Reduced carb diet - ok with breastfeeding?

[tiokiko]

Have also posted this in weight loss topic but thoughtsensible to post here too.

I am keen to start losing baby weight (and more...) - DD2 is 11w and EBF.

I am planning to go for a reduced carb diet - but 'slow carb' rather than low carb.

Will be cutting out bread/rice/potatoes/pasta/sugar but eating pulses/beans and vegetables. Is this going to be ok with breastfeeding? BF DD1 until 15m and planning to do the same this time so waiting until I have stopped BF isn't an option.

Am really interested in views on this so bumping for you.

Here is some info on low-carb and breastfeeding from LLL.

Personally I would wait until your DD2 is a little older, most breastfeeding experts recommend waiting at least 2-3 months before trying to lose weight.

I don't think there has been much research about low carb diets, there is some concern about ketones in breastmilk but nothing proved either way.

Some points-based systems offer diets tailored to BF mothers, might one of those be worth a go?

Can I suggest speaking to either your GP or your health visitor. I have recently been on a 12 week course for post natal mums which includes exersize, a creche and weekly dietian weigh in and feedback all via my children's center for free!

the diet is based on British Heart foundation and using the eatwell plate. It's been really good.

Congrats on the new baby!

Thanks everyone, v helpful.

Hazchem your course sounds great, unfortunately nothing like that available here. GP and HV both pretty uninformed re BF in general (unlike my last HV when DD1 was born who was great), so I'm not hopeful of any good advice from them.

A not planning to go for ketones Atkins-style, but just to swap a carb-heavy diet for something with better carbs, protein, fats, lots of veg. Shouldn't mean a drastic drop in calories but should mean what I'm eating is bett and less likely to lead to increase in fat.

Dd2 will be 3m next week so BF is established now - those links are useful, thanks EauRouge, sounds like it should be ok if I take it easy.

One thing I try to do is have different carbs at each meal. So if I have toast for breakfast try to have pasta for lunch and potatoes for dinner. Also i'm a huge fan of butternut squash. cubed and roasted with some herbs it can be eaten hot or cold with a salad and it's choice a filling.