Sim-Fast & Breastfeeding - Is Slimfast Safe While Breastfeeding

Updated on August 10, 2008
S.F. asks from Honolulu, HI
32 answers

Hello to All. I would like to know if anyone knows if Slimfast is safe to drink while breastfeeding. I'm asking because I feel like I am hungry all the time especially after my 4 month old nurse or after pumping. I try to eat healthy snacks although it doesn't work that way all the time.(lol) I know that you aren't suppose to take any appetite supressants but I need some help with controlling the hungry monster.

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S.A.

answers from Honolulu on

When I was breastfeeding, I was always hungry too and ate almost as much as when I was pregnant. I asked my doctor if this was normal and she told me that many breastfeding women need to consume more calories then when they were pregnant. So I continued to eat (healthy foods) whenever I was hungry and I still lost a lot of weight ;)
Good luck to you!

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A.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Eat more lean protein and vegies if you're still hungry. I lost all my baby weight plus some by just eating healthy and exercising. Good luck!

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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I can totally see myself drinking slimfast when I'm breastfeeding in a couple weeks, but it would be as a meal replacement...it would more likely be as an in-between snack! :)

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K.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

trash in, trash out. slimfast is chemical trash. do you want that to be the source of your breast milk? EAT!! your baby thinks your chubbiness FEELS GREAT. I have an ego too, just like the next gal and was happy to lose my baby weight (my girls are grown)but don't rush it. your baby's nutrition is at issue. you can be thin later on. you need so many nutrients in addition to the extra calories for your milk. when baby is older and demanding more milk, your weight will fall off. love yourself how you are and enjoy the moment. it will be gone before you want it to be. peace and blessings, K.

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J.M.

answers from San Diego on

I'm not sure if you really want to suppress your appetite, even if it seems appealing right now. I consider myself knowledgeable regarding nutrition, exercise, etc. and have really tried to hone my crazy appetite since I've been breastfeeding by eating smarter. Products like Slimfast are interesting because they are similar to multi-vitimins. These products combine every vitamin and mineral you need into one food item. Unfortunately, the human body cannot absorb all of these at once, some actually cancel each other out (ie. iron & calcium: iron inhibits calcium absorption). Additionally, some vitamins and/or minerals are only water/fat soluable (absorbed in water or with fat), so most of us don't really get much out of our Slimfast/multi-vitamin product we use. Thus, most people tend to over eat with these products because their bodies still need carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc. that they didn't absorb in the single serving of the Slimfast product. You probably know why you're hungry, either not eating the correct things (as you mentioned)or maybe you're just not taking in enough usable calories and your body is responding to this by saying, "help! I'm still hungry". Since you have other children you might already know the deal, but you do eat quite a bit more when you're nursing and really need to. Especially if you are taking care of other children and burning extra calories. Sorry, I know this is not what you were looking for, but I'm trying to persuade you not to put something that you're body isn't going to benefit from into it when what you really need is the nutrition from the food (you know that there is no fix-all product). I generally eat a lot (granted, I'm bigger than the average woman, 6'3), but while I've been nursing my appetite has also been a bit out of control. I really started to pay attention to what I was eating, especially since I'm also a very active person and need all the nutrition I can get from my food to keep such a large body going. Since I began this process I feel a lot more energized and satisfied after eating. The trick is to remember to snack between meals as well. Remember, your body needs good, quality fuel to produce milk, work, and take care of the other children. That's a lot of energy output for one human body, even if you aren't someone who exercises regularly. Most of us know what we should be doing it's just a motivation/time factor. When I decided to get my act together I wasn't just thinking about what I needed to do for myself, it was what I thought my daughter needed to be healthy while her only nutrition was coming from my milk.

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T.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Please listen to your body. Nature knows what it's doing. You're hungry because you are making enough high quality food to sustain the life of another human being. This is no small task! Your body needs the extra calories right now. If you start replacing meals with diet shakes or try to fool your body into not feeling hunger, your milk quality and supply will suffer, and therefore so will your baby. You seem like a really smart, conscientious mom, so I know that's not what you want. Instead, try eating snacks that are high in fiber. (a bowl of Wheat Chex, for example) This will really make you feel full (to control that hungry monster!) and will give your body some healthy nutrients it needs while keeping your milk supply up.

