Breastfeeding while Locarbing

kimmie232 · 01-01-2008, 08:41 PM

Hi All,
I have been semi breastfeeding for the last five months. I don't produce enough milk to satisfy my little one. He is five months old this week. I have pumped about 3-4 oz (sometimes two- got my period after four weeks of delivery) each time he eats. He was a six week preemie.

I've been taking a slew of "helpers". Fenugreek, marshmallow, mothers milk tea, brewers yeast, etc. But, I still produce the same amount of milk. Sometimes I get lucky and can pull out five. But, those days are few and far between.

I wanted to start low carbing again, but I'm afraid that I won't have any milk for him. I remember reading somewhere that you lose milk supply. I'm trying my best to keep giving him the boob milk until he is at least a year old. Mind you, the whole pumping thing is so iritating.

But, he is worth it.

How have you guys done on lowcarbing and breastfeeding? Is it worth it to start lowcarbing now. Or, should I just wait until after he is done semi-breastfeeding?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Kim

Moons_Mom · 01-01-2008, 08:47 PM

Hi there,

I also had a huge problem with milk production. I took herbals (Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle) suppliments because I always felt at the very least they did no harm.

However, the thing I took that worked was a prescription medication called Motilium. It's actually indicated for stomach ailments, but for some reason it works for milk production as well.

Keep trying, it's worth it.

Good Luck,

Susan

FatFatFat · 01-01-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimmie232

Hi All,
I have been semi breastfeeding for the last five months. I don't produce enough milk to satisfy my little one. He is five months old this week. I have pumped about 3-4 oz (sometimes two- got my period after four weeks of delivery) each time he eats. He was a six week preemie.

I've been taking a slew of "helpers". Fenugreek, marshmallow, mothers milk tea, brewers yeast, etc. But, I still produce the same amount of milk. Sometimes I get lucky and can pull out five. But, those days are few and far between.

I wanted to start low carbing again, but I'm afraid that I won't have any milk for him. I remember reading somewhere that you lose milk supply. I'm trying my best to keep giving him the boob milk until he is at least a year old. Mind you, the whole pumping thing is so iritating.

But, he is worth it.

How have you guys done on lowcarbing and breastfeeding? Is it worth it to start lowcarbing now. Or, should I just wait until after he is done semi-breastfeeding?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Kim

I nursed my youngest (who is now 3) for her first 20 months and while doing LC. Her first 6 months saw nothing but breast milk. The rest of the time was only supplemented with fruits/veggies/other foods. I never had to supplement with formula.

I found that the very best thing if I thought my supply was going down was to NURSE NURSE NURSE! She didn't mind a bit. We had wonderful "extra" bonding time, and it boosted my supply.
Also, a pump is not a great indicator for supply. Nothing removes milk from a mama quite like a baby, no matter how much you paid for the pump

I had great luck with the hand held, manual Avent Isis. I probably got more milk from that little thing than from any other pump. I tried to use the "real thing" as often as I could, though.

It was worth every bit of effort, and I don't regret one moment.

Good luck to you!

Kerri_Jo · 01-03-2008, 11:30 AM

My baby is almost 7 mo. old. On occasion I have tried to give him formula, and he hates it. He would nurse all day long if I'd let him.
I have been eating lower carb (no sugar or flour), but not completely low carb (I don't count, but I'd guess around 50-60 carbs a day).
I haven't lost any weight for a while, but I'm not really trying because I've heard too that it will lower milk supply. So, for now I'm going to postpone losing weight until I'm done breastfeeding. I might start exercising,

but I've been postponing that too.

mocha_princess · 01-04-2008, 02:15 AM

Hello, I am going to be a first time mommy come next month and I was concerned about this also. One thing my doctor told me was, that women, especially ones who were healthy before pregnancy or were losing weight before, tend to be so preoccupied with losing baby weight, they conciously or unconciously lower their calorie intake and liquid consumption. He recommended that I make sure that I eat at least 300-450 extra calories a day and drink LOTS of liquids. He said everytime I feed baby have a drink with me to drink as well. The baby eats most all your extra calories thru BFing and if you dont replace that or increase so it doesnt affect you, you will lose milk. Also he said feed on demand; if baby wants to eat, feed him/her. He also said that if you get low amounts of milk from pumping, that is not unusual; He said you will never get the same amount of milk that your baby can get from you by naturally sucking it out. If you still have the other signs baby is well fed, then don't worry. Those signs are: plenty of wet diapers and bowel movements, weight gain and contentment after feedings. If you are unsure or still having doubts/problems, I would contact a lactation consultant, like at the hospital you delivered at, to help you and talk to your doctor about meds. I am gonna try a website called Mothersmilk.com because I heard that her supplements were pretty good. It is with fengureek and something called goats....something, I don't remember. Some people swear by her so I am looking into it. Personally, I am gonna try it for one week and if my milk starts reducing, I am gonna stop low carbing for a whie. Good luck and let us know if something worked for you!

