Guest guest Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 You need healthy fats all the time, but nutrition is extra important if you breastfeed. Please make sure you eat extra calories for your baby. The rule of thumb is 500 calories--for me that was a bit high, but in any case if you are breastfeeding exclusively (no formula for baby) then you cannot cut your calories too much. It is absolutely the case that you would feel totally zapped and craving calories if your baby was nursing a lot and therefore stimulating your body to forget everything else and produce more milk! Give yourself extra helpings of protein and carbs--you should not use the usual guidelines--off the top of my head, I would add the amount of one extra meal to your daily intake. That would be the minimum. Making sure that your extra is lean protein, veggie, and fruit would make sure that your baby is getting the best possible nutrition from you. I would see how that works and adjust accordingly. Have you lost much weight yet? You must also remember that any toxins that may be in your fat cells will be released into your bloodstream and baby will be exposed to some extent. A very important reason to keep your fat from dropping too fast. Getting your heathy fats such as your EFA's will be so important to you, as well as your baby--they are crucial in brain development. I wish I had had BFL when I was nursing--I'm jealous of the great start you are giving your baby with this high-quality diet! ; ) I'm sure , Joni and others can elaborate on the fats--I may not be an authority on fitness, but I know my way around breastfeeding after 3 kids. I'm going out of town tomorrow AM--so glad I checked my mail one last time. This is one thing I can offer help on. : ) Best Regards, beth Breastfeeding I had a really rough time last week with BFL. It was my week 3, first challenge. I woke up one day with a horrible headache. It turned into nausea. I was useless all day. My stomach was tore up, I was dizzy, and I wanted FOOD. Not BFL stuff, but the stuff I was eating 3 weeks ago. I didn't work out. I wasn't horrible on eating, but I wasn't good either. That set the stage for Friday, which made my weekend horrible. Weekends are difficult anyway because we're running errands and stuff. So, I'm all geared up and feeling fresh to start my week 4 tomorrow. I was thinking of what caused me to feel so awful on Thursday. I have a 2 month old baby. He currently went through a growth spurt. I'm thinking maybe I wasn't eating enough to supply what he needed, and that's why I was so zapped. Is this accurate? Should I try to eat peanut butter or something with fat in it every day to be sure I'm giving my baby what he needs? I realized that I was decreasing my intake at the same time my baby was. Any tips? -Bobbi PS - The posting about realizing you aren't going to be perfect couldn't have come at a better time. I read the post and felt much better. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 Bobbi, I don't have much experience with any kind of " diet " during early breastfeeding days - I was pretty much scared away from doing ANYTHING except sitting on the couch and eating Quaker oatmeal breakfast squares. Looking back, of course, now that seems silly, and I could've reached my goals a year ago. Is this your first baby? Those first few months are so hard, and I remember being exhausted and feeling sick like that pretty often. It's such a huge adjustment, and they just nurse SOOOO much at that age. By the way, in case you didn't know, oatmeal (and flaxseed too!) is supposed to be excellent for boosting your milk supply, so a bowl of oatmeal with some flaxseed meal and a protein would be a perfect breakfast. There was a thread about fitness & nursing here recently: http://www.oxygenmag.net/showthread.php?t=30243 You might find some of the discussion helpful. > > You need healthy fats all the time, but nutrition is extra important if > you breastfeed. Please make sure you eat extra calories for your baby. The > rule of thumb is 500 calories--for me that was a bit high, but in any case > if you are breastfeeding exclusively (no formula for baby) then you cannot > cut your calories too much. It is absolutely the case that you would feel > totally zapped and craving calories if your baby was nursing a lot and > therefore stimulating your body to forget everything else and produce more > milk! > Give yourself extra helpings of protein and carbs--you should not use the > usual guidelines--off the top of my head, I would add the amount of one > extra meal to your daily intake. That would be the minimum. Making sure that > your extra is lean protein, veggie, and fruit would make sure that your baby > is getting the best possible nutrition from you. I would see how that works > and adjust accordingly. > Have you lost much weight yet? > You must also remember that any toxins that may be in your fat cells will > be released into your bloodstream and baby will be exposed to some extent. A > very important reason to keep your fat from dropping too fast. > Getting your heathy fats such as your EFA's will be so important to you, > as well as your baby--they are crucial in brain development. > I wish I had had BFL when I was nursing--I'm jealous of the great start > you are giving your baby with this high-quality diet! ; ) > I'm sure , Joni and others can elaborate on the fats--I may not be an > authority on fitness, but I know my way around breastfeeding after 3 kids. > I'm going out of town tomorrow AM--so glad I checked my mail one last > time. This is one thing I can offer help on. : ) > > Best Regards, > beth > > > > Breastfeeding > > I had a really rough time last week with BFL. It was my week 3, first > challenge. I woke up one day with a