Congratulations on your precious girls and my heartfelt thanks for serving the USA on all our behalfs. More power to you! :-)

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A.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Supressing your appetite will make you eat less which will reduce the amount of milk you produce.

Dont drink Slimfast while breastfeeding.

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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was advised not to diet while nursing, I think it affects your milk supply. Talk with you health care provider about a referral to a registered dietician or lactation consultant. I was diabetic during my pregancy and was always hungry, I was advised (as a diabetic) to have as many vegetables as I wanted or eat more protein. Starchy foods (carbs) is what I need to stay away from. Since you are still nursing, you need to be consuming extra calories than your otherwise normal diet. (500 extra calories for me.) If you are hungry than you are probably not eating enough, you should really consult with your healthcare provider. Good luck.

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd go for a handful of raw nuts instead, great for you and will help you feel full! By the way, it is normal to feel hungry when breastfeeding, especially when your little one is still so young. Try to eat 5 x a day, about 3hours apart.

Congrats on your new baby!
M.

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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was at the same point with my son. When I starting pumping it just got worse! I was hungry all the time and even if I ate dinner and lunch like I was a college athelete, I was hungry within 20 minutes of breastfeeding or pumping.

My OB/GYN recommended Ensure shakes with the high calorie content that are used by people who need to maintain a healthy weight. They worked great to tide me over until meals or I could actually get the chance to prepare a snack. While they are a little pricey, most markets offer a generic brand that is comperable. I used the Albertson's brand to this day while I'm at work, it's the best way to fill myself up in a healthy way without junk food or oversnacking from the vending machine.

I am not sure that you would want to take any kind of appetite suppressant while Breastfeeding, but ask your doctor for sure!

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M.P.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

S.,

Since you are breastfeeding still I'd say get the Carnation instant breakfast instead of Slimfast. Slimfast has compounds in it to help lose weight since you don't need that right now the Carnation instant breakfasts should work. That way you get your calcium and other nutrients and they are very filling because of the milk in it. There is sugarfree version if you are concerned about that.

M. P

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A.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

NO do not drink slimfast while you are breastfeeding! You are burning a ton of calories from breastfeeding/pumping and you will be much more hungry than usual. You need to eat more, maybe even more than while you were pregnant. I was starving all the time too. Try eating more protein, that worked well for me. Good luck!

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J.W.

answers from San Diego on

Eat good stuff, maybe add fiber to your water if you are gaining weight but otherwise take advantage of the good advice you have gotten and eat for your baby.

I take an organic food supplement that is wonderful, plus a fish oil and a concentrated fruit and vegee supplement. I consider it a real need even though I eat very healthy foods and no sugar or processed flours. I cannot eat all the food tbat is required to get daily needs in so I take a vitamin I trust. Get the good stuff at we-us.mychoices.biz . Keep your foods plain and fresh, your body and your baby will thank you!

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E.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I wouldn't do it. Try drinking a large glass of water before your meals. Drink water afterwards and between. I would say anything that you wouldn't feed your baby directly you shouldn't put into your body. That is, anything within normal eating or drinking. It might supress her appitite. I hope this helps.

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S. - you would be very pleased with Juice Plus Complete. Not only would it completely satisfy your hunger, but your baby would be healthier for it. I would recommend the Juice Plus Complete nutritional shake powder which would be very safe and healthy for both you and your child. It comes in chocolate and vanilla. I have a scoop mixed with cold water for breakfast or any other time I'm hungry and it satisfies me for hours. It's full of protein and all of the plant based nutrients, plus iron and calcium from natural sources that you and your baby need. I'll email you the ingredients if you contact me at ____@____.com. Check out my website www.caprice4juiceplus.com. Juice Plus is most well known for it's fruits and vegetables in capsules. There's nothing added, it's 28 actual fruits, vegetables, berries and grains without the water, sugar, salt and pestides (and some fiber removed to fit in the capsules!). It's one of the best things you could do for the health of you and your baby, especially while breast feeding.

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D.B.

answers from San Diego on

I drank slimfast both while I was pregnant and while I was breastfeeding. I tried the Ensure shakes but the slimfast tasted better to me, and I Iooked on the box and they both contain amost the exact same amounts of the exact same things. The reason I drank them is because I couldn't stand the taste or smell of any kind of meat, and I hate beans so I need to get protein some how. Just make sure you get enough calories to feed both you and the baby. Good luck!