Southern Mom · 01-08-2008, 05:30 PM

YES, I tried to low carb when my DS was 2 months old. I was pumping for him (he couldn't latch but still only got breast milk) and I saw a DRASTIC decrease in supply almost immediately. Now, this was with South Beach, so I was also getting less calories than I needed to make milk. You might be okay with Atkins, since there's more fat.

As far as supply issues, as one poster already said, the only thing that kept my supply where it needed to be (it never recovered fully after I low carbed) was the domperidone (also called Motilium). It was absolutely wonderful for supply.

sweetlisa · 01-15-2008, 08:05 AM

with my 2nd child I tryed dieting while breastfeeding it did not work out very well because I dont know about you all but I had a big appitite while breast feeding,
I did somehow lose some weight though I think just by cutting out junk foods, I weighed 210 when she was born and when she was 6 months I was down to 180 remember that your really dont have to cut your calories much because just by breastfeeding your burning 500 calories a day!. now with my 4th baby when she was 6 months old I found out some shocking news and sunk into a deap depression and I did not want to eat anymore, I did not eat for a month and my milk supply just disapeared fast I had to force her to take a bottle because every time I would try and nurse her I would feel very weak.
so my point is dont diet while breastfeeding just eat healthy.

shawnalyn77 · 01-23-2008, 09:31 AM

My little girl is now 4, but when she was a baby I started Atkins, and saw such a dramatic decrease in milk production. Tried supplementation and breast fed babies know better than to switch to the formula. Needless to say, I did eat more carbs than I would usually to benefit my breast milk. Try exercising and reducing your carbs, but I would add some whole grain pasta or bread atleast one time a day. Your baby will thank you! Then once you wean your baby... game on! Time to really get serious. After all the reason you are breast feeding your baby is to give them the best nutrition nature has to offer! Don't compromise that! Good luck!

Rustybeth · 01-26-2008, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Mom

As far as supply issues, as one poster already said, the only thing that kept my supply where it needed to be (it never recovered fully after I low carbed) was the domperidone (also called Motilium).

My dyslexia saw that and my brain translated as DOM Perignon!!!

flaminghotsauce mama · 01-28-2008, 07:40 PM

I think it's a YMMV situation. I BF my last 2 babies and started induction both times when babies were 2 months old. No supply issues, and no thrush! YEAH!

Frankly, if you take in adequate protein and calories, it shouldn't hurt. But everybody is different. Most women who "diet" conventionally are restricting calories, which is more likely to affect milk.

Justachic · 01-28-2008, 07:59 PM

Did anyone feel that it was harder to lose weight while nursing? I know one of the benifits is to lose it faster but for me it wasn't true!

chel · 01-29-2008, 03:22 AM

So glad I found this thread! I'm worried about my little one, but not too much since we are supplementing him with Neosure formula. He was born at 32 weeks and I absolutely will BF him for a long time, but he needs the extra calories.

I've had a few dips in production, but pumping and hemother's milk tea seem to do the trick. Than you for the mention of the meds, though. Do I call my OB for that?

And yep, I have *never* lost weight while nursing. I guess I'm just one of the unlucky ones. Then again, I always got AF while nursing, too. Just have to be different I suppose! lol

scandalouslyglam · 01-29-2008, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justachic

Did anyone feel that it was harder to lose weight while nursing? I know one of the benifits is to lose it faster but for me it wasn't true!

Hmmm maybe cause your boobs are so heavy

flaminghotsauce mama · 01-29-2008, 06:54 AM

I used to *gain* while nursing, because everybody told me I would lose automatically. HA! I finally decided to be proactive with my weight after a baby. I think your body tries to hold onto fat stores while nursing. So maybe it is harder to lose. I have nothing to compare to, though.

Justachic · 01-29-2008, 08:29 AM

Michelle...you're not alone. I'm unlucky when it comes to that too.

Scandalouslyglam....if it were just my boobs, they'd have to weigh 15 lbs each! LOL

Flaminghot....I agree!

ashley123 · 05-13-2008, 06:02 AM

any other pills that people have taken by perscrition that wotked to increase milk supply?

