Dr.
Judith
Roepke, R.D., Ph.D., has answered many of your questions about
nutrition and dieting. Dr. Roepke is a perinatal nutritionist, researcher and
member of the Breastfeeding.com medical advisory board. Look for
more Q&A forums with Dr. Roepke in the future.
How can I diet to lose weight?
| NAME: |
Julie |
| BABY'S NAME: |
Shai |
| BABY'S AGE: |
2.5 weeks
|
|
BIRTH WEIGHT: |
3.965 KG
|
I'm
interested in a diet for myself that might lessen Shai's
discomfort and help me to lose those post pregnancy pounds (i.e.
low gas and low calorie) Thank You.
At
2 1/2 weeks postpartum, I would recommend that you not worry yet
about losing weight. Make sure that you eat a healthy diet, and
monitor your weight loss during the next six months. Don't
restrict your calories so soon after Shai was born. Many women
find that they lose weight just by breastfeeding, and that they
return to their pre-pregnancy weight by about six months
postpartum. Weight loss that occurs too fast can decrease your
milk supply and leave you feeling tired. At this early time
postpartum you can begin with gentle exercise, however. Try
going for a long walk each day, for example.
You mention that Shai has gas and seems uncomfortable. You
should understand that at just 2 1/2 weeks Shai still has an
immature digestive tract, so that some gas is normal. Overtime,
this problem may correct itself. If Shai's gas is severe,
however, this may be a colic reaction. You should see your
pediatrician if you are concerned about this. If your doctor
determines that your baby has colic, you might try modifying
your intake of milk to no more than about three 8-ounces of milk
per day. Don't go lower than this, though.
Finally, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between
discomfort and hunger in an infant. If you think that you may
not be producing enough milk, and that this may be triggering
Shai's discomfort, I suggest seeking help from a certified
lactation consultant
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