Low carb and breastfeeding

[Tier500]

Has anyone done this?

I had gestational diabetes which was diagnosed late in pregnancy because I had no risk factors. Apparently I now have a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes which terrifies me.

I’m still 1 stone over my pre pregnancy weight though I was slim before so my BMI is still in the healthy range (23 at the moment, usually 19). I want to get back to my pre pregnancy weight ASAP and given the diabetes risk I think low carb is the way forward. But my baby is 4 months old and exclusively breastfed so I don’t want to do anything that could affect my supply.

Does anyone have any tips/advice? Should I just reduce carbs rather than cutting them? Or do I need to wait until the baby is weaned?

I'd reduce carbs but not to a ridiculously low level - I certainly wouldn't consider a keto diet, which is 20g carbs or less per day.

Make sure you're eating plenty of fresh veg and salad, and also include some fruit - berries are best - along with nuts and seeds.

Thank you. That makes sense. Will wait til the baby is weaned before doing keto. I eat healthily anyway but my one downfall on the carb front is bread so will try to reduce that.

If you look at the Bootcamp threads then we often suggest breastfeeding mothers follow the Bootcamp Light rules. I first went low carb while breastfeeding and had no issues with supply. I then continued eating low carb through another pregnancy and breastfeeding for 18 months afterwards.

Hi @Tier500 I just came on to ask this same question and saw your post. How are you getting on? My baby is 5 weeks and I’m itching to get back to low carbing as I love the way of eating and feel soooo much better, don’t get me wrong though I’m enjoying munching on Easter eggs which breastfeeding on demand!