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low carbing and breastfeeding

T

the_anticarb

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Does anyone know if I can low carb and breastfeed, or will this affect the milk production/nutrition to the baby?
Thinking of going back to low carbing after giving birth to lose my baby weight but want to breast feed for the first six months
Ta
 
I breast fed for over 8 months, but Iwasn't especially low carbing. I was told, that to breast feed, that I had to keep my blood sugar sightly higher...ie aim for 8 rather than 7 etc.

Sorry, I don't really know, but if I were you, I would spend the first few weeks getting breast feeding establisehd and eating the best you can (it can be difficult to eat at all in those first few weeks...sooooooo, tired) etc.....and if you have a baby who likes breast feeding...then you can try lowering your carbs, and see what happens? If it is impacting baby, they will soon let you know, as you will find that they will want to be fed 24/7...so youwill know that it isn't working. They do say, that for all feeding mothers, need more calories when breast feeding, but I do not know if they say the same about carbs. I suspect if you ask, they will tell you not to low carb and breast feed, but as they also say that in general, I am not sure whether it is worth anything?
 
Thanks, I guess I would be low carbing for weight loss and to allow me to reduce my insulin amounts rather than to have really low bg's as I could run slightly higher by taking less insulin. Just that I have ballooned with all this novorapid I am now taking and whilst that's ok whilst I am pregnant (i'll do whatever it takes to keep the baby safe) I want to start losing it once the baby is out! although I may find I have more important things to think about after the birth, this my first so I am new to motherhood!
 
I think you should talk to the Dietitian at the hospital . You do need extra calories around 550 when you are breast feeding and getting enough from low carbing may be difficult. You will need to eat well because it can effect the production of milk. Go and talk to them!

Having a new baby is demanding enough and actually alot of new mums finding fitting in food another hurdle every day! I used to make myself a packed lunch the night before so at least I didnt have to think about it in the chaos! I had 3 babies and fed them all - brilliant!

Ally
 
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