It's safe to breastfeed while doing Atkins. See...

got4girlies · 01-18-2004, 04:01 PM

I've noticed that a lot of people feel that it is unsafe to nurse and do the Atkins weightloss plan.
Being that both the site and book say it, I could see the confusion. However, in my opinion, I feel these things were said to prevent possible lawsuits.
I did some research, being that I do breastfeed my 3 month old daughter and do this plan. I'm also in ketosis.
This is the site I found:

http://www.power-surge.com/transcripts/atkins.htm

This is the transcript for a show that Dr. Atkins did. An audience member stood up and asked:
"Dr. Atkins, is it safe to do this diet while breastfeeding or should I wait until she's weaned?"
Dr. Atkins replied "It's quite safe; however, weightloss is a slow process due to the hormones from breastfeeding" .

Here's how it's been working for me: I've been in ketosis, have lost weight, but Gabriella has gained A LOT since I've been doing this diet. My milk supply is so much more abundant now! I take prenatal vitamins for any lack I may have also. She seems perfectly healthy.
I feel it is safe. Think of eskimos. All they eat is protein and have no carbs. There are lots of different people that go into ketosis continueously and their children are fine.

I would never endanger my daughter. Actually, I feel I'm eating healthier now then ever. Less sugar, more veggies, and more protein. Which are all things that a mother should have while nursing. Besides, my doctor said it is safe to lose weight while nursing as long as there is adequate amounts of protein, fluids, and enough calories. He suggest the prenatal vitamin for lower calcium, which I take.

SnowymtnRN · 01-18-2004, 04:35 PM

AWESOME! Good for you! I'll say as well, my milk was SOOOO rich and creamy when i was dieting this WOL. My son couldn't get enough! lol The only reason he weaned is cuz i'm pregnant now and it changed the taste. lol

Thanks for this awesome article!!

Sharon · 01-18-2004, 04:43 PM

The new Atkins Essentials book states that if pregnant or nursing, one should only be using the maintenance phase of this WOE.

got4girlies · 01-18-2004, 05:43 PM

I am familiar with what the book says. I just feel that he would not have said it was okay if it were only okay for maintenance. I really do believe they say such to prevent lawsuits, but Atkins was asked and I feel that he was more concerned with just helping people and not worrying much about lawsuits when he said that.

I would say to any mother nursing while doing Atkins: simply watch your child. If he/she does not thrive and gain weight steadily, then stop right away. If your milk supply drops, stop. If the baby starts to act fussy at all, stop. However, I have had the complete opposite of all these things, so I will not stop. Gabriella's weight is 15 lbs and she is not even 3 months yet. I'm not at all worried.

MCmom · 01-18-2004, 08:55 PM

Slow weight-loss is right! I'm staying between OWL and Maintenance levels, and I'm thankful to lose 2 lbs a month. I'm hoping to reach goal after weaning.

SnowymtnRN · 01-18-2004, 09:00 PM

It is slow, but it is with any diet imo when bf! lol talk about screwing your body up huh?

I did pretty good, i lost like 22-24 pounds, maybe 20ish, can't remember in 4 mths. So that's about 5 pounds a month give or take. I was pleased. But before when eating low fat, etc..i wasn't even losing that!

got4girlies · 01-19-2004, 08:04 AM

I've been pleased with my weightloss. I don't think it's been too slow at all really. It's slowing down a bit now, but I think a lot of that is due to having more cream with my decaf coffee.
I think it's going pretty good though. Naturally it will get very slow the smaller I get though.

stews · 01-19-2004, 08:27 AM

hmmm, when I had my kids (YEARS ago) doc said it is the easiest to lose weight while breastfeeding. oh oh, who to believe. lol

got4girlies · 01-19-2004, 08:35 AM

I believe Dr Atkins when he says the hormones slow weightloss. I believe it is nature in case we were in a much less fortunate country with a lot less food.

