BFing - how many more calories?

[rainbowflower]

If I do the LE diet, how many more calories should I eat (and how much protein/fat?)

I'm still BF 4-5 times each day and my DS is having 3 meals a day (not all big meals, though)

I don't want my milk supply/quality to suffer too much

[Sassy]

If it was me, I wouldn't be swaying while still BF that frequently. If it was once or twice a day you were BF and your DS was established on solids, then that might be better, but I would imagine being on the LE diet *could* affect your milk supply/quality - particularly given you need to be on the diet for at least 6 weeks. You still have a few months before your attempt (Dec??) so maybe hold off on the diet stuff but still try to lose some weight and have a look at some of the other sway factors that you can implement easily.

[rainbowflower]

maybe you're right and I shouldn't go full out on a pink diet just yet. I was planning on starting in Sept so I'd have 3 full months on it before TTC.

I think I might try and pink it up a bit, though, by perhaps avoiding potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, sodium (as much as I can), skipping breakfast, reduced meat... and then gradually reducing nutrients nearer the time and bringing in more veggie meals?

[atomic sagebrush]

I def. swayed while breastfeeding that much and more (my guys are big nursers!). It did affect my milk supply at times and then I just nursed more and it rebounded. It's more the age of the child that matters and how much other food they're eating, and not the frequency of feedings. If your baby is about 9 months old, you can safely diet. Less than 6 months, you shouldn't. Anywhere in between, is up to your judgement - if your baby eats a lot of otehr foods and takes a bottle or a cup, you are better able to do more in terms of diet.

Rainbow, I would go up to 2000 cals, still stick to the 30% fat, and try for 60-65 grams of protein. That is still a little low in protein compared to what some recommend (people are so WEIRD about protein even though most Americans actually get too much protein) but your body will take what it needs from your muscle and breastmilk actually doesn't HAVE that much protein to begin with - it's only 5-6% protein. you will prob. want to get your fats from healthy sources rather than margarine and veg oil. Olive oil and butter are much better choices.

[purplepoet20]

I saw that a min of 1800 cals for breastfeeding a child over 12mth. I have been eating 3-6oz of meat a day but very little or no fat and DS2 has been gaining weight normally.