ATD: Does Dieting While Breastfeeding Affect My Baby’s Milk?

Question:

I am a nursing mom. My son is now 6 months old and I am introducing him to
solids. Prior to my pregnancy I lost 70lbs, but gained it all back during my
pregnancy. I have a big appetite and even when I am eating well and low cal
it seems like my body is holding on to the fat? For example, when I am
eating less calories and lower fat meals, I have less “hind” milk and more
“Fore” milk I know this because I pump. I do not want to deprive my child,
But I can’t stand all this extra weight I need to lose 120lbs to be at my
ideal weight for height. Any suggestions would be appreciated. — Michelle

Answer

Dear Michelle,

First of all congratulations on taking the initiative to provide your baby’s nutrition through your breast milk–the way nature intended! I am a great supporter of breast feeding Moms.

Now, I don’t believe you have anything to worry about regarding the breast milk your baby is receiving and there are a few reasons for that.

First of all, it’s actually quite unusual for the baby’s milk to change and provide fewer nutrients based on the mother’s diet; characteristically the woman’s body is certain to make the milk the way it needs to be for the baby first, and then result in the mother suffering from any resulting deficiencies. (Think of the babies in underdeveloped countries: they live well-nourished as long as they are being breastfed, despite the poor diets the women subsist on… nature has a way of keeping babies healthy! The sickly babies you see have already had younger siblings born, who get the advantage of breastfeeding transferred to them.)

Second, here is a great article on hind milk and fore milk: It’s a mistaken impression that there are two types of milk; it’s not really that your breastmilk changes content, it just depends on what you see coming out first, versus a few minutes later. http://kellymom.com/bf/supply/foremilk-hindmilk.html Be sure to continue drinking plenty of fluids also.

And finally, since your son is now recieiving other forms of nutrition (which is appropriate at this age), I wouldn’t worry that he is getting less of anything from your milk. If he does get fewer calories from the milk because your diet changes, he will signal you that he is more hungry for cereal, fruit, vegetables, and the other baby foods he eats.

As for your weight loss, seventy pounds is a lot of weight to gain and lose. Be sure to take your time and eat reasonably (especially because you are breastfeeding, but also because you want to stay a healthy Mom for your baby). It should come off a bit more easily at this time, since breastfeeding burns over 500 calories per day. Realistically this allows for a pound of weight lost per week, so you shouldn’t expect to be losing 10 pounds at a time like some diet ads often suggest.

Without knowing many details about you specifically, I can tell you it is generally recommended that a nursing mother consume a healthy diet providing at least 2200 to 2500 calories, even when she’s trying to lose weight. If you are doing that the weight will come off, slowly but surely, and everyone in the family will be in a healthy place!

Written by Laurie Beebe

About The Author: Laurie Beebe has been a registered dietitian for 25 years and is certified in adult weight management. Laurie currently serves as a diet coach and life coach at www.mycoachlaurie.com