Please help me to eat more- I'm BFing and have lost 2 stone.

[hakunafrittata]

I've been ill for a total of two weeks, with tonsillitus and fever, so my appetite hasn't been great. I am trying though. Even before I was ill I've been a lot less hungry. Today I had 3 Weetabix, a punnet of strawberries, half a tub of natural yoghurt, a couple of pickled onions and some Ritz crackers... not great, I know. I'm worried my baby isn't getting enough nutrients/ calories in my milk :(
My HV after my DS was born was an incredibly judgy bitch, who had a go at me as I had eaten a Pot Noodle (as well as other, healthier things). She made me cry... I know it wasn't the best of foods to have but it was literally one of the only things in MIL's house and I hadn't done a shop. I needed support but all I got was judgement.

I don't think I have an eating disorder- I do love food when I am hungry but my appetite is in the shitter at the moment. I'm crying just now with guilt! I know I'm unwell with fever at the moment but I can't go on like this. I've not been 8st since I was a pre-teen.

Please don't take what the HV says to heart. Sometimes they can abuse their role. They are there to advise you not judge you. Is your baby gaining weight and healthy? That is the main thing. Could you get some good quality protein shakes in banana or other flavour that you like and drink with milk. When I don't have an appetite sometimes I drink those.

Thanks Bindi, I did actually try a couple of protein shakes from Morrisons the other day, they were quite nice. I have also been making smoothies with my blender with yoghurt, bananas and raspberries to try and get some goodness. I am still a long way from hitting 2000 cals though :(

My son is gaining weight just fine from what it looks like, a HV is coming in 2 days (a different, much nicer one) so he'll get weighed and that might put my mind at ease (providing all is well)

Sounds tough OP. Firstly, baby will be getting enough from you. The quality of milk doesn't vary greatly until you're in actual famine mode, however, that goodness is coming from sir where, and for your own health it's important you replace it.

It isn't clear to me is this is an ongoing thing exacerbated by two weeks' illness, or if it's just a problem in the last two weeks.

Either way, looking after yourself is more important than looking after baby. If you're not well enough, who would look after baby? It's vital that you put your basic well being (ie nutrition and health) up there with his needs, especially while you get back on track.

I hope your HV is more sympathetic this time. If not, see your GP. You may be able to get a referral to a nutritionist to help you.

In te meantime, just try and eat. Don't worry about making healthy choices. Your body has different needs while bf I think - I know I feel dreadful if I try to count calories or don't eat enough protein.

Breastfed babies don't always gain weight as quickly as bottlefed ones do. As long as he is healthy and appears to be gaining weight that he is ok. Keeping having your protein shakes and your smoothies. This will help you. Put your protein shake mixture in your smoothy. Have toast with peanut butter and make sure you sit down and have a drink when feeding your baby. Don't worry you will get your appetite back. Many women lose weight when breastfeeding as it uses up a huge amount of calories in the early months.

The rule in our house is to eat whatever you fancy when you are ill. So if you can't stomach anything but pot noodles, well, it is better than nothing. Sounds like you like healthy foods generally.
I know those 2000 calories are incredibly hard to achieve when you are not feeling great! Try to snack on nuts etc between meals?

Once you are better you'll get your appetite back.

Don't worry about your DS's nutrition - as someone above said, your milk will be fine whatever you eat (Pot Noodle included!) but do try to keep hydrated.

I was the same as you with my second DC - I went down to 45kgs (less than 8 st I think) due to the hot climate where we live (just didn't want to eat much apart from watermelon and toast) and the fact that my MIL was dying...it was just draining. But DS was the fattest baby you ever saw! And a real milk monster!

Hope the weigh-in goes well

There are some healthy foods which are easy to make and easy to eat, things like poached eggs on wholemeal toast with marmite/cheese, pasta with pesto and parmesan served with salad, baked beans and grated cheese on an oven baked potato, Spanish omelette or cheese/ham omelette, oven baked burger served in pitta with salad.
Easy snacks are cereal bars, flapjacks, toast, fruit, brownies etc.
Drink plenty of fluid too but don't worry about your baby's nutrition -your DS will be fine.

