This is part three of a series that is looking specifically at how women on keto are affected by this lifestyle. I know this is going to be a shock to everyone, but here it is; women are different from men. Okay, okay, so this isn’t news. It also isn’t news that women’s hormones are different than men’s hormones. So why is it surprising that women on keto will experience this lifestyle differently than men? This blog is looking at keto while breastfeeding – certainly something that is specific to women.
Deciding to Breastfeed
First of all, breastfeeding is a very personal decision. Many women decide this is the way to go, but others have reasons (medical or personal) why they decide they want to feed their babies formula. When I was born – many, many years ago – breastfeeding was not as common as it is now. I was raised on formula, and I was a healthy, happy child. The choice is not new. Although centuries ago we didn’t have formula, we did have wet nurses who would feed the children of the very wealthy. This has always been a decision women have made, and I support their right to do so.
What Research Says About Keto While Breastfeeding
If you decide you are going to breastfeed and you are doing keto, you need to look at what will work for you. Like in part 2 of this series (keto during pregnancy), there is not a lot of research around the topic. It is not considered ethical to experiment on how a particular diet impacts an infant. So, we have a few anecdotal stories from women who have chosen to do this, but there haven’t really been specific research studies done on it. What limited research they do have from women who are breastfeeding while on keto shows that their breast milk is higher in fat and calories.
What we do know is that when a woman is breastfeeding, she should not be worried about losing weight. We need 1800-2400 calories a day to produce good quality milk. I know there is an emphasis on women “losing the baby weight” but honestly, this is a time for you and your baby to bond – whether you are breastfeeding or not. Trust me, this bond is so much more important than the extra 20 pounds you need to shed.
Watch for These Things if you are on Keto while Breastfeeding
If you are doing keto while breastfeeding, Health Line gives you some things to watch to ensure you are still properly feeding your baby. Firstly, make sure you are getting enough fluids. It can be easy to become dehydrated on keto, and it can be easy to become dehydrated while breastfeeding. The two together makes it a real possibility, so be sure to be drinking water constantly!
Secondly, make sure you are getting enough calories. Like I said, women can need up to 2400 calories a day to produce good quality milk. Getting that many calories can be more difficult on keto, as you feel full from the foods you are eating. Maybe keep track of how many you are taking in each day so you can be sure it is sufficient.
Thirdly, watch your milk supply. If you find that your milk supply is low, keto may not be an appropriate choice right now. If you find you are having difficulties, check with your doctor and make some changes.
My Take on Keto while Breastfeeding
What I can say is that this was a very special time in my life. I was producing food for my baby and that was an amazing experience. It is astonishing to me that we, as women, can do something like that! That was the most important thing in my life in that moment in time. I remember a friend of Bill’s coming over one day and she was uncomfortable with breastfeeding. I am one of the least confrontational people alive, but I told her that I was going to feed my baby and she could leave if she didn’t want to see it.
I’m not sure what my decision would have been if I was doing keto at that time. What I do know is that nothing was more important than feeding my baby. If doing keto while you are breastfeeding is going to cause you stress, just don’t do it. If you are keen to try, then keep an eye on what your baby is telling you. Just keep an eye on their eating habits and they suddenly need to eat more often, something is not going well. Get regular checkups with your doctor and follow their advice. And most of all, enjoy this time in your life. It is a special moment you share with your baby.
Wendy
