RE: Dietary Pills

Breastfeeding or not, your best bet for dieting is simply to change what you eat and how you exercise. I'm not sure why you aren't just listening to what the lactation consultants told you, but you need to trust them in this.

Hi, R..
It takes a while for some to lose all the baby weight they'd gained - for me, it took about 6 months without exercise - and I lost more weight thereafter since I continued nursing. I also took fenugreek capsules 3x/day and it worked wonders with my milk supply. After 2 weeks, I had double the amount I used to make - this was incredible because my milk didn't come in until the third month after baby was born. I also pumped regularly to increase my supply. Drink lots of water, sleep as much as you can, and enjoy the time you have with your little one. It slips by so quickly!

I don't think they are a good idea. I don't have a medical degree, but I think that exercise is the best, safes, fastest way to loss weight. I found a great DVD at Target that you do with your baby. It is a mommy and me yoga DVD that your baby and you can spend fun time together while you get into shape. It is great, my kids love it!
Also, try going to whole foods and get a tea that supports breast milk production. It works and it is very relaxing drinking tea. Drink lots of water also.
Best luck! Happy milking!

For the health of your child DO NOT TRY TO DIET while breast feeding. And don't let your own vanity let you stop sooner than your child is ready. If you're concerned about your weight, then eat the right foods and exercise.

As for more milk, I've increased my production by taking fenugreek, drinking the mothers milk tea, and drinking A LOT of water. Then, after your baby nurses, you pump each breast for 15 minutes (if you don't have 15, whatever extra sucking you can give will help at least some). Also, try to nurse more frequently, so your body really feels the demand.
What fenugreek does is helps your body to breakdown carbohydrates, so it could also be beneficial to some weight loss if you eat right. I bought mine and the tea on amazon, it was far less expensive that way.

My lactation nurse at Kaiser told me to take Fenugreek - 3 pills 3 times a day. You can also drink Mother's Milk tea and boost your diet with sweet potatoes, apricots, brown rice and a shot or 2 of wheat beer - give the rest to Daddy.
I've also seen the same recomendation on a La Leche League website. Also keep up with your pre-natal vitamins. Drink tons of water!
I found the combo of apricot juice and Fenugreek did the best along with watching my salt intake. My friends had great results with the tea. Give your body 2 weeks for the supplements or diet to work and then decide what works best for you. The tea tastes pretty good and is decaf so I drank it to replace my beloved Earl Grey.

Hi R.,

I am a wellness coach and it is important to have balance to loose weight and stay healthy.

You have to make sure what you do is safe for your baby.

To start off with water is the key in removing toxins from the body. Are you drinking good healthy water?

I have been drinking this Jade greenzymes for several years and when I first started drinking it I noticed I was not as hungry because it was replacing what I was not getting in my diet and I stopped craving junk food. I lost 20 lbs just drinking this water along with the jade.

Another key factor if you are not sleeping well you will not be able to loose weight.

If you are interested in learning more on how you may balance your body let me know and I will show you how and it is especially great for your babies so you can assure they are getting proper nutrition also.

Most people go on diets or take diet pills and loose weight but end up gaining more weight in time because of not staying balanced.

Have a great week.

N. Marie

The general recommendation for breastfeeding mothers is NOT to diet. It's not healthy for you or your infant because of your body's increased need for calories and nutrition. If you have questions and/or concerns, you can call Nursing Mothers Counsel at (650)327-MILK. We are peer counselors who provide free one-on-one counseling for ANY moms who have questions!

I would say absolutlely no diet pills while breastfeeding!!! Just because its all natural doesn't mean you want your baby to have it. Caffeine, Ginko, Ginsing are all common in diet pill and are all "natural" but they are also stimulents and I wouldn't give that to my kid for the short term effects as well as the long term effects on their brain development. If you need to improve your breast milk, I agree with the fenugreek. But PLEASE be careful about actively trying to loose weight while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding will help you loose your baby weight on its own. I tried working out and I lost a large amount of my milk, You need the calories to produce good quantity and quality milk.

You can take fenugreek capsules. My lactation consultant recommended them in the hospital. Take 2-3 capsules 3 times a day. You will know it's working when you smell like maple syurp! :) You can also drink the mother's milk tea, but the fenugreek capsules are way more effective! Best wishes for a speedy increase in milk supply!

Just because it's herbal doesn't mean it's safe! (remember Metabolife?) plus your body is going through a lot of changes right now and you will lose a lot of water still. Your bones and ligaments are still expanded. You also don't know how these pills will affect your lactation.

You might want to consult your La Leche leader and maybe homeopath first. A homeopathic doctor would maybe know what's safe.

