WW & BFing

For all the mommies out there - if you BF & are doing WW has it affected your supply at all?

Mine has tanked the past month or 2 & nothing seems to be helping (water, oatmeal, fenugreek, MM tea, extra pump sessions...). Like an idiot I couldn't figure out why, but it clicked last night - I think it's because I'm doing WW DS is 10m & is on solids/some table foods so I only get 5 extra points a day, not 10. I've been losing like a champ, but do you think I should up it to 10 extra pts a day to see if it helps? I can't make a mtg until Sunday, so I'm not sure what to do...

TIA

Message edited 7/13/2010 8:29:41 AM.

Re: WW & BFing

it may be that you are getting your period - that also causes your supply to drop


i would try to drink more water and eat water fruit- like watermelon and cantelope - eat cheerios/oatmeal- and just relax and not stress too much over it

Re: WW & BFing

i would up your pts until you can go in and talk to a leader.

ETA i would eat more fruit and dairy in ur pts.

Message edited 7/13/2010 8:35:20 AM.

Re: WW & BFing

Thanks ladies!

I thought that it might be because my 1st pp period was on its way & it did come & go 2 weeks ago, but I haven't seen my supply rebound since then

Unfortunately, I have a bad dairy allergy, so I can't up that at all, but thank you for the idea.

I drink 1.5 - 3+ liters of water a day...I'm afraid that any more might be too much. I have been trying to eat watermelon regularly too, but when it comes to seeing a change - nada

I have to give ds two 6oz bottles a day & I've barely been pumping 6 ounces. My freezer stash is down to 5 bottles. I've been trying not to stress about it, but I'm in panic mode now. With my dairy allergy I really wanted to make it 12m to try & help him, but I'm afraid that's not going to happen now

Re: WW & BFing

i have been very careful.
in the ww book in the nursing section it warns against moms who are not able to eat dairy(that is me since my baby has a dairy allergy)

i have only been losing a pound a week, with exercise. i def take in all my points due to the allergy, including activity points and flex.

Re: WW & BFing

Re: WW & BFing

If anyone is interested, I just found this online - I'm losing too fast so I'm going to start using all of 35 my flex pts by adding 5 pts daily & I'll try to use it to add more protein.

*******************

Weight-Loss Recommendations for New Moms

Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department

Many new moms are eager to shed excess pounds soon after their babies are born, but there are important weight-loss guidelines these mothers should follow.

Having a baby is an extraordinary time in a woman's life. After the baby is born, however, comes the challenge of losing weight. Losing the baby weight is important because not doing so increases the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese later in life.1 For those who are breastfeeding, there are specific weight-loss guidelines to ensure good health and adequate milk production.

When to Start
Before beginning a weight-loss program, it is important to get physician approval. It is generally recommended that breastfeeding women wait for 6-8 weeks before attempting active weight loss, as the body needs time to recover from childbirth and establish a good milk supply.

Recommendations for Weight Loss
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) a weight loss of 1 pound a week while breastfeeding is safe and does not negatively affect infant growth.2,3 A weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week is recommended for new moms who are not nursing.

It is especially important when breastfeeding to make wise food choices and eat a wide variety of healthy foods to ensure adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in breast milk. Additionally, most physicians recommend taking a prenatal vitamin while nursing and the American Medical Association recommends taking a multivitamin when following a weight-loss program.

All breastfeeding women need an extra 500 calories per day to make enough breast milk in order to provide an adequate milk supply.4 Protein needs are also increased from 46 to 71 grams (the equivalent to 3 servings of protein-rich foods) a day when breastfeeding to help preserve the lean body mass needed to help maintain a good milk supply.5

Recommendations for Physical Activity
Similar to starting any weight-loss program, physician approval should be sought before beginning regular physical activity. Research has found that both high and moderate-intensity activity does not affect a mother's ability to breastfeed2 and can help with losing weight and maintaining weight loss.3
The Weight Watchers Approach
The Weight Watchers food plans provide specific adaptations for nursing mothers and are designed to produce the recommended rate of weight loss of 1 pound a week.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated September 24, 2009.