I think doctors believe it is easier because it takes so many calories to make the milk and such. However, with my 3rd daughter, I gained like crazy while breastfeeding her. I hated it. I alot because I was hungry, but I was eating all the wrong foods. Pasta and bread galore!

stews · 01-19-2004, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by got4girlies
I believe Dr Atkins when he says the hormones slow weightloss. I believe it is nature in case we were in a much less fortunate country with a lot less food.
I think doctors believe it is easier because it takes so many calories to make the milk and such. However, with my 3rd daughter, I gained like crazy while breastfeeding her. I hated it. I alot because I was hungry, but I was eating all the wrong foods. Pasta and bread galore!

hm, lol. I believe my doc on this one (although, I know not everyone resonds the average way, so this does not mean it would be right in all cases). my doc specializes in that field as he is a obgyn. doc A specializes in heart issues.

I agree with doc A in about everything else diet wise, though.

abbymommy · 01-19-2004, 02:55 PM

Oh yes, the dreaded, "breastfeeding will make you lose weight" myth.

Of course, producing breastmilk requires calories, but many moms report a drastic increase in appetite too.

I just read a recent article that said breastfeeding moms do NOT lose weight as quickly as bottle feeding moms AT FIRST, but their long-term weight loss is much better and more nursing moms return to their prepregnancy weight.

Thanks for this post, got4girlies. It is SO funny that although you have posted a TRANSCRIPT of what DR ATKINS actually SAID, people keep posting that quote from the book over and over.

Ketones are the PREFERRED fuel for our body's tissues, why would that be any different for the body tissues of babies?

As you have quoted with a reference, Dr Atkins said it is "quite safe" to do his program while nursing. He didn't say only maintenance either.

Thanks again and congrats on your nursing and low carbing success

stews · 01-19-2004, 05:24 PM

well, I did lose weight while I was breastfeeding. unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue breastfeeding as long as I would have liked.

Jolinar · 01-19-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by abbymommy
It is SO funny that although you have posted a TRANSCRIPT of what DR ATKINS actually SAID, people keep posting that quote from the book over and over.

In the transcript, Dr. Atkins did not specify which phase of the diet is safe. Since the book does specify, I'll be listening to that.

kristinaInWa2003 · 01-19-2004, 06:31 PM

I do know one thing. If I went back and was nursing, I wouldn't take anyone's word for it. Not a book...or someone else. i would use my "gut" feeling. And my gut feeling would be that as much vitamin rich food I could get would be the best for my baby. Protein, vegies, fruits, milk, and a few grains would be the way I'd eat

abbymommy · 01-20-2004, 08:41 AM

Since Dr Atkins said it is "quite safe" to do his diet while nursing, except the WEIGHT LOSS might be slow, it is obvious he must have been talking about Induction or OWL, since Maintenace does not lead to weight loss for most people.

It would also be natural to issue a warning about NOT doing Induction or OWL in response to this question, and he did not say anything about avoiding certain phases of his program.

Just about every bottle of medicine or vitamins I own warns to "consult with a doctor if you are nursing or pregnant". In fact, many many prescription drugs warn NOT to take them if you are pregnant or nursing, even though they are considered safe by the medical community. It is called liability protection.

About the ketone strips, I don't know if they would pick up ketones in breastmilk since they are designed to read ketones in urine, but who knows? I would not be concerned if there were ketones in the breastmilk.

As for nutrition, I can't think of a healthier diet than one composed of lean meats, plenty of vegetables and some fruits, even some grain or bean products.

But just like during pregnancy, I have read that our bodies give making quality breastmilk the highest priority. So your body will shortchange YOU of nutrients before your breastmilk starts to suffer. So I wouldnt be obsessive about the nutritional content of every single I ate. With a good variety of fresh foods and a good supplement most of us are in MUCH better shape than breastfeeding women in any other part of history.

