Anyone know?

[MummaSue]

..... what the carbs/protein/fat ratios should be for a breastfeeding mother?

Totally random question I know but I'm trying to rid the baby weight and have hit a plateau and am sure it's because I'm carbing it too much.

Thanks
Sue x

[sloane]

ooh, that's an interesting question. i have been working on the basis that it's roughly the same as normal, but you just have some extra calories to play with.

i hope someone can help out!

[MummaSue]

I've been googling like mad but can't seem to find anything that I'd be reliant on.

I work with a dietician at work so might ring her monday if no-one here knows. I'll let you know too hun when I find out

[~Kim~]

no I don't, but I was on Calorie King for ages a while back and they give you a general run down of what you should be eating (in terms of carbs, protein etc) based on your weight and height. They have an option for breastfeeding so you get extra calories and allowances.

[MummaSue]

Hey Kim, I actually am logging in calorie king but there seems to be a disclaimer about breastfeeding and not a whole lot if info on the ratios. It's why I asked here because I am trying to put the numbers in and am just not sure what to put if that makes sense?

I might go back though and have a thorough check.
Thanks!
Sue xxxx

[~Kim~]

They just do a standard ratio of you leave it as they have it I think????

[MummaSue]

Ok, I emailed my old personal trainer who is also a sports nutritionist and body builder.

She sent me this:

"Now, in answer to your question if you want to log in CK and follow ratios then I'd stick with an even 40P/40C/20F however remember that your body knows best! It's been a whirlwind past year which I won't go into but simply say listen to your body, especially now it is feeding another being. Some days it will want more food than others. Some days it may ask for more carbs for example if your bubs has drank more milk (which you have no way of knowing with breastfeeding) and therefore your body has been working hard to produce more milk and you may be a little tired. Just listen to your hunger levels and trust yourself. I loved breastfeeding so much. I found that simply eating mostly healthy food when I was hungry and not eating to full, walking with baby in pram combined with breastfeeding the weight fell off me. I didn't count calories or anything back then but it wasn't until I started walking and being a bit more tuned into my eating that I did lose it".

So basically she's telling me not to worry so much about the ratios and just listen to my body. Hehe, common sense really hey?
I do have days where I am starving and other days where I'm not that hungry at all and I am sure that if I was to keep a diary about it, the days where I am hungry would coincide with days where I am pretty sure DD is going through a growth spurt or developmental leap!

Just wanted to share for anyone else who might be wanting to shed the baby weight while still breast feeding.

Sue xxxx

[appletree]

Thanks Sue that is great! When i have played around with trying to stick to certain limits i have always run into trouble with breastfeeding and ended up with a grumpy unhappy baby. I guess i should just trust myself a bit more and stop worrying about where i am up too with the totals!

[~Kim~]

oh cheers thanks Sue. I have to admit I didn't really stick to their guidleines and just ate what I needed (within the cals), but it's good to know I was doing the right thing.

[MummaSue]

No problem guys. Glad to share!!