horrible headache. It turned > into nausea. I was useless all day. My stomach was tore up, I was > dizzy, and I wanted FOOD. Not BFL stuff, but the stuff I was eating 3 > weeks ago. I didn't work out. I wasn't horrible on eating, but I > wasn't good either. That set the stage for Friday, which made my > weekend horrible. Weekends are difficult anyway because we're running > errands and stuff. > > So, I'm all geared up and feeling fresh to start my week 4 tomorrow. > > I was thinking of what caused me to feel so awful on Thursday. I have > a 2 month old baby. He currently went through a growth spurt. I'm > thinking maybe I wasn't eating enough to supply what he needed, and > that's why I was so zapped. Is this accurate? Should I try to eat > peanut butter or something with fat in it every day to be sure I'm > giving my baby what he needs? I realized that I was decreasing my > intake at the same time my baby was. Any tips? > > -Bobbi > > PS - The posting about realizing you aren't going to be perfect > couldn't have come at a better time. I read the post and felt much > better. Thanks! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2007 Report Share Posted July 16, 2007 > Something you may want to bookmark is: www.babycenter.com Our son is now 5 plus and I've been checking that website weekly since he was born. It is great for everything: self-care, childcare, discipline, potty training, etc. If you plug in breastfeeding you'll find a ton of information. I breast fed for 10 months and also supplemented, and what I found really helped me was drinking milk. I primarily got the extra 500 calories you're supposed to add to accomodate breastfeeding through milk. First, it was easy. Second, milk is a great combination of protein and calcium, two things a child really needs. If you can find DHA fortified milk (DHA is essential for brain development in infants/toddlers) even better. You may have to go to a Whole Foods or other natural food store to do so. > > > Breastfeeding > > I had a really rough time last week with BFL. It was my week 3, first > challenge. I woke up one day with a horrible headache. It turned > into nausea. I was useless all day. My stomach was tore up, I was > dizzy, and I wanted FOOD. Not BFL stuff, but the stuff I was eating 3 > weeks ago. I didn't work out. I wasn't horrible on eating, but I > wasn't good either. That set the stage for Friday, which made my > weekend horrible. Weekends are difficult anyway because we're running > errands and stuff. > > So, I'm all geared up and feeling fresh to start my week 4 tomorrow. > > I was thinking of what caused me to feel so awful on Thursday. I have > a 2 month old baby. He currently went through a growth spurt. I'm > thinking maybe I wasn't eating enough to supply what he needed, and > that's why I was so zapped. Is this accurate? Should I try to eat > peanut butter or something with fat in it every day to be sure I'm > giving my baby what he needs? I realized that I was decreasing my > intake at the same time my baby was. Any tips? > > -Bobbi > > PS - The posting about realizing you aren't going to be perfect > couldn't have come at a better time. I read the post and felt much > better. Thanks! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2007 Report Share Posted July 17, 2007 Definitely make sure you eat enough! You don't want to go bananas with unauthorized foods but you need to eat enough good, clean foods to fuel both yourself and your baby. And I posted mostly because I wanted to thank you for taking the trouble to breastfeed I don't know what stats are on that, but I'm always glad to see someone doing it instead of deciding not to. Bonnie > > I had a really rough time last week with BFL. It was my week 3, first > challenge. I woke up one day with a horrible headache. It turned > into nausea. I was useless all day. My stomach was tore up, I was > dizzy, and I wanted FOOD. Not BFL stuff, but the stuff I was eating 3 > weeks ago. I didn't work out. I wasn't horrible on eating, but I > wasn't good either. That set the stage for Friday, which made my > weekend horrible. Weekends are difficult anyway because we're running > errands and stuff. > > So, I'm all geared up and feeling fresh to start my week 4 tomorrow. > > I was thinking of what caused me to feel so awful on Thursday. I have > a 2 month old baby. He currently went through a growth spurt. I'm > thinking maybe I wasn't eating enough to supply what he needed, and > that's why I was so zapped. Is this accurate? Should I try to eat > peanut butter or something with fat in it every day to be sure I'm > giving my baby what he needs? I realized that I was decreasing my > intake at the same time my baby was. Any tips? > > -Bobbi > > PS - The posting about realizing you aren't going to be perfect > couldn't have come at a better time. I read the post and felt much > better. Thanks! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2007 Report Share Posted July 17, 2007 Breastfeeding is a no-brainer for me! Its easier, cheaper, and better for both of us! I've read all of your comments (thanks so much!) and have been giving it some thought. I loved the glass of milk per day suggestion. Last night I had a myoplex shake. It was an extra 'meal' for the day, but I thought maybe it would give me that extra that I need. Do the foods I eat help or hurt the baby? When I eat better, does it help him at all, or does he basically get the same things either way? I don't totally understand how it all works. -Bobbi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2007 Report Share Posted July 17, 2007 Bobbi, I always understood that baby will pull whatever is needed from the milk. If your diet isn't up to par, it's mom's health that suffers. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the flavor of breastmilk varies according to what we eat and can be influential in shaping the baby's tastes. So, although eating a bunch of broccoli may not improve the quality of your breastmilk, it may give your baby a taste for broccoli, which is always a good thing. That said, I have also heard that babies can definitely benefit from extra omega-3s in mom's diet. > > Breastfeeding is a no-brainer for me! Its easier, cheaper, and better > for both of us! > > I've read all of your comments (thanks so much!) and have been giving > it some thought. I loved the glass of milk per day suggestion. Last > night I had a myoplex shake. It was an extra 'meal' for the day, but > I thought maybe it would give me that extra that I need. > > Do the foods I eat help or hurt the baby? When I eat better, does it > help him at all, or does he basically get the same things either way? > I don't totally understand how it all works. > > -Bobbi > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2007 Report Share Posted July 18, 2007 I have not thoroughly checked out this website but I remember my mom reading a book by them (she's had 9 kids and I have only heard good about them. Perhaps if you look around there you might find some more answers about breastfeeding. http://lalecheleague.org/ Bonnie > > Breastfeeding is a no-brainer for me! Its easier, cheaper, and better > for both of us! > > I've read all of your comments (thanks so much!) and have been giving > it some thought. I loved the glass of milk per day suggestion. Last > night I had a myoplex shake. It was an extra 'meal' for the day, but > I thought maybe it would give me that extra that I need. > > Do the foods I eat help or hurt the baby? When I eat better, does it > help him at all, or does he basically get the same things either way? > I don't totally understand how it all works. > > -Bobbi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2007 Report Share Posted July 18, 2007 I just found this forum and, although I am not currently doing a BFL challenge, I have adopted some of the tenets of the program such as eating mini-meals 6 times a day and lifting weights more. Great job to all of you doing a challenge right now! I breastfed both of my boys -- the first for 11 months and the second one for 14 -- and with the second one I was following weight watchers while BFing. They suggest that you add 10 points (if you're familiar with the ww program that's about 500 calories) and eat your activity points if you are working out. Also, some women stress not doing any rigorous w/o for at least 8-10 weeks post-partum. From my experience, if you are feeling light-headed, etc., it is your body's way of telling you it needs more fuel. Esp. if your baby is going through a growth spurt! I would definitely add at least one meal and tons of water. Also, in addition to La Leche League, I would recommend www.kellymom.com -- great bfing info on that site! Lastly, congratulations on breastfeeding!! It's a commitment but I found it to be so worth it. Jenni Re: Breastfeeding I have not thoroughly checked out this website but I remember my mom reading a book by them (she's had 9 kids and I have only heard good about them. Perhaps if you look around there you might find some more answers about breastfeeding. http://lalecheleague.org/ Bonnie --- In Recent Activity a.. 19New Members b.. 7New Photos c.. 2New Links Visit Your Group Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 hello, i am new here. i found you guys off of babyfit.com and thought i would give bfl a try. just wondering if any breastfeeding mom's have tips. like did you take the flax seed or shakes while nursing? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 Lots of good info in the messages and FAQs at Body for Life Mommies - http://groups.msn.com/BodyforLifeMommies > hello, i am new here. i found you guys off of babyfit.com and thought i > would give bfl a try. just wondering if any breastfeeding mom's have > tips. like did you take the flax seed or shakes while nursing? thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 Actually, flaxseed is often recommended to nursing moms. From mom: Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are reported safe for nursing moms. Cracked flaxseed is used as a laxative, and should be ingested only with adequate liquid. When flaxseed is taken as recommended, there are no known side effects. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction. Flaxseed is not absorbed systemically, and therefore poses little threat to the nursling during breastfeeding. More here<http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/comp/acf1e63.ht\ m>. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. It's a dietary source of LNA (alpha-linolenic acid). The Food and Agricultural Organization recommends that at least 6% of the calories of a lactating woman's diet be from the essential fatty acids (linolenic acid [LA] and LNA). Both LA and LNA play a very important role in brain development. I've heard from one source that flaxseed oil can increase milk supply<http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbal-rem_c.html#efa>- I have no idea if this is true. One midwife suggests taking an essential fatty acid supplement (flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids) to aid milk supply, because the fatty acids help us to make the hormones we need for breastfeeding. http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ref/herbs_f.html > hello, i am new here. i found you guys off of babyfit.com and thought i > would give bfl a try. just wondering if any breastfeeding mom's have > tips. like did you take the flax seed or shakes while nursing? thanks > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.