do you focus on getting the extra 500 calories? « Back to Group Discussions

[nald1]

I dont.   I naturally feel hungrier all the time and feel like Im eating non-stop.  Both DD - and now DS- are under the weight gain reccs and I now ? "is my milk good enough"?  

[PoetryLover]

I don't focus on it. I probably need a little more than 500 extra calories, though, because I'm nursing 2, my newborn and my 19 month old. Honestly, I have a large appetite and probably consume a lot more than they would recommend. I guess I just eat when I'm hungry, and like you, I feel hungry all the time. If you're worried, you could add high fat foods to your diet, such as avocados or nuts and seeds.

DS1 is in the 75th % for both weight and height, though. DS2 was born weighing 11 lb 3 oz, initially went down to 10 lb 10 oz and at the 2 week mark he's about 12 pounds. I seem to be losing weight at a reasonable rate.

Are they *really* underweight or are they just petite? I think I remember you posting that you're fairly petite, so if your children take after you, they may be on the smaller end of the chart.

As for the quality of your milk, does your DS seem like he's satisfied after feedings, like he's getting enough? I can tell when babe is still hungry because he's a little fussy until he's got a full belly. 

[SynEpona]

I've never paid any attention to calories -- I eat when I'm hungry, and eat more if I'm still hungry. I also stop eating as soon as I feel 'full' or finished, and it drives DH crazy, I'll leave food on my plate, even just a couple bites, simply because I feel finished.

DD is gaining well, so I figure it's all working out.

[nald1]

I eat avocados and nuts every day - plus oils etc.  I dont deprive myself of anything and think I eat really well......

[ursusarctos]

Nald, if you're eating really well I wouldn't worry about the quality of your milk. Maybe PL is on to something if they're maybe just smaller boned?

[PoetryLover]

I wasn't trying to insinuate that you deprive yourself or don't eat a healthy diet. I think your diet is probably similar to mine, as we're both vegetarians, and I know that it can be a super healthy diet. I was just mentioning  that because you seemed to be concerned about the quality of your milk. I was trying to be helpful, not to offend, so I hope I didn't offend you.

Honestly, my guess is that the quality of your milk is fine and your kids are just petite. My boys are both on the other end of the chart, and at one WIC appointment with DS1, who was exclusively breast fed at the time, they didn't like the spike in his weight. But I knew that he was just as he should be and wasn't about to deprive him. I think that some of our kids are built bigger or smaller and that's okay and normal for them individually. Gabriel was 11 lb 3 oz when he was born, and at 23 inches, he looks thin. I couldn't imagine him weighing much less. Now my other DS was 9 lb 14 1/2 oz and 20 inches. He looked  much chubbier and I couldn't imagine him weighing more. As mothers we know our children better than anyone and we know their personal, individual normal. So, as the mother, if you think your diet is healthy and babe is satisfied and getting enough, you're probably right.

Again, I wasn't trying to offend, just to reassure. 

[nald1]

Originally Posted by PoetryLover 

I wasn't trying to insinuate that you deprive yourself or don't eat a healthy diet. I think your diet is probably similar to mine, as we're both vegetarians, and I know that it can be a super healthy diet. I was just mentioning  that because you seemed to be concerned about the quality of your milk. I was trying to be helpful, not to offend, so I hope I didn't offend you.

Honestly, my guess is that the quality of your milk is fine and your kids are just petite. My boys are both on the other end of the chart, and at one WIC appointment with DS1, who was exclusively breast fed at the time, they didn't like the spike in his weight. But I knew that he was just as he should be and wasn't about to deprive him. I think that some of our kids are built bigger or smaller and that's okay and normal for them individually. Gabriel was 11 lb 3 oz when he was born, and at 23 inches, he looks thin. I couldn't imagine him weighing much less. Now my other DS was 9 lb 14 1/2 oz and 20 inches. He looked  much chubbier and I couldn't imagine him weighing more. As mothers we know our children better than anyone and we know their personal, individual normal. So, as the mother, if you think your diet is healthy and babe is satisfied and getting enough, you're probably right.

Again, I wasn't trying to offend, just to reassure. 

Oh, I didnt think you were  saying that - I think I was reassuring myself :)  Takes A LOT more than helpful advice to offend me - no offense taken at all- in fact, I appreciate the help/time taken to respond and any suggestions offered - HUGS!!!!  I am tiny, my husband isnt big- DS is our "big" baby, born at 7lbs 3oz!!!!!!!!  He was up ALL night feeding last night and i do wonder if he's getting enough....

[Baby_Cakes]

Moms diet usually does not affect the quality of her milk.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-diet.html

"Do I need to maintain a perfect diet while breastfeeding?

The short answer to this question is NO – you do not need to maintain a perfect diet in order to provide quality milk for your baby. In fact, research tells us that the quality of a mother’s diet has little influence on her milk. Nature is very forgiving – mother’s milk is designed to provide for and protect baby even in times of hardship and famine. A poor diet is more likely to affect the mother than her breastfed baby."

I wouldn't worry, as long as you are eating to hunger, drinking to thirst, and eating fairly healthy for YOU, your baby should be getting plenty of great mamas milk.  