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R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Read the ingredients and look them up on Google. It probably says right on the jar to consult a physician. Whenever a label says that it means they don't want the liability they want your physician to take it.

Join the club, I'm mother of four breast feeding, can't lose that last 10 pounds. Hungry all the time especially for sweet things (sweeten the milk) I've resolved that I'm just going to have to endure this until the baby's off the boob.

I know, stop breast feeding. That should solve all your problems with hunger!!! I know that's not what you want to do, so just respect the commitment you've made to nourish your baby the best possible way you can. Suck the weight gain up and diet all you want when the baby's off your boob. It won't be forever, at least that's what I tell myself.

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T.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

read what it say on the label if it says your prenant or breast feeding consult your doctor, or call the # 800 number ask slim fast there opinion, last be least call your own doctor or Ped ask them

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A.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Carnation instant Breakfast...purely for supplement purposes because I feel like you, hungry all the time. You get the extra dairy from the milk or mix it with soy perfect to curve the appitite or mid night snack!

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A.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm sure it's totally safe, but you really should be having MORE for breakfast than just that. It's very important to get enough calories, especially proteins while BF. Eat like you normally would plus a little (throw in an extra snack or two), eat when you're hungry and have the slimfast as something EXTRA! Don't starve yourself, it never works even when not BF.

Make your milk the best it can be for your little one!

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A.A.

answers from Las Vegas on

I drink it and I'm breastfeeding; but I just did it cuz of the vitamins & cuz I like the taste! :)
On the other hand, I will mention that with my 1st two kiddo's a ate out a lot... fast food and such. This time I've been eating at home (at first only because we couldn't afford to but now just because we've seen the benefits!) So anyway, with eating at home I get to pick healthier options. And this time the inches have been melting off. And I do not work out. All I do is eat, and then chase my kids around all day! lol
Point being: you will regulate eventually. Take care of yourself. Eat. have lots of fruits and veggies on hand to snack on. the rest will take care of itself!
God Bless!

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

What I have been using that I've actually lost 8lbs in the last two weeks, is natural and organic, no side effects and the Spokespearson for the product is Heather Hansen from the Biggest Loser is O3World.
Check it out, I love it!
http://myO3worldproducts.com

S.

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H.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you are hungry, Eat! Don't use slimfast. Give your body clean fuel, such as yogurts, lowfat cheeses, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, almonds, and lowfat treats such as skinney cow fudgescicles or skinney cow ice cream sandwiches. Hard boiled eggs and skim milk are also great sources of protein. If you use low fat but nutritious foods to eat when you are hungry, you won't gain weight while nursing. It will actually help you burn more calories which eventually will lead to a healthy burning metabolism and weight loss. Have fun! This time of nursing is so precious and will be over before you know it.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

You are burning about 500+ additional calories while breastfeeding. You need to eat a bit more to get the additional nutrients to give your child. Now is not the time to be concerned about your weight as long as you are making healthy choices.

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L.A.

answers from San Diego on

Don't drink Slimfast while breastfeeding. If you are hungry, EAT! Fruit, vegetables, rice, chicken breast, fish... there are lots of foods you can eat and still lose weight while nursing. Drink canned "meal replacement" drinks to your heart's content when your nutrition is all that's involved.

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I.T.

answers from San Diego on

I don't know whether it's safe or not. It's probably ok but it may not provide you good nutition (or it actually may as it is intended to be a meal replacement).

I'd just like you to know that my baby is now 10 months old and she's been nursing all along. Often I'm hungry ALL the time. I often eat as much as my 250lb muscley husband. I was worried about weight gain, but I've actually lost weight! I haven't even been doing any kind of excercise routine. (I need to do that simply because, tough I've lost weight, I'm pretty flabby especially around my middle.) SO...my point is that though you eat more, your body uses it up to provide the nourishment your little one is requiring. (Mine eats every 1.5 to 4 hours and she's pleasingly plump and very solid but not in the least overweight.)

Good luck to you, I hope this helps you to find your comfort level.

-I.

