Ketosis and breastfeeding?

AmyJuli · 03-14-2005, 01:42 PM

I know you're not supposed to be in ketosis while bf'ing, but I can't imagine getting started without going into ketosis. Has anyone actually done it? How'd it go? I'm thinking about doing induction for 3-4 days and then rapidly climbing the carb ladder.

Thanks.

Jennyl · 03-14-2005, 01:47 PM

As far as I know Dr. Atkins does not recomment breastfeeding while in ketosis. I have heard some people say they did it and it was fine but....why would anyone even consider taking a chance with their baby? You can easily do a maintenance level of atkins or some other non-ketogenic diet while breastfeeding. I don't think their have been a lot of studies on it so no one really knows if there is anything wrong with it. Why take a chance though??

LowCarb Leann · 03-14-2005, 08:27 PM

I tried to breastfeed and go into ketosis. My milk all but dried up. Ketosis is too dehydrating, and the sudden shock of your body going gung-ho into weight-loss is counterproductive to breastfeeding as well. I wouldn't recommend it.

Orphalie · 03-14-2005, 08:48 PM

You would have to drink sooo much water that I think it would be very hard on your body. I have to drink a TON of water while in Ketosis and I had to drink a TON of water while breastfeeding I can imagine drinking enough for both, might be hard on the kidneys.

Angel373 · 03-14-2005, 09:17 PM

Hey Amy, you should join us over on the challenge board, our group is "Losin the Baby Fat" and there are a couple of ladies that are low carbing and breastfeeding but still staying out of ketosis...I am sure they could have some advice for you!

Shandril105 · 03-15-2005, 06:24 AM

I am Bfing and in Ketosis and I feed my daughter and still pump out 12-14 oz of milk a day for DH to feed her with while I am at work. So it can be done. And she has no problems and is the 90th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Dr. is thrilled with how healthy she is.

AmyJuli · 03-15-2005, 08:07 AM

Thanks everyone! I was mostly concerned about the rapid weight loss/ dehydration causing supply problems. So, I think you all have answered my question.

I'll have to check out that challenge thread...

03-14-2005, 01:42 PM	#1
AmyJuli Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 7,080 Gallery: AmyJuli Stats: 177 high, 122 low, lots in between WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7/9/03	Ketosis and breastfeeding? I know you're not supposed to be in ketosis while bf'ing, but I can't imagine getting started without going into ketosis. Has anyone actually done it? How'd it go? I'm thinking about doing induction for 3-4 days and then rapidly climbing the carb ladder. Thanks.

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03-14-2005, 01:47 PM	#2
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 23,969 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	As far as I know Dr. Atkins does not recomment breastfeeding while in ketosis. I have heard some people say they did it and it was fine but....why would anyone even consider taking a chance with their baby? You can easily do a maintenance level of atkins or some other non-ketogenic diet while breastfeeding. I don't think their have been a lot of studies on it so no one really knows if there is anything wrong with it. Why take a chance though??

03-14-2005, 08:27 PM	#3
LowCarb Leann Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 968 Gallery: LowCarb Leann Stats: (initial start weight:174) 161/123/120 Start Date: Re-start after pregnancy/bfing: 4/1/05	I tried to breastfeed and go into ketosis. My milk all but dried up. Ketosis is too dehydrating, and the sudden shock of your body going gung-ho into weight-loss is counterproductive to breastfeeding as well. I wouldn't recommend it.

03-14-2005, 08:48 PM	#4
Orphalie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Texan misplaced to Mountain Home ID Posts: 1,001 Gallery: Orphalie Stats: 220/189/140 WOE: atkins Start Date: Jan 8th 07	You would have to drink sooo much water that I think it would be very hard on your body. I have to drink a TON of water while in Ketosis and I had to drink a TON of water while breastfeeding I can imagine drinking enough for both, might be hard on the kidneys.

03-14-2005, 09:17 PM	#5
Angel373 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: California Bay Area Posts: 759 Gallery: Angel373 Stats: 290/240/150 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: October 1, 2007	Hey Amy, you should join us over on the challenge board, our group is "Losin the Baby Fat" and there are a couple of ladies that are low carbing and breastfeeding but still staying out of ketosis...I am sure they could have some advice for you!

03-15-2005, 06:24 AM	#6
Shandril105 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,529 Gallery: Shandril105 Stats: 250/214/145 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 04/14/03	I am Bfing and in Ketosis and I feed my daughter and still pump out 12-14 oz of milk a day for DH to feed her with while I am at work. So it can be done. And she has no problems and is the 90th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Dr. is thrilled with how healthy she is.

03-15-2005, 08:07 AM	#7
AmyJuli Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 7,080 Gallery: AmyJuli Stats: 177 high, 122 low, lots in between WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7/9/03	Thanks everyone! I was mostly concerned about the rapid weight loss/ dehydration causing supply problems. So, I think you all have answered my question. I'll have to check out that challenge thread...