Breastfeeding a 7-Month Old

poustotah

I had my last baby in June of last year. I've been breastfeeding her and don't want to quit just yet. I've been losing weight and am past my pre-pregnancy weight so that's not an issue. A couple of months ago I noticed that I would eat well for a 3-4 days and then I would notice that the baby would get super fussy and I could see that my breast milk would get real thin. So I would have a day where I would eat my maintenance calories and my milk would 'thicken' up and the baby would be happy. So the issue is obviously something to do with my diet. I brought this up to the pediatrician and she told me that it was my diet and that I should consult with my regular doctor. In the meantime, I started inreasing my calories to determine what my maintenance calories truly were. So far, I've gotten to 2500 calories a day and the same thing is still happening - every 3-4 days baby is getting fussy and my milk is thinning out. I went to the doctor today and she told me that I need to stop dieting all together but at 2500 calories a day, I'd hardly call that a deficit. Then she suggested to increase my fats.

My question is, has anyone else experienced this? What do you do? I'm not losing excessive amounts of weight. I'm not trying to. I'm eating healthy, whole grains, lean proteins. I just don't want baby peanut to suffer.

Thank you.

gingerb85

Are there any other things that could be triggering the fussiness? Something you are eating that she may be reacting to? More exercise? Less fluid intake? Has she started on solid foods and perhaps it is something in her diet?

unhgoose

I don't have much to offer than my experience. For my body 2500 calories isn't a deficit at all. I'm breastfeeding an almost 7 month old and have been cutting my calories to around 1800 or so for about a month and haven't seen any reduction in milk (I know exactly how much I produce because I pump at work). With my first I also tried dieting and it did affect my milk production, but that was always at under 2000 calories. Maybe your body just needs more calories to make milk? With my first I had to wait to cut calories until we were done breastfeeding.

Are you drinking lots of water? I know that can make a difference. Sorry I couldn't help much. Loosing weight while breastfeeding is a really tricky balance. If you're happy with your weight and not gaining when eating the 2500, you might just have to eat more to keep up a good supply.

It's interesting to me just how different women's bodies are.

chelekaz

I would suggest speaking with a Lactation Specialist as well. They know exactly what affects breast milk (more so that a pediatrician or a primary physician for you).

I do know I had to have a consult w/ mine when I had my 2nd child, I had started introducing some real foods at around 5-6 months because just breast milk alone wasn't cutting it.

poustotah

Thanks so much everyone. I hadn't thought about the lactation consultant but that's a great idea. I'm definitely going to speak with her too!

It only seems to be happening every 3-4 days if I'm not getting enough of something that is yet to be determined. And I can tell because she's fussy and I'm starving that day. Today I have increased my fat quite a bit and I'll see what happens this week with a fat increase. I suspect it may be a carb balance because my diet is fairly low carb but we'll see what happens.

wady24

I am nursing a 9 month + baby girl and have been recently started watching my diet and working out regularly. I am still not at my pre preggo weight so would like to lose weight and have just now started cutting down on my calories ( she is eating more solids as well). I am still getting approx 1800 calories in a day after intense workouts. My supply has not dipped any more than it did before and the baby still seems fine.

It could definitely be something else that you are eating in your diet that is bothering the baby, I think 2500 calories with FT breastfeeding is a decent amount of calories. however, if you are at your ideal weight, I think you can definitely try eating a little bit more fat and see if that helps your baby,

brybre0413

Dont forget to drink lots of water more than usual so I am saying at least 10 cups! This has a huge influence!

amykluver

This happens to me (for my 1st and currently for my 2nd) - and I have always attributed it to "dieting" and not eating enough, or enough fat/protien. But seeing it still occur when I am consuming plenty of both - I am stumped now too. I know my milk in the morning (when I'm most full/engorged since the baby sleeps thru), tends to resemble skim milk or even look watery - regardless of my eating habits. I think the baby is probably fussy because it is more like "skim" so it takes so much more to feel "full". Just my 2 cents from my experiences. Good luck and I'm wondering how you get 2500 cal (I'm getting an allotment of approx 1600 - you must work out a lot more or be a lot taller than I) - but I'm just jealous. :-) Best wishes.

nikkisyv

Bear in mind that babies take (and get) what they need from you under some extremely trying circumstances. This is seen in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum who lose weight whilst pregnant and go on to have children of healthy weights, and in areas of famine, where malnourished mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies (often to their detriment). Trust your instincts; I completely applaud your dedication but do what's right for you... I'm sure your baby's not suffering and variety in her diet should (I'd like to think) encourage wide tastes in later life!

ashquin

i am currently breast feeding my 7 month old son. i am at 1500 calories not including excercise. my supply has no changed. i think it may be something in you diet. is there anything new you are eating that you havnt had before? sometimes to much ruffage (salads) can be irritating for babies. is she eating anyting new? WHEN WAS YOUR BABY BORN BY THE WAY? MY SON IS JUNE 16

tjpinch

I'm eating 1800/day and feeding my chunky 3 month old. Drink lots of water and make sure you're getting enough fat (good fat).

rollycollysmama

WTG on breastfeeding mama!!! Your doing great! Watery milk is usually hindmilk less fat content, if your worried, try pumping before you nurse, the less empty your breast is, the more fourmilk you will have to offer her which is high in all the good for her fat she needs!! I wouldn't worry about your milk contant though, any LC will tell u that any breastmilk is good breast milk, and you only need to consume an extra 350 cals a day to keep your supply up!!

rollycollysmama

for more nursing questions check out the Leaky b@@b on facebook or respect the breast on facebook, I have found amazing support from all those women!!