Nursing our kids as long as possible is giving them the best nutritional advantage there is. I'd hate to think that there are moms who would wean early because they thought they couldn't go back to a healthy low-carb diet until their baby was weaned!

abbymommy · 01-20-2004, 08:41 AM

Since Dr Atkins said it is "quite safe" to do his diet while nursing, except the WEIGHT LOSS might be slow, it is obvious he must have been talking about Induction or OWL, since Maintenace does not lead to weight loss for most people.

It would also be natural to issue a warning about NOT doing Induction or OWL in response to this question, and he did not say anything about avoiding certain phases of his program.

Just about every bottle of medicine or vitamins I own warns to "consult with a doctor if you are nursing or pregnant". In fact, many many prescription drugs warn NOT to take them if you are pregnant or nursing, even though they are considered safe by the medical community. It is called liability protection.

About the ketone strips, I don't know if they would pick up ketones in breastmilk since they are designed to read ketones in urine, but who knows? I would not be concerned if there were ketones in the breastmilk.

As for nutrition, I can't think of a healthier diet than one composed of lean meats, plenty of vegetables and some fruits, even some grain or bean products.

But just like during pregnancy, I have read that our bodies give making quality breastmilk the highest priority. So your body will shortchange YOU of nutrients before your breastmilk starts to suffer. So I wouldnt be obsessive about the nutritional content of every single I ate. With a good variety of fresh foods and a good supplement most of us are in MUCH better shape than breastfeeding women in any other part of history.

Nursing our kids as long as possible is giving them the best nutritional advantage there is. I'd hate to think that there are moms who would wean early because they thought they couldn't go back to a healthy low-carb diet until their baby was weaned!

momof6blessings · 01-20-2004, 09:34 AM

Great post. I agree 100%!

I have had the same experience as you~my milk is thicker and richer than it was prior to this woe. My dd is also thriving very well. I also know that my diet and food choices are much better as well.

I must be the oddball because I always lose better while breastfeeding!

01-18-2004, 04:01 PM	#1
got4girlies Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 25 Gallery: got4girlies Stats: 250/232/120 WOE: Modified Atkins while breastfeeding Start Date: 12/26/2003	It's safe to breastfeed while doing Atkins. See... I've noticed that a lot of people feel that it is unsafe to nurse and do the Atkins weightloss plan. Being that both the site and book say it, I could see the confusion. However, in my opinion, I feel these things were said to prevent possible lawsuits. I did some research, being that I do breastfeed my 3 month old daughter and do this plan. I'm also in ketosis. This is the site I found: http://www.power-surge.com/transcripts/atkins.htm This is the transcript for a show that Dr. Atkins did. An audience member stood up and asked: "Dr. Atkins, is it safe to do this diet while breastfeeding or should I wait until she's weaned?" Dr. Atkins replied "It's quite safe; however, weightloss is a slow process due to the hormones from breastfeeding" . Here's how it's been working for me: I've been in ketosis, have lost weight, but Gabriella has gained A LOT since I've been doing this diet. My milk supply is so much more abundant now! I take prenatal vitamins for any lack I may have also. She seems perfectly healthy. I feel it is safe. Think of eskimos. All they eat is protein and have no carbs. There are lots of different people that go into ketosis continueously and their children are fine. I would never endanger my daughter. Actually, I feel I'm eating healthier now then ever. Less sugar, more veggies, and more protein. Which are all things that a mother should have while nursing. Besides, my doctor said it is safe to lose weight while nursing as long as there is adequate amounts of protein, fluids, and enough calories. He suggest the prenatal vitamin for lower calcium, which I take. __________________ Tonya, 29 married to Alan 33 Four beautiful daughters, ages 7, 4, 2, and a 2 months old. On a modified Atkins due to nursing. Started 12/26/03 To my see some of my favorite family photos: http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrow...elected=741974 http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...mchristmas.JPG

