every other day is better than nothing but you should try to do some more and add in some strength training as well. Check out shape magazine's website and glamour for strength exercises you can do at home. They have suggestions that you can do even if you are not at the gym. In terms of the 30 minutes you are doing, you need to be walking at a speed that is a challenge at least part of the time. You should warm up for 5 minutes then go to a speed that challenges you for a minute then walk comfortably for 2 then fast 1. Do the 2/1 combo until you hit 25 minutes on the treadmill then cool down for 5 mintues. Do this routine until you can do 1 minute slow/ 1 fast then when that is comfortable go to 1 slow 2 fast. Also alternate your routine on some days and walk at a comfortable speed but raise the incline of the treadmill.