supply loss on elimination diet

[TushasAmi]

I've been on an elimination diet for about eight weeks. I know that I'm not getting as many calories as before the elimination diet and my supply is suffering. I think it has been a slow decline, but today it just seems unacceptably low. My breasts are not as full as before, DD doesn't nurse for as long, and I can't pump as much in the morning as I used to. I know that pumping output isn't a reliable way to determine supply, and I haven't pumped in a few months, but I used to get 5-6 oz easy and this morning I was lucky to get 1 oz.

So I'm really starting to worry that I've let my supply slip for too long and that I won't be able to get it up again. Has anyone been in a similar situation and been able to rebuild their supply?

Thanks!

ETA: I just picked up some Fenugreek and oatmeal to start tomorrow.

[prettypixels]

You may have eliminated something your body needs to make milk. I am not sure how low calorie you are talking; but nursing moms aren't supposed to go very low calorie ever! So if you are not eating enough, start eating again!

"Studies have shown that most healthy breastfeeding women maintain an abundant milk supply while taking in 1800-2200 (or more) calories per day. Consuming less than 1500-1800 calories per day (most women should stay at the high end of this range) may put your milk supply at risk, as may a sudden drop in caloric intake."

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mo...es-fluids.html

[mykidsteacher]

I am in exactly the same sit'n. I've been on the ed for 46 days, and struggle to keep up my supply (which was shaky before the ed).

Really work on getting your fats up. Put olive oil on everything--on your rice, veggies, meat. If you can have butter, use it liberally (I eliminated it with dairy, but have since reintroduced it without reaction).

What you can eat, eat a lot of. I know it's hard, sometimes I just get so tired of eating the same thing, I just quit because I'm bored, not full. Eat often.

When you are cooking your meat/rice whatever, cook extra to have in the fridge so you can heat it up and have it easily between meals.

Have you lost much weight? I lost 8 pounds in 12 days in the beginning, but managed to slow it by adding more fats. I've only lost 2 more in the past 3 weeks or so. Keep an eye on the scale, it'll help you know if you need to eat more. Even if you have extra weight to lose, try to keep it steady for now.

And drink, a LOT. I try for a gallon of water a day, not including what I drink with meals. I have a big mug that I got in the hospital that's 1 qt., and I make sure I drink 4 of them. If I don't measure it, I don't get enough.

Also, try flax seed oil (I just posted about it in another thread).

I know it's hard, but you are doing a great thing for your baby.

eta: be careful with the oatmeal, if your baby reacts to gluten. Most oats are contaminated by wheat and/or barley. Trial it as you would any other food to check for reaction before going overboard with it.

[TushasAmi]

Thank you so much for your imput! It really helps to get some feedback.

So far I have eliminated dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. I dread the thought of eliminating more, but I need to. I'd like to boost my supply again before cutting my diet even more.

I never use a scale but I know that I've lost weight. When that started I really tried to up my fats. I supplement with cod liver and flax oil and I put olive oil, coconut oil, and avacado on everything that I can and it has really helped. I don't *think* that I'm losing much anymore. And except for a couple days when I was sick, I bet I've always gotten at least 1800 calories. Before the e.d. I was eating a lot more than that.

The good thing in that my diet is a lot better than it was. I eat a lot more fruits and veggies, but then I feel full on fewer calories and am hungry again in an hour. I guess I really need to work on eating more frequently. I just feel like I'm eating all day and not really getting anything else done. But really, what is more important than feeding my baby?!? Nothing!! A also need to work ofn reducing my stress, because that really is not helping.

Assuming that I am not missing a crucial nutrient in my diet, does it seem reasonable that I will produce more milk when consuming sufficient calories? I guess I'm looking for a little reassurance that I can most likely fix this without having to supplement. That would break my heart.