amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

keikihula · 01-10-2006, 02:06 AM

Cody is almost 2 and nurses once or twice a day, before he goes to sleep. I honestly don't think he gets much at this point, but I'm never sure with him b/c even when he was a NB, I never once got engorged or even had that full feeling, even though he was healthy and gaining weight. At this point, it's just a comfort thing, a way for him to wind down to go to sleep.
I just stared Weight Watchers, and I'm not sure if I should worry about what cutting calories will do to my supply or not. Nursing mothers are supposed to add 10 extra points if they are full time BF'ing, and I think someone here at Amity's said if you're not full time, you should add 2 points for every nursing session.
Since he's not really nursing for nutrition, should I even worry about adding the extra point or two, or just go by the normal amount of points?

Amethyst · 01-12-2006, 12:50 AM

I don't know what to say. I think if he's not nursing for nutrition, just comfort, it probably shouldn't matter if you cut calories. Just don't take any diet pills or anything. My dd is 1.5 and still nurses about every 3 hours. I still get engorged, etc. I know if I cut too many calories, because my milk supply drops drastically. I guess it would be pretty hard to tell, though, if you never really felt full.

Sabra · 01-14-2006, 05:00 AM

All I can say is to watch your supply closely, make sure you get enough protein & water, and if your supply starts to stutter, up your points some. Weight Watchers is a very low-calorie plan (seems to be roughly 50 calories a POINT), which is why you may need to add some in.

That said, I know some women who don't have supply problems when they cut their calories. It all depends upon the person.

You can always try the Core program, if you can stomach fat free milk & cheese (or, hey, if you don't eat them to begin with, you're set). That way there's no worry over points.