Eating Enough? - Houston,TX

When my son was nursing (2010 and 2011) I was told by a nutritionist that I needed an additional 500 calories to provide properly, as well as a well balanced diet. That was when my son was under 6 months of age, and I am not sure if it changes to more as the child grows, and then goes down as the child starts to eat more solids.

With that said, it does not sound like you are eating enough for even yourself. You have said you will probably eat some chicken, veggies and toast. And you have already eaten almonds. That equates to one meal and 1-2 snacks (depending on how many almonds you actually ate). You should really be eating 3 meals and 1-3 snacks daily. Also, your diet does not mention any dairy or fruit, so from the information given, I would say you are not eating a well balanced diet. Nursing or not, this diet does not seem to be very healthy (although I am glad you are feeling energy form your vitamins). I would definitely give myself some more "reminders." You can still graze, but eat a little better quality throughout the day!

Your son is almost 2 years old. I am not sure what your breastfeeding plans are for the future or how long you will continue to nurse. If you plan on stopping soon, then you can probably just continue on and wean when you are ready. If you plan to nurse for the long run, I would definitely recommend going to a good nursing site like kellymom.com so you can figure out what the particular needs of your son are for his size.

Good luck and congrats on nursing for as long as you have!

One thing to consider is how much milk your baby is taking now, compared to when he/she was much younger. I would assume baby is eating mostly table food now and maybe not nursing very much.

I think it sounds like you're eating very well (much better than most of America). Is this diet/appetite very similar to your pre-pregnancy diet/appetite? If it is, then I really wouldn't be concerned. If you're dropping weight like crazy, I'd probably get a check-up at the doctor and explain the situation. There could be other issues. Grazing does speed up your metabolism, but it sounds like you've always done that. I guess if anything, just make a point to get some extra calories...even if it's grabbing dessert before bedtime.

Years ago when I was breastfeeding the rule of thumb was 1000 more calories than you would normally eat to maintain breastmilk levels. But I was always HUNGRY I ate like a lumberjack and typically gained about 20 lbs. So after weaning I had to work that weight back off. But I always had enough milk to feed several babies. You do need to be sure you are getting enough calcium. Your body will take from itself and give to the baby. So if you are lacking any vitamins or minerals your health will suffer. Grazing is fine but it is better to eat a healthy sit down meal. This gives you the chance to enjoy your food and to relax.
Make sure you are getting enough fluids. If you don't like to drink milk try smoothies. I make one almost every morning. Take frozen fruit and milk put in blender--- blend -- pour into glass. You can add a banana, wheat germ, honey, even raw veggies. It is like soft - soft serve ice cream, drink it down and at least you have a serving of milk and fruit to start out your day.

Make some healthy muffins full of pumpkin or apple sauce, oats, yogurt... freeze them so you always have a quick snack. You'll know if you're not eating enough because your hormones will get out of wack, your milk supply will go down, baby will get fussy... I have to eat every time I nurse or I get shakey. Around 9m and 15m w/both my kids, I lost too much weight and felt it. Try to snack or eat at least 6x a day.

http://kellymom.com/nutrition/mothers-diet/mom-calories-f...

Looks like a lot of good info!