Before I got pregnant I was taking Desert Burn hoodia and it did decrease my appetite. Maybe if you decide to wean and just do formula you can try that.

Good luck!
-C.

Hi R... I am a nutritional consultant . ... work with whole foods and healthy lifestyles. All diet supplements usually contain herbs that will go thru the breast milk.. they can have a stimulant effect or cause digestive challenges for the baby. I would not recommend it.

Breast feeding alone burns 500 calories a day... and weight loss will happen with a healthy food intake. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Make sure you are getting 25-35 grams of healthy/ lean protein with each meal... especially breakfast. this will keep the blood sugars balanced and energy even keeled, and also allow the muscles to be fed, increase metabolism.

2. Water intake at 1/2 your body weight in ounces is critical for milk production, energy, removing toxins and weight loss.

3. Eat lots of dark green vegetables.. no limit

4. Apples are excellent whole foods that give energy and balance blood sugar. Keeping blood sugars balanced is a critical issue for weight loss. All fruits with pits are low glycemic

5. Stay off all white flour, sugar and white potatoes. Keep to whole healthy foods, whole grains... not pre packaged... or 'diet' foods. They are not good for you and cause energy and mood dives/ swings.

Also, I recommend you watch.. www.sharethecause.com/live

This is a 9 minute documentary which will help you understand the issue of toxic body burden and health .

This is a big issue for weight loss as toxins store in fat cells and the body is reluctant to lose weight and bring toxins into the organs. If you want more info on supplements you can take during pregnancy that will help, you can contact me through the comment section.

Take care.. L. Medina ###-###-####

I would stay away from the diet pills. Even if they're natural, they can still be harmful. It's only been a month. I'm sure you'll lose the weight.

For more milk production, I've been using More Milk Plus by Motherlove. It's a liquid herbal supplement which combines, fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle and fennel. With a dropper, you place about 1/4 tsp. under the tongue. It does not taste great, but I find it easier than preparing the tea or taking the capsules. In this form, the body also absorbs it quicker. I purchased mine at Whole Foods, and it works great!

Hi, Robin--
Anything that you take in will be transferred to the baby through breastfeeding that is why it is very important that you eat healthful natural and organic food for the baby's health's sake. I would take it from there.

E. C

R.,

Your body is using up a whole lot MORE calories right now. I was eating anything and everything I wanted and still was losing while breastfeeding. My advise to you would be to eat less calories maybe, but make sure what you do eat counts for you and for your baby. You need to get enough energy for to keep you going and on top of it provide good milk for your little one. Lots of proteins, calcium, vitamins, and good fats (Nuts, Avocadoes, Yogurt, Milk, Fish) Lots of water and possibly teas to aide in milk production. I would NOT use any kind of dietary aides: teas, pills, etc. I would only feel comfortable advising you to adjust your diet and excercising when ready. Good luck to you.

Hi there,
I'm 39 and nursing as well. I am using More Milk Plus ( I think that's the name) It's a tincture from the health food store.
Also, I am waiting to lose a lot of weight, although I found a healthy weight loss based on protein that wouldn't harm the baby. I'm waiting because I'm not sure if I lose too much weight if that will slow down my milk supply. Our bodies use the fat to make milk.
Good luck.
C.

I would say absolutely not, you need all the nutrition you can get and in reality you should be increasing your caloric intake at this time, I believe I read it was 500 extra calories. The breastfeeding and exercise should help with your weight. My son in 10 months and I've lost 38 of the 45 pounds I gained in my pregnancy by just breastfeeding and walking a few times a week. You can always check kellymom.com and look up each ingredient but I still feel that it isn't too much to wait until you're done breastfeeding, whether its 6 months or a year. It's a small sacrifice to make to ensure a healthy start for your baby.

You should definitely stay away from diet pills and some other herbal preparations when breastfeeding.
Also if you are trying to diet while nursing, you may actually be hurting your supply. I am surprised your lactation consultant didn't tell you to take fenugreek capsules to help increase your supply. Its totally safe and available at many groceries and pharmacies.

I would NOT take anything herbal or otherwise while breastfeeding.

Advice on more milk?
My milk was nearly non-existent and my ob prescribed reglin, which is used for acid reflux, which I had. It has a side-effect of hyper-lactation, even in men. That's right. After taking this, some men start to lactate. I suggested my husband switch to this med and help out with the midnight feedings, but he didn't find that concept interesting.

Anyway, the doc said it would be fine to nurse while taking it. My daughter is 7 going on 8 and no worse for the wear.

S

They may be to harsh for baby and you dont want the baby to lose weight. They don't work anyway. I think I have bought everything on the market and still nothing works. Don't waste your money or jeopardize the baby. Even herbal stuff can cause a reaction.