01-19-2004, 02:55 PM	#11
abbymommy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: wedded and motherly bliss Posts: 534 Gallery: abbymommy Stats: size 12 after baby/size 6 WOE: healthy sometimes low-carb Start Date: 1997	Oh yes, the dreaded, "breastfeeding will make you lose weight" myth. Of course, producing breastmilk requires calories, but many moms report a drastic increase in appetite too. I just read a recent article that said breastfeeding moms do NOT lose weight as quickly as bottle feeding moms AT FIRST, but their long-term weight loss is much better and more nursing moms return to their prepregnancy weight. Thanks for this post, got4girlies. It is SO funny that although you have posted a TRANSCRIPT of what DR ATKINS actually SAID, people keep posting that quote from the book over and over. Ketones are the PREFERRED fuel for our body's tissues, why would that be any different for the body tissues of babies? As you have quoted with a reference, Dr Atkins said it is "quite safe" to do his program while nursing. He didn't say only maintenance either. Thanks again and congrats on your nursing and low carbing success __________________ 5 foot 5.5 inches stay at home homeschooling mom of a 6 year old daughter, 5 year old son, and 3 year old daughter and 1 year old son! Click for me!

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01-18-2004, 04:35 PM	#2
SnowymtnRN Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 315 Gallery: SnowymtnRN Stats: 220/220/140 WOE: Atkins BABY! Start Date: 09/25/2005	AWESOME! Good for you! I'll say as well, my milk was SOOOO rich and creamy when i was dieting this WOL. My son couldn't get enough! lol The only reason he weaned is cuz i'm pregnant now and it changed the taste. lol Thanks for this awesome article!!

01-18-2004, 04:43 PM	#3
Sharon Come join us on the Game Board Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: retired now - I ski 40+ days annually and do marathons. 1st TIME GRANDMOTHER 6/18/07 Posts: 100,733 Gallery: Sharon Stats: 156/124/135 5'6" 63 y/o - GO UCLA - BEAT USC WOE: Atkins - low sodium and fresh food - STAY POSITIVE Start Date: 4/5/03 -------- McCAIN/PALIN in 2008	The new Atkins Essentials book states that if pregnant or nursing, one should only be using the maintenance phase of this WOE.

01-18-2004, 05:43 PM	#4
got4girlies Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 25 Gallery: got4girlies Stats: 250/232/120 WOE: Modified Atkins while breastfeeding Start Date: 12/26/2003	I am familiar with what the book says. I just feel that he would not have said it was okay if it were only okay for maintenance. I really do believe they say such to prevent lawsuits, but Atkins was asked and I feel that he was more concerned with just helping people and not worrying much about lawsuits when he said that. I would say to any mother nursing while doing Atkins: simply watch your child. If he/she does not thrive and gain weight steadily, then stop right away. If your milk supply drops, stop. If the baby starts to act fussy at all, stop. However, I have had the complete opposite of all these things, so I will not stop. Gabriella's weight is 15 lbs and she is not even 3 months yet. I'm not at all worried.

01-18-2004, 08:55 PM	#5
MCmom MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,630 Gallery: MCmom Stats: Still working on it... WOE: Atkins Start Date: September 2001	Slow weight-loss is right! I'm staying between OWL and Maintenance levels, and I'm thankful to lose 2 lbs a month. I'm hoping to reach goal after weaning.

01-18-2004, 09:00 PM	#6
SnowymtnRN Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 315 Gallery: SnowymtnRN Stats: 220/220/140 WOE: Atkins BABY! Start Date: 09/25/2005	It is slow, but it is with any diet imo when bf! lol talk about screwing your body up huh? I did pretty good, i lost like 22-24 pounds, maybe 20ish, can't remember in 4 mths. So that's about 5 pounds a month give or take. I was pleased. But before when eating low fat, etc..i wasn't even losing that!

01-19-2004, 08:04 AM	#7
got4girlies Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 25 Gallery: got4girlies Stats: 250/232/120 WOE: Modified Atkins while breastfeeding Start Date: 12/26/2003	I've been pleased with my weightloss. I don't think it's been too slow at all really. It's slowing down a bit now, but I think a lot of that is due to having more cream with my decaf coffee. I think it's going pretty good though. Naturally it will get very slow the smaller I get though.

