Cutting out carbs while BFing?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with going low-carb or no-carb while EBFing? We’re supplementing from time to time but not very often at all. My LO is almost 1 month and I had him via c-section. I’m still getting very painful gas and bloating, and I’ve noticed it’s the worst after I eat carbs for whatever reason. I’ve read it’s not good to diet while breastfeeding because it could cause a drop in supply, but I’m not trying to lose weight, just get rid of my painful bloating. Any thoughts on this?

Answer

While breastfeeding I tried doing the whole 30 (which cuts out bread, pastas, grains, dairy, any type of processed foods or foods with added sugars). In one week I went from being able to pump 18oz while at work  down to only getting 4oz because I wasn’t getting enough calories. Once I started eating more calories my supply jumped right back up. Sad because I really wanted to do the whole 30 but happy that my supply wasn’t permanently affected by it :)

Answer

When it comes to low-carbohydrate diets and breastfeeding, this can affect the metabolism by breaking down your body to get energy and thus produce ketones. It is likely that ketones will also be present in the breast milk, as well as in blood and urine.
There is currently little research on the effects of ketones in breast milk, and we do not know if this is safe for the child.
Lactose - milk sugar - is an important carbohydrate in breast milk. Lactose is important for milk production, for example, and there is a certain risk that a low-carbohydrate diet may lead to reduced milk production. Cows that have high concentrations of ketones in the blood produce less milk, but they have not done such studies on humankind. Ketons may also change the taste and smell of the milk.

Answer

I think it sounds more like the gluten is bothering you. I’d try to cut out gluten for a couple weeks and see if that helps. I get horribly bloated and painful gas if I eat too much.

Answer

I think the most important thing is to just make sure you’re getting enough calories and water!

Answer

I went on the Keto diet ( very low carb) and it didn’t effect my supply at all.

Answer

It can cause the drop in supply, but it can be done. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep your supply up while eating low carb.

Answer

Your body NEEDS carbs. It is a vital nutrient!! Without it you will permanently damage your kidneys, heart, and brain.

Cutting out carbs while BFing?

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