Breastfeeding and 5:2

[tmae]

Is this okay?

Also, I have a lot of weight I want to lose, would 4:3 be a better idea?

[tmae]

Or alternate day fasting?

[CheesyBadger]

5:2 is enough, it goes fast for me and I lose it fairly quickly. I think it should be ok whilst bf, just make sure your 500 calories really count and are nutritious. Your other days don't change so no worries there

[Vacillating]

Works - 5:2 plenty don't have more fasting days. Won't harm bf but you will loose weight:)

[BigChocFrenzy]

We advise BFers to start at 1000 cal FDs for 5:2, then gradually reduce to 700 if they feel ok. You can always return to 1000 at growth spurts.

If you decide to do 4:3 or ADF (Alternate Day Fasting) then keep to 1000- cal FDs, as advised by Dr Varady.

Health and supply are the priorities. A loss of 1lb per week is sustainable and safe.

[tmae]

Lovely, thank you all.

My son is 8 months old so is now on food too although he doesn't eat full meals yet but doesn't solely rely on milk. I plan to let him self-wean all being well but really want to lose weight. I'll plan to start off doing 5:2 with 1,000 cals and adjust it as seems sensible. Thanks again.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Have a read of this on Kellymom.

Could you try Slimming World instead? Its much more bfing friendly

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

Watching with interest. Did 5:2 before getting pregnant and keen to start again.

[BigChocFrenzy]

Some 5:2ers are doing tandem feeds with toddler, no problem with supply

I'd say avoid anything that requires a subscription or buying special meals - these firms make you wallet slimmer.
On 5:2, no need to buy anything and most folk find food bills are cheaper.

[BigChocFrenzy]

your wallet

[BetsyBell]

Hello - we've had lots of 5:2ers who have breastfed with no supply issues, quite the opposite in many cases apparently! Certainly no need to switch to subscription-based dieting...

There's a BF 5:2 thread somewhere, I'll find and link in a mo :)

[BetsyBell]

Lots of useful anecdotal 5:2 BF info here

[MilchMama]

I'm tandem-feeding my 8 mo and 2.5 yo and have been 5:2ing since DC2 was about 2mo. Milk supply is still great, no issues with being particularly hungry on fast days, and I'm back to my pre-DC weight of 53 kg (a loss of over 21 kg in six months).

I was very sick on my first fast day. I have no idea why, but it never happened again. I started at about 800 cals, but can now easily do 500. I just drink loads of water and tea! I probably only do one fast day every other week now just to maintain, although I have given up breakfast for good.

[BigChocFrenzy]

21 kg in 6 months and right down to a low weight - That's brilliant !
Well done, MilchMama

[MilchMama]

Thanks technically four kilos was baby

A lot of thanks are due to you and the other contributors on this board. I attempted to follow the exercise thread but gave up and ate cake when I realised the weight was dropping off by itself.

[Cullercoats88]

How soon after giving birth did you do the 5:2?

I did it for a year prior to being pregnant (I'm now approaching 7mnths) and I lost 2stone within 6mnths, but kept it all off pretty much until I was 12weeks pregnant. I have got to be honest I can't wait to be fasting again!! Would it be ok to go back to 5:2 diet 6-8weeks after birth or is that too soon?

[BigChocFrenzy]

Congratulations on your baby

I think we usually say wait 3 months, to give your body time to recover, but it depends how you feel.
Hopefully some fasting mums will post and say when they started.

[BigChocFrenzy]

Thanks sleepy That sounds a sensible routine and 1lb loss per week is a good target
How long after birth did you start ?

[Cullercoats88]

It's good to hear all your achievements!!

Congratulations on huge weight loss sleepysheep I'm just eager to feel really healthy and fit again. That being said I do feel great at the moment just trying to avoid glutonous desire for cake and all things sweet!!

[BigChocFrenzy]

Well done sleepy That's excellent

Why not start at 10 weeks, Culler Good luck

[coniferssilhouette]

Thank you for all your feedback, and congratulations to you all!

Would AFDs be too much? I'm very tempted to start doing 750cals every other day, but I have had an eating disorder in the past so don't want to do it if it sounds like a slip into that again.

I started this week and have done one fast day and was fine on the day but a bit shaky the next, but that doesn't bother me. I don't know if it is because I have quite a night feedy type baby maybe.

[Serotonin]

Glad I found this as my DD is now 13 weeks old and I lost quickly with 5:2 before I got pregnant.

I'm going to start in January, with my fast days at 1000 cals to begin with. Need to recalculate my NFD calories though as I'm heavier now than I think I have ever been!

Might make my cardiovascular days the fast days too. Maybe us bf-ing 5:2ers could have a thread? Keep each other motivated and help with the WOL?