Cutting calories- does it effect supply?

KK0916

I am 5wkPP on Tuesday.  I pump every 3 hours and used to get 3oz combined every time. 2 days ago I started tracking everything I ate and cutting calories to lose this pregnancy weight.  Now I only get 2oz every 3 hours.  I EP so please dont suggest nursing to me; LO takes too long and Im not patient enough.  Im just wondering if anyone out there found their supply dipped when they started to try to lose the baby weight?

OntheWater

If your cutting too many calories, yes, it can definitely affect supply. Start slowly- cut back a little at a time while monitoring supply and see what works. Drink lots if water too and protein, etc. I cut back gradually, found I did ok with supply (I have an oversupply anyway though), and so far have lost about 16 lbs since the initial post-baby drop. I'm losing at a rate of about 1 lb a week and supply is fine. This week, my older daughter was sick and bc I was very short on time between caring for her a she threw up and running back to DD2 to rock back to sleep because DD1's screaming woke her up, I didn't eat much at all, lost 2.6 lbs and supply was fine. BUT I don't think I could safely maintain that rate without it affecting supply.

Sarelnad

For me, yes. I suggest cutting back really slowly at first.

BootsOrHearts

I definitely suggest working with an LC on nursing. Long term this is going to be much easier than pumping. It's very hard to maintain your supply when you EP and it takes a lot of time. If you go anywhere with baby you have to bring bottles and pump. I've had to pump in my car, public bathrooms, etc and with a screaming baby it's even harder.

KK0916

Thank you for all the advice.  Myfitnesspal gave me 1700 cals a day to lead to a 1lb a week weight loss and that's what I was doing.  I then started added "breast milk per oz" into my food category and it gave me an extra 20 cals per oz which is great.  Today my supply is back up, but I did eat 1/2 a frozen pizza last night so idk.  And I was still under my cals which was awesome.  I will try to focus more on protein and clean eating and water like you all suggested.  I don't think EPing is "harder" due to the fact that LO needs a shield to latch and then falls asleep every 10 minutes at the breast.  Its more stressful nursing and I dont have time for it.  Plus in 8 weeks Ill be back at work gone from her for 10 hours a day anyways.  Idk I just prefer EPing that's all.  But for sure if your baby is efficient at nursing then go for it; I would love to be able to do that.  On another note being fat is extremely hard for me. Ive been a size 12 and a size 4 in my adult life (and everywhere in between at one point or another) and it is so hard to see my body like this.  Im dreading going back to work, not because Ill be without my baby but because people are going to think "there's another new sloppy mom who went from hot wife to nasty after just one baby".  Everyone thinks that when they see a new mom who doesn't lose the weight fast.  I also have a wedding in 5 months (to go to not to be in) and I dont even want to go; already dreading it.  Anyways, thanks for the advice I do appreciate it.

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VitaLuna

You sound immature. You "don't have time" for your baby to eat, you think postpartum women who don't lose the weight right away are sloppy and nasty. Seriously, you know we're all PP at some level here, right?

The body changes suck, they really do. But this is what we all signed up for and it will take time. To answer your question, yes, cutting calories dropped my supply significantly. I decided my baby's health/nutrition was more important than the number on the scale. So, I guess I'm just "nasty".

jjmz1127

Maybe instead of cutting calories just cut carbs! Focus on proteins and veggies instead of pizza and pasta (my 2 weaknesses!).

And remember... ALL mothers are beautiful no matter the size. We created a life and gave birth to it! We are pretty awesome. Don't take that away from yourself. Just focus on the baby and a healthy diet and the rest will work itself out.

GL!

KK0916

No, no , no I said I went from being hot wife to sloppy mom. Absolutely nobody else did.  Thank you for the info.  2000cals, got it. 

opheliainwaders

KK0916 said:

No, no , no I said I went from being hot wife to sloppy mom. Absolutely nobody else did.  Thank you for the info.  2000cals, got it. 

Just FYI, 2000 cals may not (probably won't) be enough, at least in the first few months. I have to eat about 2500, with a high proportion of fats (I now eat a lot of nuts, avocado, and use whole milk dairy) to maintain supply. I think you need to decide whether it's more important to you to breastfeed or to look a certain way, and I'd recommend talking to someone who can help you sort through these feelings about your body.