01-01-2008, 08:41 PM	#1
kimmie232 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 19 Gallery: kimmie232	Breastfeeding while Locarbing Hi All, I have been semi breastfeeding for the last five months. I don't produce enough milk to satisfy my little one. He is five months old this week. I have pumped about 3-4 oz (sometimes two- got my period after four weeks of delivery) each time he eats. He was a six week preemie. I've been taking a slew of "helpers". Fenugreek, marshmallow, mothers milk tea, brewers yeast, etc. But, I still produce the same amount of milk. Sometimes I get lucky and can pull out five. But, those days are few and far between. I wanted to start low carbing again, but I'm afraid that I won't have any milk for him. I remember reading somewhere that you lose milk supply. I'm trying my best to keep giving him the boob milk until he is at least a year old. Mind you, the whole pumping thing is so iritating. But, he is worth it. How have you guys done on lowcarbing and breastfeeding? Is it worth it to start lowcarbing now. Or, should I just wait until after he is done semi-breastfeeding? Thanks for any suggestions! Kim

01-01-2008, 08:47 PM	#2
Moons_Mom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: British Columbia - Canada Posts: 556 Gallery: Moons_Mom Stats: 410/333/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: March 2007	Give it a shot Hi there, I also had a huge problem with milk production. I took herbals (Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle) suppliments because I always felt at the very least they did no harm. However, the thing I took that worked was a prescription medication called Motilium. It's actually indicated for stomach ailments, but for some reason it works for milk production as well. Keep trying, it's worth it. Good Luck, Susan

01-04-2008, 02:15 AM	#5
mocha_princess Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 193 Gallery: mocha_princess Stats: 410/325-pregnant w/ #1! WOE: BY THE BOOK-Atkins DANDR Start Date: re-re-induction Feb 1st, 2006	Hello, I am going to be a first time mommy come next month and I was concerned about this also. One thing my doctor told me was, that women, especially ones who were healthy before pregnancy or were losing weight before, tend to be so preoccupied with losing baby weight, they conciously or unconciously lower their calorie intake and liquid consumption. He recommended that I make sure that I eat at least 300-450 extra calories a day and drink LOTS of liquids. He said everytime I feed baby have a drink with me to drink as well. The baby eats most all your extra calories thru BFing and if you dont replace that or increase so it doesnt affect you, you will lose milk. Also he said feed on demand; if baby wants to eat, feed him/her. He also said that if you get low amounts of milk from pumping, that is not unusual; He said you will never get the same amount of milk that your baby can get from you by naturally sucking it out. If you still have the other signs baby is well fed, then don't worry. Those signs are: plenty of wet diapers and bowel movements, weight gain and contentment after feedings. If you are unsure or still having doubts/problems, I would contact a lactation consultant, like at the hospital you delivered at, to help you and talk to your doctor about meds. I am gonna try a website called Mothersmilk.com because I heard that her supplements were pretty good. It is with fengureek and something called goats....something, I don't remember. Some people swear by her so I am looking into it. Personally, I am gonna try it for one week and if my milk starts reducing, I am gonna stop low carbing for a whie. Good luck and let us know if something worked for you! __________________ JuJu (Juwarriyya) 410/328/185 On a baby break! Baby boy Hamza due February 10th! ATKINS WORKS! Last edited by mocha_princess : 01-04-2008 at 02:24 AM.

01-08-2008, 05:30 PM	#6
Southern Mom Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 33 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: Southern Mom Stats: 176.6/171/160(mini)/115 WOE: LC Start Date: May 1998/January 2, 2008	YES, I tried to low carb when my DS was 2 months old. I was pumping for him (he couldn't latch but still only got breast milk) and I saw a DRASTIC decrease in supply almost immediately. Now, this was with South Beach, so I was also getting less calories than I needed to make milk. You might be okay with Atkins, since there's more fat. As far as supply issues, as one poster already said, the only thing that kept my supply where it needed to be (it never recovered fully after I low carbed) was the domperidone (also called Motilium). It was absolutely wonderful for supply. __________________ Lost 45lbs doing LC 9 years ago Kept it off for 6 years! First Goal: 165 (Pre-pregnancy weight!) Valentine's Day Challenge: 160 Look good for hubby. Feel good for me. Live long for baby.

01-15-2008, 08:05 AM	#7
sweetlisa Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: oregon Posts: 32 Gallery: sweetlisa Stats: 240/202/130 WOE: M&E Fast/Atkins	with my 2nd child I tryed dieting while breastfeeding it did not work out very well because I dont know about you all but I had a big appitite while breast feeding, I did somehow lose some weight though I think just by cutting out junk foods, I weighed 210 when she was born and when she was 6 months I was down to 180 remember that your really dont have to cut your calories much because just by breastfeeding your burning 500 calories a day!. now with my 4th baby when she was 6 months old I found out some shocking news and sunk into a deap depression and I did not want to eat anymore, I did not eat for a month and my milk supply just disapeared fast I had to force her to take a bottle because every time I would try and nurse her I would feel very weak. so my point is dont diet while breastfeeding just eat healthy. __________________ Lisa: 38 years old Nothing Tastes as good as thin feels!.