01-19-2004, 08:27 AM	#8
stews Random WIT Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: in the state of desperation Posts: 52,204 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: stews Stats: 196/189.4/135 OR size 20-22/14-16/4-6 WOE: Learning2Lose with Jackie Brown Start Date: restarted 11/9/08	hmmm, when I had my kids (YEARS ago) doc said it is the easiest to lose weight while breastfeeding. oh oh, who to believe. lol

01-19-2004, 08:35 AM	#9
got4girlies Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 25 Gallery: got4girlies Stats: 250/232/120 WOE: Modified Atkins while breastfeeding Start Date: 12/26/2003	I believe Dr Atkins when he says the hormones slow weightloss. I believe it is nature in case we were in a much less fortunate country with a lot less food. I think doctors believe it is easier because it takes so many calories to make the milk and such. However, with my 3rd daughter, I gained like crazy while breastfeeding her. I hated it. I alot because I was hungry, but I was eating all the wrong foods. Pasta and bread galore!

01-19-2004, 05:24 PM	#12
stews Random WIT Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: in the state of desperation Posts: 52,204 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: stews Stats: 196/189.4/135 OR size 20-22/14-16/4-6 WOE: Learning2Lose with Jackie Brown Start Date: restarted 11/9/08	well, I did lose weight while I was breastfeeding. unfortunately, I wasn't able to continue breastfeeding as long as I would have liked.

01-19-2004, 06:31 PM	#14
kristinaInWa2003 Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 7,101 Gallery: kristinaInWa2003 Stats: Restarting 7-17-08 220/218/135 WOE: The Lord's Table Start Date: Originally November 2003 Restarted 7-17-08	I do know one thing. If I went back and was nursing, I wouldn't take anyone's word for it. Not a book...or someone else. i would use my "gut" feeling. And my gut feeling would be that as much vitamin rich food I could get would be the best for my baby. Protein, vegies, fruits, milk, and a few grains would be the way I'd eat

01-20-2004, 08:41 AM	#15
abbymommy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: wedded and motherly bliss Posts: 534 Gallery: abbymommy Stats: size 12 after baby/size 6 WOE: healthy sometimes low-carb Start Date: 1997	Since Dr Atkins said it is "quite safe" to do his diet while nursing, except the WEIGHT LOSS might be slow, it is obvious he must have been talking about Induction or OWL, since Maintenace does not lead to weight loss for most people. It would also be natural to issue a warning about NOT doing Induction or OWL in response to this question, and he did not say anything about avoiding certain phases of his program. Just about every bottle of medicine or vitamins I own warns to "consult with a doctor if you are nursing or pregnant". In fact, many many prescription drugs warn NOT to take them if you are pregnant or nursing, even though they are considered safe by the medical community. It is called liability protection. About the ketone strips, I don't know if they would pick up ketones in breastmilk since they are designed to read ketones in urine, but who knows? I would not be concerned if there were ketones in the breastmilk. As for nutrition, I can't think of a healthier diet than one composed of lean meats, plenty of vegetables and some fruits, even some grain or bean products. But just like during pregnancy, I have read that our bodies give making quality breastmilk the highest priority. So your body will shortchange YOU of nutrients before your breastmilk starts to suffer. So I wouldnt be obsessive about the nutritional content of every single I ate. With a good variety of fresh foods and a good supplement most of us are in MUCH better shape than breastfeeding women in any other part of history. Nursing our kids as long as possible is giving them the best nutritional advantage there is. I'd hate to think that there are moms who would wean early because they thought they couldn't go back to a healthy low-carb diet until their baby was weaned!

01-20-2004, 09:34 AM	#17
momof6blessings Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: MI Posts: 173 Gallery: momof6blessings WOE: Atkins all the way!	Great post. I agree 100%! I have had the same experience as you~my milk is thicker and richer than it was prior to this woe. My dd is also thriving very well. I also know that my diet and food choices are much better as well. I must be the oddball because I always lose better while breastfeeding!