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body weight and breastfeeding

Elle - posted on 10/14/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

153

0

How much does body weight affect milk production? I know that if a woman's body weight gets too low (like super athletes or women with eating disorders) ovulation can stop, is the same true of milk production? I naturally have a low body weight - I had to put on weight to try to start ovulating to get pregnant - and now I worry about making enough milk for my daughter. Gaining and maintaining weight during my pregnancy was difficult. I am wanting to get back to an exercise routine but worry my weight will drop and if it will affect my milk production. I am not trying to lose weight, excercise is my "me time" and helps me relieve stress. I eat a balanced diet and don't restrict calories. Can milk production be decreased by a low body weight? Should I just wait to start a real excersie routine until my daughter starts solids and needs less milk?

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2 Comments

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Minnie - posted on 10/16/2009

7,075

9

As long as you're taking in about 1500-1800 calories you'll produce an adequate supply. Like another poster said- mothers in famines successfull exclusively breastfeed their infants. It really doesn't take a huge amount of calories to maintain supply, despite the popular recommendation of an additional 600 calories.

Alicia - posted on 10/15/2009

139

9

making milk is a super power, women is starving countries can successfully breastfeed, women in emergency situations with out proper nutrition can breastfeed after all this was the theme for world bfg week. you should take care of yourself, so that you can take care of your child but rest assured as long as there is demand supply will follow

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