Jillian Michaels Whey Protein Powder While Breastfeeding?

I have drunk a protein powder shake almost every morning for almost 20 years, including when I was pregnant and nursing. I have not done this to try to lose weight, but to keep from being excessively hungry. Protein is what our bodies need to make milk, to build muscle, and it keeps us from being hungry longer than any form of carbs. I started this habit when I was training in karate and was working out for many hours each week. Breastfeeding, to me, felt like a physical workout and the protein shake helped me to keep up my energy.

This is the one I drink, mixed with milk: http://www.spiru-tein.com/

I am no expert, but I don't think whey protein is bad, unless maybe your child has a milk allergy or something that might come into play. I would be very cautious however, about what OTHER things might be in the powder. If it is low calorie, then it may have sugar substitutes or sugar alcohols in it. Sugar alcohols cannot be digested by the body (which is why so many of the low-carb stuff mentions limiting your intake, b/c it can affect your digestive tract---essentially it can make you really gassy and/or have "loose" stools). The sugar alcohols can be passed on to your baby and give them diarrhea, which can be dangerous for baby.

Read the full label before deciding. Don't base your decision solely on the whey protein aspect.
And ALWAYS ask your pedi about something like this...

If you find yourself being hungry start eating more fiber and more protein. Powdered whey... I duuno... seems like a bad shortcut to me.

Cottage cheese an yogurt have whey in them.

I would look at other ways of getting protien and talk to your doctor about it too. I dunno, it just does not seem like something one would do lightly.

I don't honestly know but I was told to watch whey protein not on giving to children but breastfeeding too. Personally, I would try an herb before anything else to help. There are tons out there to curb your appetite. If nothing else, call your child's pediatrician or your doctor to find out what you can take.

I wouldn't go with Whey, I would use vegan protein only because your body responds easier to it. Also, a lot of those protein shakes out there are filled with junk you don't want to share with your baby. Check out the health food stores for organic natural vegan protein shakes that do not have cargeenan, fructose, etc. in them. I have a protein shake I use for breakfast meal replacement and have great success with it.

Enjoy!

I listen to Jillian's podcast on iTunes and she has said her whey protein powder doesn't have all the extra yucky stuff that a normal powder would. She's highly into organics, so I imagine her protein powder would be a better quality...it sure does cost more!

That being said, I agree, talk to your OB/GYN or pediatrician. You could also friend Jillian on Facebook and ask her, or listen to one of her podcasts on iTunes (you don't have to have an iPod, you can listen to it with your computer) and they give the phone number for you to call in and leave a message with your question, but that might take longer than you have.

Good luck!