Diets and Breastfeeding

All of us have had a long relationship with food. It’s a relationship that is nurturing, life-sustaining, hopefully joyous. When providing breast milk to growing children, we can appreciate the vitality of this nutrition.

The issues of body image, weight loss and economics influence our relationship with food. It can become problematic, confusing and maybe restrictive. What is a ‘good’ diet for your body and for your breast milk?

Dr. Shereen Soliman, MD, IBCLC will meet with us online for an informative webinar. 
“Trends of Dieting Systems and Breastfeeding.”  
December 4 at 12:00-1 pm. Register for the webinar. 

Of the many varied diets in the world, Dr. Soliman will focus on Keto, Vegan and Intermittent Fasting.

• Keto is basically a low carbohydrate/more fat diet intended to generate ketogenesis (…”breaking down fatty acids and ketogenic amino acids which can lead to weight loss.”) Originally designed for pediatric epilepsy patients, it is also known as a weight loss diet. There are different levels of the Keto Diet, some benefits, some risks.  We should know: How does this work with breastfeeding? 

• A vegan diet is entirely plant based. “… it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.” That includes eggs, dairy and honey.  It is not primarily a weight loss diet, though that may occur with the change from animal based to plant based. Again, how does this work with breastfeeding? 

• And lastly, Intermittent Fasting. This means purposely restricting one’s intake of food for several hours (12 or so) or days (two days a week, for example). It is not induced starvation, which is when nutrition, even water, is severely limited for an extended period. How does Intermittent Fasting work with breastfeeding? 

For the most part, your healthy body will supply your infant with what he/she needs. Do these diets help or hinder a lactating person’s body in making milk?  The familiar adage “Treat the Mother, Treat the Child” is relevant here. It’s important to understand quality nutrition and how one feels in their body. What is a good diet for you? 

On another level, in this time of curtailed SNAP benefits and food disruption, let’s aim to provide good nutrition to all families and respect the inherent goodness of our bodies to provide for our babies. 

• Click here to register for the webinar.
Nurses can earn one credit from this webinar, the cost is $15.  If you do not want or need to receive the 1 credit, you may Pay What You Can.