Natural term Breastfeeding and the 5:2 diet

[podmumlet]

My DS is now 26 months old and I am keen to shift some weight. I wasn't at my ideal weight pre-baby and am certainly not at it now. Thing is, the stakes of being overweight now are so much higher. It's not just about me being healthier or skinnier, but now it's about being well and healthy to enjoy my family and be around into grandmotherhood.

Anyhow, i have just watches the Horizons doxumentary and been following some diacussions on the 5:2 diet and am very keen to try it. Thing is, we are a very baby led family, and I am still nursing my little one.

While he has cut down on his feeds and is certainly taking the bulk of his nutrition from his diet, I am aware that he still nurses upon waking, at nap time and at bed time.

Not sure where best to post my query, but any extended Breastfeeding mamas considered the 5:2 diet or any other restricted calorie diets? Assuming its not advised? Or maybe the calories are not to be reduced as dramatically?

Would welcome any thoughts or experiences... :)

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Have done the 5:2 but not whilst bfing. I found my fast days hard, really not sure how I would have coped with looking after the children all day (mine are in school) and bfing,

It's totally upto you though. Have you read can I diet whilst bfing? and does a mothers diet affect her milk?

[podmumlet]

Thanks for the links JiltedJohnsJulie.

I have decided that as I am almost 26 months into our nursing relationship, I am happy to try this diet. Today is Day 1 and hasn't been too bad actually. Feeling a bit peckish, but will go make myself another cuppa green tea.

:)

[BlackMaryJanes]

In this recent interview Mosley says breastfeeding women shouldn't do 5:2

[momatoes]

I have been doing 5 2 for around 7 weeks and I am bfing. Although my DS is much older than your LO at 22months. He does feed at least 3 times a day and there hasn't been any change in milk afaik. As you can drink and keep hydrated with this type of fast I think it's ok for me. I have fasted for religious reasons where water is not allowed and I did notice a decrease in milk production.
Good luck with your weight loss whatever you choose to do.

[momatoes]

Sorry I misread and thought you said 26 weeks Not months!
In that case you should be fine!

[podmumlet]

Thanks for the link BlackMaryJanes - I am going to assume (for my purposes) that Mosley is referring to earlier breastfeeding relationships. For me personally, having gotten to the 2 year mark (which was my goal) and beyond, I was prepared to take the risk that this may influence my milk supply.

This is now my fourth week of following the 5:2 approach (7th fast day today), and can honestly say I have not noticed a change to my feeding with my little one. As he is older, he doesn't nurse as frequently so maybe any impact isn't as pronounced? But he certainly isn't complaining or telling me "mommy milk gone!", which he would certainly be able to say. :D

momatoes - congrats on the 5:2 progress and nursing your little one to 22 months! Wonderful on both counts (and yes, mine is a wee bit older ;) )