Nursing and on the Induction Phase

[joanstead]

Hi,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am nursing and on the Induction Phase of the diet. Sometimes I go a little over 20 grams, but it's okay because I know I'm still in ketosis.

I have been struggling with weight loss for the past 10 years. I have 2 children and my second is 4 months old and he's growing well, even though I'm on the low carb diet.

I have to confess that I've never eaten this healthy before, in my entire life! I have so many vegetables--cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, spaghetti squash, salads, green beans, and fruit such as blueberries, which only have 0.2 carbs per berry, and strawberries. I love this diet because the foods I'm cooking for my family are fresh and yummy.

I know that there are a lot of moms out there who are concerned about doing the Induction Phase when nursing. I didn't do it while I was pregnant, but now that I'm nursing, I can see that my baby is healthy and when I take him to the doctor, he is perfectly healthy.

I do have to drink A LOT of water!!! I have to stress this, so if any other mom is going to try to do this, then please, drink at least half of your weight in ounces of water. If you weigh 220, then drink at least 110 ounces of water.

I try to drink a gallon of water daily because when I wasn't drinking enough water I did feel dehydrated and my milk production wasn't as much, so Lots of Water is a key.

Also, since my baby is 4 mos. old, I'm supplementing with rice cereal.

I've lost 30 lbs. and today is the 2 month mark. I still have about 50 more pounds to lose, so I will continue doing the induction phase until I get close to that mark.

My question is this, does anyone know the best way to release ketones? I know that ketones are released through urine, but what about sweating?

Would it be a good logical thought to exercise and sweat before I nurse so that I'm eliminating as many ketones as possible before nursing?

Also, I've heard that there is something bad about exercising before nursing...

JoAn

[joanstead]

How to Check for Ketones in Breastmilk

Hi Again! Just thought I'd let other moms know how they can check to see if ketones are in their breastmilk--since that is a big worry, just use the same test sticks that you use for your urine and either pump or manually express a little breastmilk out and dip the test stick in your milk. I did this, and my breastmilk never showed but just trace amounts, so it was always light pink or peach. However, when I test my urine, it is always DARK PURPLE, which is good for me, means I'm buring fat.

So maybe this tip can help another nursing mom to not be so worried when doing a low carb diet, simply by testing the milk for ketones.

Feel free to email me with any questions. joanstead@mchsi.com

[dotsamantha]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

I have no medical opinion on this, but i was under the impression that you shouldn't restrict your diet that much while nursing. i'm not sure though. I guess as long as your doctor approves and your child is healthy then no worries.

[cypressgirl]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

I think the deal with exercising before nursing has to do suppressing your supply. If you are making plenty then great. If it drops, ease up on the exercise/diet.

Make sure you are still taking your supplements and probably an additional calcium/magnesium/vitamin d. Don't take it at the same time as the multi since you can only absorb so much. I suggest one in the am and one at night.

Also, never ever go more than 3-4 hours without something to eat. This way of eating will naturally suppress your appetite and that is okay but you really need to constantly be processing nutrients for you and your milk when you are not asleep for the night.

Congrats on the little one and your choice to breastfeed!

[joanstead]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

thanks for the replies! I must stress that I am not reducing calories. I eat when I am hungry. I eat better now than I ever have in my entire life. I eat so many vegetables, lots of fiber, protein, etc.

I know that it is not recommended to do that induction phase while nursing, but I don't feel like I'm endangering my son or myself. I test my breastmilk with the ketosis testing strips to see if there are any ketones, but hardly any, usually a light peach color, which is just 0-trace amounts.

My mouth and through always feel dry, but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with being in ketois and nursing. It could be that I'm about to get sick.

Let me know if anyone else experiences a dry mouth/throat.

Thanks,
JoAn

[2big4mysize]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

did you know stix only test for one type of ketone and in the body their are 3 types, acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.
dry mouth for Atkins eaters is usually from the diuretic effect of the program.

[joanstead]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

no i didn't know about other ketones. i've never seen that in the atkins book. Please give me more info about this.

if my breastmilk isn't showing any ketones, then do you think i should be worried about the other ones that you mentioned? how do you test for those?

JoAn

[2big4mysize]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

you can't test for them without having a lab test your milk. Dr Atkins doesn't go into a lot of depth on the biochem of his program but he does warn that preggo and nursing mothers should no be in any phase of his plan other then maintnenance level.

[AllieRichie]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

Hi There! I hope everything is going well with your nursing. I did not have a good experience after I had my son and started doing Atkins actually. My milk pretty much diminished. I don't nkow if it was from Atkins or some other reason, like My body was not a nursing body.

[faith*hope*love]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

I would talk to the babys doctor before starting any diet especially Atkins!
I breastfeed all 4 of my girls, and was told not to diet at all, because it can cause toxins ( caused from the fat being released into the blood stream)to be released into the milk, and not so much the quantity but the quality of the milk would be reduced, you will notice the milk becoming thinner and you would need to give the baby supplements ( formula) because the breast milk would not be giving the baby all it needs anymore.
I did go into a deep depression with my last baby when she was 5 mo old and I lost my appitite and could not eat, I did not eat anything for like 2 months and I lost my milk very fast. just make sure your taking vitamins and get lots of vegetables in your diet , if I were you I would only do atkins 2 phase if that. wish you luck.

[lucidlemon]

Re: Nursing and on the Induction Phase

I have read a lot about this- the reason you should not breastfeed while in the weightloss phases of the diet is because your body is shedding toxins- these toxins could potentially make him/her sick.

I have a friend who went back on induction while still nursing and her doctor yelled at her! What has your doctor said- if you haven't mentioned this, I really think you should. There is a reason why there is a warning that pregnant or nursing women should not do the weightloss phases of this diet.

I applaud you for wanting to take control of your weight, but you really should be in maintenance if you are going to nurse your baby. Good luck!