diet and milk composition

[maxmum]

Hi, my lo has always suffered from what i guess was mild silent reflux, he was sometimes uncomfortable on the breast, cried after feeds etc. but we managed it by sitting him up during feeds and keeping him upright and it was never much of a problem.  Over the last fortnight however his symptoms have gotten much worse and he is in a lot of pain during ans after every feed. The doctor has prescribed infant gaviscon which is helping a little and i have been trying to work out whether anything in my diet could have caused this to get so bad so quickly.  The only thing i can think of is that i decded about 2 weeks ago to try and do something about my pregnancy weight, i joined weight watchers and have been exercising.  I have lost 8 pounds in two weeks and although i was a little concerned that i might not be eating enough my milk supply appeared unaffected so i wasn't worried.  However, i have just been reading the BW book and it mentions that if you stop eating carbohydrate your milk contains less fat.  My lo has been feeding LOADS and i assumed he was having a growth spurt (he's 11 weeks) but now i'm wondering whether my milk isn't satisfying him? I panicked and gave him some formula tonight and so far he's sleeping much better (but i know that formula sits heavier in their tummies).  Could it be my diet or can reflux suddenly get much worse around this time?

Bit confused, any help much appreciated, thanks.

xx

[maxmum]

Hi, thanks for quick reply, i'd only just posted!

I haven't specifically reduced my carbs just cut out all junk, processed foods, chocolate etc, my main worry is that i don't think i'm getting more than 1000 cals a day which i don't think is enough.  I just find it hard to be healthy and eat enough!  I feel really bad now that my vanity might have caused all his pain    I feel almost tempted to move him onto formula as i've felt for a while like a lot of his digestive upsets are due to my milk.  I just don't know what to do for the best, i know the BF has a million and one benefits but i also just want a happy baby again.

Thanks for your reply
xx

[maxmum]

I know, you're right, i guess i just thought as my supply was fine that i was eating enough.  My LO just woke up so i fed him and then offered him 2oz formula which he gobbled down.  I'll see how he sleeps now.  I'm gonna have to find things to eat that are healthy and full of calories!

Thanks again
xx

[Samuel's mum]

I would agree with Stacy's comment that 1000 calories is not enough for a breastfeeding mother or a formula-feeding one for that matter.

This is from kellymom.com
Studies have shown that most healthy breastfeeding women maintain an abundant milk supply while taking in 1800-2200 (or more) calories per day. Consuming less than 1500-1800 calories per day (most women should stay at the high end of this range) may put your milk supply at risk, as may a sudden drop in caloric intake.

Your milk will have changed considerably but can return if you eat healthily again e.g increase calories.
Out of interest - do weighchers know you are nursing and are they advising you differently from other people? You shouldn't be losing more that 1-2 pounds and that is from weighchers directly. Look at how they advise you to 'diet' differently.
http://www.weighchers.co.uk/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=17661

[maxmum]

Hi, i did tell the leader at WWatchers that i'm breastfeeding and she gave me a leaflet but when i went last week and i'd lost 5 1/2 pounds everyone said how well i'd done and "keep up the good work" etc.  Nobody thought it was too much.  I feel a bit foolish really, i will start eating more and see how we go, still have an abundance of milk though-i guess i'm just lucky in that department.

Thanks for advice
xx