Low Fat Diet and Milk Supply

I dieted after having my babies and while breast feeding to just shed the weight as fast as possible. As long as you don't go lower than 1500 calories you will be fine. I was told by my doc and read it on many health websites that you can eat low cal and not disrupt you milk supply as long as you don't go too low. So if you stay between 1500 and 1800 calories that is enough to still give you energy and give your body enough food to make enough milk.

Hi L.: Some thoughts to boost your milk and keep your diet low fat (based on my dieticians recommendations):

1. Can you eat fish that have natural fish oils -- salmon and tuna?
2. Baked chicken and rice and veggies (important to have one hot meal a day when bfeeding).
3. can you take omega 3 or flax seed oil supplements?
4. Lowfat milk (1/%)
5. teaspoon of olive oil on salad?

HTH. GL>
Jilly

HTH. Jilly

I ate quite low-fat through my pregnancy and first months postpartum. My midwife wanted me to watch my weight gain (I did a good job...while pregnant...lol). Maximizing your protein intake will help with your calories, as well as plenty of fruits. I do have to say that my mom had many more problems with animal fats than plant fats. So olive oil, avocado, and coconut were not nearly as painful.

To increase my low milk flow, I started drinking healthy nursing tea after the advice of LC. It helped a lot and stimulated my low milk flow.

I drink Traditional Medicinals' Organic Mother's Milk tea any time I need to boost my supply. Some Kroger supermarkets carry it in the organic section. I've also found it at GNC and online. http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/womens_teas/product/29

I would say to make sure and drink PLENTY of water! If you find that it is having a major effect on nursing then I would increase just slightly. Have you tried drinking lemon water or a small mix of vinegar water? I know it sounds REALLY gross, and it is, but I have done it before while pregnant and it made my symptoms go away!! It can't help at all. I would suggest the vinegar water first - mix a couple tablespoons vinegar to a glass of water and chug it down. Do this once a day and just see what happens! I would love to hear if it helps you too :)