[Baby_Cakes]

all night feedings are, unfortunately, a GOOD sign!  It means baby is demanding more, and thus your breasts will make more milk.  Keep that in mind.  It isn't that your baby isn't getting enough.

[PoetryLover]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

all night feedings are, unfortunately, a GOOD sign!  It means baby is demanding more, and thus your breasts will make more milk.  Keep that in mind.  It isn't that your baby isn't getting enough.

[PoetryLover]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

Moms diet usually does not affect the quality of her milk.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-diet.html

"Do I need to maintain a perfect diet while breastfeeding?

The short answer to this question is NO – you do not need to maintain a perfect diet in order to provide quality milk for your baby. In fact, research tells us that the quality of a mother’s diet has little influence on her milk. Nature is very forgiving – mother’s milk is designed to provide for and protect baby even in times of hardship and famine. A poor diet is more likely to affect the mother than her breastfed baby."

I wouldn't worry, as long as you are eating to hunger, drinking to thirst, and eating fairly healthy for YOU, your baby should be getting plenty of great mamas milk.  

Good info. :-)

And, Nald1, I agree with what Carrie wrote about the babe increasing your milk supply. I was very freaked out when that happened with DS1, but then was reassured after my sister explained it to me.

[HawaiianBlesing]

Originally Posted by nald1 

  He was up ALL night feeding last night and i do wonder if he's getting enough....

He could be going through a growth spurt therefore eating more often.  At 6 weeks DS has been eating more frequently over the last couple of days.

[nald1]

Originally Posted by Baby_Cakes 

all night feedings are, unfortunately, a GOOD sign!  It means baby is demanding more, and thus your breasts will make more milk.  Keep that in mind.  It isn't that your baby isn't getting enough.

thank you -I was getting bummed out- today my mom said "you need to be careful"- to not get too sleep-deprived - I asked how i was supposed to do that and she said 'formula"- HUH????  Wouldn't that mean Id need someone to give the formula?  Makes no sense

great site info, btw- thank you!!!!!!

[PoetryLover]

Also, with breast milk supply equals demand, so if you were to supplement with formula, the baby's demand for your breast milk would decrease. Thus, your supply would decrease. I really think Carrie is right about the all night nursing thing increasing your supply. Hang in there~

Originally Posted by nald1 

thank you -I was getting bummed out- today my mom said "you need to be careful"- to not get too sleep-deprived - I asked how i was supposed to do that and she said 'formula"- HUH????  Wouldn't that mean Id need someone to give the formula?  Makes no sense

[kylaskye]

Night feedings have been kicking my ass lately, too. Liam's been fussy all night and wanting the breast and, frankly, I've been way too tired to want to do anything by that point. And yesterday with the migraine, it was terrible.

As for the question to go with the thread, I've been eating when I'm hungry. I'll  admit that it hasnt been thehealthiet, but I'm having a hard time adjusting, and dh sleeps during most of the day or is at school/work so I'm not getting much help from him. I'm sure there are days when I get the "needed" calories and days when I don't, but Imake sure to drink enough and Liam and I are both healthy, so it seems to be working.

[Beckily]

I eat when I am hungry and can get food. Sometimes I'm hungry for awhile :P I don't worry about calories.  Probably should eat more, but eh. Two weeks out I already weighed less than when I got pregnant - and I have plenty more that can go away if it wants ;)

[Tear78]

DD went through an almost 24-hour constant eating session at around 6 weeks, and then she grew, I swear, several inches overnight. Hang in there!

I don't worry about getting the extra calories...all I have to ever do is THINK I'm allowed to eat more and it ends up happening. I'm going to have to eventually cut back on portion size, but for now I'm just trying to eat when I'm hungry and not worry about it, and that's probably the amount my body needs. There are so many things I can't eat right now for reflux/gas reasons, like chocolate, onions, beans...if I can find something to eat I just do it.

[nald1]

Originally Posted by kylaskye 

Night feedings have been kicking my ass lately, too. Liam's been fussy all night and wanting the breast and, frankly, I've been way too tired to want to do anything by that point. And yesterday with the migraine, it was terrible.

As for the question to go with the thread, I've been eating when I'm hungry. I'll  admit that it hasnt been thehealthiet, but I'm having a hard time adjusting, and dh sleeps during most of the day or is at school/work so I'm not getting much help from him. I'm sure there are days when I get the "needed" calories and days when I don't, but Imake sure to drink enough and Liam and I are both healthy, so it seems to be working.

just noticed our DSs have the same bday :)
 

[nald1]

Originally Posted by PoetryLover 

Also, with breast milk supply equals demand, so if you were to supplement with formula, the baby's demand for your breast milk would decrease. Thus, your supply would decrease. I really think Carrie is right about the all night nursing thing increasing your supply. Hang in there~

exactly- I think she thought if I bought formula, the feeding fairy would arrive and let me sleep for a night?

[Peony]

I just eat when I'm hungry. Which is all the time!

My kids have always been on the low end of the scale. My 8y is 50 something lbs soaking weight, my almost 5 year is tall and 34lbs, my "chunky" boy is 2 and 25 lbs. Both DH and I are thinner people, my kids are just not going to be heavyweights. As long as your kids are growing according to their own growth curve, then they are good. Someone has to be at the ends of the growth charts.