01-03-2008, 11:30 AM	#4
Kerri_Jo Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UT Posts: 156 Gallery: Kerri_Jo Stats: 170(pregnant)/135/120 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restart 6/07	My baby is almost 7 mo. old. On occasion I have tried to give him formula, and he hates it. He would nurse all day long if I'd let him. I have been eating lower carb (no sugar or flour), but not completely low carb (I don't count, but I'd guess around 50-60 carbs a day). I haven't lost any weight for a while, but I'm not really trying because I've heard too that it will lower milk supply. So, for now I'm going to postpone losing weight until I'm done breastfeeding. I might start exercising, but I've been postponing that too.

01-23-2008, 09:31 AM	#8
shawnalyn77 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Gallery: shawnalyn77	My little girl is now 4, but when she was a baby I started Atkins, and saw such a dramatic decrease in milk production. Tried supplementation and breast fed babies know better than to switch to the formula. Needless to say, I did eat more carbs than I would usually to benefit my breast milk. Try exercising and reducing your carbs, but I would add some whole grain pasta or bread atleast one time a day. Your baby will thank you! Then once you wean your baby... game on! Time to really get serious. After all the reason you are breast feeding your baby is to give them the best nutrition nature has to offer! Don't compromise that! Good luck!

01-28-2008, 07:40 PM	#10
flaminghotsauce mama MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: My Own Private Idaho Posts: 1,283 Gallery: flaminghotsauce mama Stats: 196/158/125, 5'5" WOE: Protein Power LifePlan Start Date: January 2006	I think it's a YMMV situation. I BF my last 2 babies and started induction both times when babies were 2 months old. No supply issues, and no thrush! YEAH! Frankly, if you take in adequate protein and calories, it shouldn't hurt. But everybody is different. Most women who "diet" conventionally are restricting calories, which is more likely to affect milk.

01-28-2008, 07:59 PM	#11
Justachic Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 717 Gallery: Justachic Stats: 158/140/137 ~5'6 WOE: customized Start Date: Restarted Jan 9, 2008	Did anyone feel that it was harder to lose weight while nursing? I know one of the benifits is to lose it faster but for me it wasn't true!

01-29-2008, 03:22 AM	#12
chel Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Ohio! Go BUCKS!!! Posts: 424 Gallery: chel Stats: 283/???/160 WOE: South Beach Start Date: 1-29-08	So glad I found this thread! I'm worried about my little one, but not too much since we are supplementing him with Neosure formula. He was born at 32 weeks and I absolutely will BF him for a long time, but he needs the extra calories. I've had a few dips in production, but pumping and hemother's milk tea seem to do the trick. Than you for the mention of the meds, though. Do I call my OB for that? And yep, I have never lost weight while nursing. I guess I'm just one of the unlucky ones. Then again, I always got AF while nursing, too. Just have to be different I suppose! lol __________________ Michelle restarting on 1-29-08 for the very last time... Mommy to Tristan 6, Hayden 3, & Rylan 5 months (born @ 32 weeks due to HELLP syndrome, 3lbs 6 oz, 15 inches) "I don't have 100 pounds to lose...I have just one. Then one more. And one more, and another after that..." Steve-o, one of the neatest guys I know & a big loser of 130+ pounds

01-29-2008, 06:54 AM	#14
flaminghotsauce mama MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: My Own Private Idaho Posts: 1,283 Gallery: flaminghotsauce mama Stats: 196/158/125, 5'5" WOE: Protein Power LifePlan Start Date: January 2006	I used to gain while nursing, because everybody told me I would lose automatically. HA! I finally decided to be proactive with my weight after a baby. I think your body tries to hold onto fat stores while nursing. So maybe it is harder to lose. I have nothing to compare to, though.

01-29-2008, 08:29 AM	#15
Justachic Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 717 Gallery: Justachic Stats: 158/140/137 ~5'6 WOE: customized Start Date: Restarted Jan 9, 2008	Michelle...you're not alone. I'm unlucky when it comes to that too. Scandalouslyglam....if it were just my boobs, they'd have to weigh 15 lbs each! LOL Flaminghot....I agree!

05-13-2008, 06:02 AM	#16
ashley123 Junior LCF Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 24 Gallery: ashley123	any other pills that people have taken by perscrition that wotked to increase milk supply?

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