How about adding a tablespoon of quality olive oil or flaxseed oil to your smoothies? It's impossible to taste, good for you generally and adds some calories?
Maybe a bit of dark chocolate?

Thank you everyone, these are great tips! I'm feeling optimistic today and am going to make extra effort to sneak extra calories in with some of the advice I've been given here.

Anythingnoteverything my appetite has been low since DS was born, had a bit of a traumatic delivery with 1.5 litres of blood loss, anaemia and feeling generally weak for a while. My hunger hasn't been the same since then for some reason and has been worse this past fortnight.

You don't just need calories you need protein my love. Cheese is an excellent suggestion for topping things.

How about having some peanuts in a bowl to snack on? You'd get the protein and calories and wouldn't have to feel like eating a huge piece of something.
Or buy your favourite bumisvuits?

BISCUITS. Not bumsuits.
Maybe make smoothie using ice cream instead of yoghurt? Or adding honey to the smoothie?

OP have you had your thyroid checked? It's reasonably common to become hypothyroid after pregnancy, and it's easily identified and fixed with a daily tablet. It can make you feel dreadful if undetected b

definitely get your thyroid checked and possibly vit d too or at least take supplements as you are bf. I lost loads of weight but oddly I had an underactive thyroid - no appetite - but needed more thyroxine (was under pre baby)

definitely cheese, meat, full fat yoghurt cake etc. porridge is good for breast feeding as are any whole grains.

I looooove chicken breast with pesto and a slab of mozzarella on top (cooked) bit like a pizza!

smooth peanut butter, full fat coconut milk in a Thai green curry, a nice roast chicken with roast potatoes ... . mmmmm

sorry I see it's your appetite - as said check thyroid as my appetite can go either way if it's low.

I've had a shit of a winter with illness and lost appetite. I honestly found roast chicken (or just roast thighs) kick started me every time for some reason.

Nuts. Go nuts for nuts. They're full of protein and if you're not eating enough and need extra fuel and calories, they'll give you loads.

yes nuts and seeds! think macadema nuts are the fattiest (sorry sp!)

A nice protein mix is full fat milk (if you like it) with banana, flaxseed powder, protein powder and some peanut butter whizzed up
Rice pudding? Chuck some cream in
Any sort of crumble type things or stewed apple and custard
The last bout of tonsillitis I had I lost 16lbs so I know how it feels
I had some shakes from a local shop, can't remember the name but they're ready made in a tin in the fridge bit, the vanilla was nice

Found them
www.nurishment.co.uk/page/57/About-Nurishment.htm

Thanks folks, I had a banana smoothie with yoghurt, full fat milk and a protein shake added in, some tomato soup, a small cheese and tomato pizza and a smoked sausage from the chippie. Again, not the best but I did fancy it and something is better than nothing.

Goodasitgets, I do in fact have a tinnie of rice pudding lurking in the back of the cupboard, thanks for reminding me . I love it COLD! In fact, when I've finished this post I'm going to get OH to put it in the fridge.

I've been looking up ways to aid the pain of tonsillitus, gargling warm salty water is really helping, and I've been putting my fists under my armpits because a MNetter said in the past that it unblocks your nose... sounds daft but someone else on the thread said it worked. I must be doing it wrong...

16lbs goodasotgets? I want tonsillitis!

I wouldn't have wished it on my worst enemy at one point, was struggling to swallow water

If your nose is blocked (check about BF though) Otrivine nasal spray is amazing

Safe when breastfeeding for blocked noses is saline salt spray. You can also use ti as often as you need as it is just salt and water. Feels sooooo good!

Also long hot shower - if you can wrestle the baby away from your nipple for long enough.

Flapjacks are brilliant - you can add dried fruit and top with chocolate and best made with condensed milk for full fattiness but not sure if you are up for baking