As a mom you never stop learning. I thought I had breastfeeding all figured out especially after breastfeeding 5 children, boy was I wrong! The last few weeks my milk supply has decreased and I couldn't figure out why so I decided to do a process of elimination. Took a pregnancy test, nope not pregnant. Then I stated wondering about the low carb diet I have been on for 3 weeks. In the last 3 weeks I have lost 10 pounds and had a goal to lose 20 more pounds before Christmas. However, that goal has changed.
I took my daughter for her well visit today and had a long talk with the pediatrician about breastfeeding my new baby. She confirmed what I had already figured out. My diet is decreasing my milk supply. She lead me to Kelly Mom which says this about breastfeeding and dieting:
Avoid quick-fix solutions
Liquid diets, low-carb diets, fad diets, weight loss medication, etc. are not recommended while breastfeeding.
I was surprised because all I have done is cut out pasta, breads and sugary snacks and replaced them with more veggies, protein, fruits and drinking water. I knew that a low carb diet is a quick fix but was to also be a lifestyle change too. I was told that loosing 10 pounds in 3 weeks was way to much weight to lose and to take my time. I chuckled because the doctor's exact words were, "you were pregnant for 9 months and give your body 9 months before you do anything". Really??? I have 5 pregnancies of weight I would like to lose. I never thought I would hear a doctor say that! I would like to be healthy not just for me but for my kids too.
When I suspected my decrease in my milk supply I kept an eye on my baby's diapers and yes she did have soiled diapers so I wasn't too concerned. Apparently babies are to gain 2 pounds a month while my baby has gained 1 pound a month which surprised me because she is a chunky baby. So for now I push away the low carb diet and just try to watch what I eat period and my milk supply will increase.
If you lose weight too quickly while breastfeeding your nutrition and/or health maybe compromised. Plus rapid weight loss programs should be avoided because fat-soluble environmental contaminants and toxins stored in body fat are released into the milk when caloric intake is severely restricted.
I share this with you because I am passionate about breastfeeding and I wanted to inform all the breastfeeding moms to be careful dieting while breastfeeding because it can be unhealthy and it could effect your milk supply. Not only just low carb diets but dieting in general. In the long run it can effect you and the baby.
You can find valuable information on breastfeeding on Kelly Mom.
You can do it! I ve been counting calories using myfitnesspal. I lost nearly 13 pounds in two weeks without any supply issues (I have an 8 week old and PLENTY to lose!). You can adjust your calorie goal so that you aren't losing too quickly! my goal is 1 lb a week! Checkout my weightloss tab on my blog: drinkinfrommysaucer.com
ReplyDeleteI breastfed for one year and it helped me with weight loss, but when I stopped nursing, then I felt like I gained weight easily. It's tough being a mom with all of the tolls on your body.
ReplyDeleteThis is so important to share! What your doctor said makes total sense. It's best to do it slowly for baby.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting! I'm breastfeeding right now so this is really good to know!
ReplyDeletethis is great and so very important, and I love the picture really cute!
ReplyDeleteI never dieted, well, I never diet. I do, though, watch what I eat but no diets and no calorie counting. And I agree with your doctor, you were pregnant for 9 months, take it slow.
ReplyDeleteSofia
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