breastfeeding and maintenance

[tinabeanus]

I have read in Atkins that you can low carb while breastfeeding on the maintenance phase. How many carbs would I have to eat and what if I get too little carbs will it effect my milk or the supply of milk? I would really like to lose this baby weight but not at the expence of losing or harming my milk. Any info or input on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Tina

was 189 then got prego
219/219/145

[MCmom]

I nursed my DD for 19 mths while LC'ing, and I didn't worry about my carb level. I stuck to healthy foods, adding in whole grains, more fruit and veggies. I don't think you have to worry as long as you're eating plenty of protein, veggies, some fruit, dairy, and whole grains. There's nothing harmful in LC'ing. I never had to worry about my milk supply, there was always enough. There's some who feel that even ketosis is fine, but that's a whole other discussion.

[abbymommy]

I am nursing my third baby, and have been in ketosis each time with no problems!

I eat around 20 carbs per day, make sure to eat healthy meats, fresh veggies, etc.

My milk supply is great, always has been, but I also drink drink drink which is vital when nursing in general.

I think as long as you are getting enough fluids and good quality proteins, fats and some quality vegetables your milk supply will be fine.

I lose weight slowly when nursing, but if I wasn't low carbing I don't think I'd be losing at all.

My appetite is very high while breastfeeding and being in ketosis helps so much with appetite and cravings.

I don't believe for a second that there is anything dangerous or unwanted about being in ketosis while nursing.

The number one thing a nursing mom can do to make sure her milk supply is healthy is nurse as often as the baby wants, and don't give suplplements (formula) since that will decrease milk supply over time.

There is a yahoo group called PregnantAtkids that is made of people who are low carbing while trying to conceive, pregnant or nursing. It is a great group, and could be a good source of support for you, come join us!

[Lisa Rae]

Abby,,

While I respect your right to do whatever your comfortable with..Ketosis is not reccomended while pregnant or breast feeding (Bye Dr. Atkins himself and many other "low-carb experts"). Frankly..theres just no research on ketosis and it's effect down the road ( while preganat or when nursing). I personally wouldn't take the chance. Heck..they barely scratched the surface of the effects of low-carbing in general!

You can use the sticks to make sure your out of ketosis.

But basically..if you know your ccl...then your maintenence level should be about 10 carbs over that (as your ccl is 5 carbs below where you stop losing)

You can also do a non-ketogenic low-carb plan as well. Many pregnant and Nursing woman move to Sugar Busters untill their done.

P.S. Congrats on the baby!!!

[tinabeanus]

thank you ladies for all the wonderful input. I plan on starting my wol on Monday. I will keep you posted on how things are going.

Tina

[LightlyStarched]

I went back to LC when my baby was 6 months, and am still nursing her at 13 months. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with nursing while in ketosis.

1. Ketosis is a natural state, and communities of people (modern and ancient) obviously nursed during winter time when supplies of fresh fruits and veggies were low/non-existant.

2. Infants are IN a state of ketosis while exclusively breastfed. Human milk has 1.5 times the fat of cows milk. Foremilk has the most carbs, but hindmilk is mostly cream.

3. La Leche League has numerous articles proving that maternal nutrition has very little bearing on milk quality/quantity. The ratios of fat/carb/protein and inclusion of nutrients remains constant. They only recommend a nursing mother's calories not drop below 1800 day.

Good luck!!!