Breastfeeding, blood clot, struggling to lose weight

melissamcafeetaylor

I'm struggling trying to lose weight right now. Previously I lost 75 pounds by strictly dieting. Then I got pregnant with my daughter.

My daughter is almost 6 months now. I'm breastfeeding, and pumping at work. I'm starving all the time. I'm trying to eat healthy, but I have to limit my greens. After I gave birth they found a blood clot on my brain. So I'm currently on 11mg of blood thinners, as well as antidepressants (to help stop the headaches related to the blood clot). The antidepressants are making me tired, and I think that contributes to my hunger as well as the breastfeeding. But with the blood clot, I've been told to limit my vegetables because they thicken the blood, which they're still having trouble keeping the blood thin enough, even with all the medication.

I'm struggling so hard to start losing weight again, because I feel so unhealthy and tired all the time. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to help lose the weight while keeping my milk supply?

tinkerbellang83

The breastfeeding itself should be all you're using as a deficit from my understanding, it's not wise to be trying to reduce calorie intake through food, are you trying to restrict food intake too? That probably won't help with energy levels and that's far more important than trying to shift weight quickly when you've a 6 month old baby and other health problems to worry about.

MichelleSilverleaf

Eat at your maintenance and let breastfeeding create a deficit. You could also see if you could get to a registered dietician and maybe they might have some suggestions with food based on your medical status at the moment.

apullum

I would ask for a referral to a registered dietician who is familiar with your medical concerns and can recommend foods that are safe for you. It might also be a good idea to just maintain your weight for a while instead of trying to lose right now, since you have a lot of other things going on right now between your health issues and taking care of your baby.

LivingtheLeanDream

So for you its a matter of finding foods you can eat but still are in a calorie deficit - i.e eating less than you burn which leads to weight loss. With breastfeeding you need to be taking in ample enough calories, aim for no more loss than 1lb a week.
What have you MFP set to for weekly loss? if you chose 2lbs for e.g that is mostly likely too much to aim for whilst feeding baby.

DomesticKat

In your case, I feel it would be best to speak with a registered dietitian. The generic advice I would give is not appropriate for someone dealing with special circumstances that should really be handled by a professional in person. Losing weight while breastfeeding/pumping is also not appropriate for everyone, and it may just be best to work on maintaining for the time being as it sounds like weight loss may be a bit overwhelming right now. Wishing you the best!

daniellepoynter82

Hi, I too have suffered with multiple blood clots on my lungs and take warfarin to control my clotting time. When it comes to veg and and blood thinning meds you only need to stay clear of dark leafy greens as they contain large amounts of vitamin K which can be a contraindication of your blood thinning medication, so you are still able to have a large variety of vegetables in your diet. You also need to stay away from grapefruit and cranberries. As you are breastfeeding I would recommend that you try not to reduce your calorie intake but to try to make healthier choices and eat 5-6 small meals per day eg: boiled egg, veg and hummus, cottage cheese and crackers, peanut butter and banana on protein bread. Good luck with your journey