H.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

http://www.slim-fast.com/support/atd/categories.aspx

It won't control your hunger. Its probably safe but not all that good for you (its processed after all). Slimfast is simply a portion control diet, not an appetite suppresant. It works (for temporary weight loss) if you eat it as a meal replacement. If you are simply adding it to your regular diet, you are just adding calories.
I've heard hunger can get unrully while breastfeeding, but DO NOT DIET while breastfeeding. You need an extra 500 calories a day. for a young woman this totals about 2200 calories a day while breastfeeding. You shouldn't go below that for the time being. Are you gaining weight or just not loosing weight? Take heart, some woman don't loose the preg. weight until after breastfeeding. Eat healthy and don't calorie restrict until you are done breastfeeding. That is what is best for your baby.
google Slimfast and they provide answers to these questions. It doesn't not contain appetite suppresants so is technically safe to consume so long as you are adding it to your diet and not replacing meals. But there are healthier ways to add calories (dates, avacodos, nuts) Take care. I didn't start to shed any serious preg. pounds until after 6 months, but its happening.

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M.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Slimfast is fine, while breastfeeding and pregnant. It's actually a meal replacement, not a diet food. People use it for diets because it's lower in calorie, not because it has any slimming qualities, other than monitoring calories. I drank them during my pregnancy and now while breastfeeding. My husband is a dietitian and says it's perfectly fine. I would steer away from the mocha/doffee flavored ones though. They are flavored with coffee and have caffeine. Chocolate also has caffeine, but it will affect the baby much less. Don't use it an an appetite suppressant though. You need to continue to eat healthy so that your baby is healthy and if you eat less and lose weight too quickly, your milk production will lessen. Your weight will come off in time. Put your baby first.

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T.

answers from Las Vegas on

S.,

You have to be really careful using any sort of "protein" supplements or meal replacements while breastfeeding. They can cause nasty reaction in your baby. The proteins pass through breastmilk and babies really aren't designed for huge doses of protein. Being hungry (and I do mean HUNGRY) is really normal while breastfeeding. Even more so than when you are pregnant, you are eating for two. I found that I was less hungry when I made an effort to eat a really nutrient dense diet, not much junk and to make sure I got about 30/30/30 between carbs, protein and fat. I read somewhere that because most people have such nutrient poor diets, it is actually possible to be obese and still malnourished - a lot of what we typically eat has lots of calories but not much nutritional value so you are still hungry even though you've had tons of calories. That really made me think. With my second child, he's allergic to both dairy and soy so I really had to rethink my diet. I ended up pretty much being able to eat meats, beans, potatoes, rice, veggies and fruit and not much else. And I found that I wasn't STARVING all the time like I had been before because I was getting so much more nutrition from what I was eating. I also found that having healthy snacks on hand was really helpful. It is easier to not reach for junk when you have a selection of better stuff that is ready to go (cut up veggies, almonds, etc...).

Good luck,
T.

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Not slim fast-seriously, I doubt it will HURT you, but, It wont help. If you just want easy-I know every one has said ensure-there is also Boost. It is more of a juice based calorie drink-and I think it tastes much better. But, What about string cheese? Or a pear-they have lots of fiber and that will fill you up. I know when I have healthy stuff ready to go-like grapes in a bowl-already washed and broken into clumps I will eat them. W/ breast feeding your baby might not like the stuff they put in slimfast-and then you need to deal w/ that!

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S.,
I would urge that you NOT take Slimfast while you are breastfeeding. Rather than take something like that, have a HIGH PROTEIN drink like Ensure. I did that when I was pregnant with my daughter. I loved the chocolate (in red packaging)!! I had them all the time!

I really wouldn't worry about your hunger while breastfeeding. Your body knows what it needs and if you find you need more food, you need more food. You are supporting your child's health, too, as you well know. Who knows what effects Slimfast would have on your baby... it may make her irritable or unable to sleep... you just don't know. It's not worth it. As long as you are breastfeeding, your body is still not your own so to speak. Monitor EVERYTHING that goes into your body VERY CAREFULLY. There are so many things these days that are making people sick and we don't even know about them!!! You are just burning a lot of calories right now. What you are feeling in your hunger is normal anyway.

Just be patient and eat as much as you want as long as your choices are healthy and wise. Veggies are great! Try a Gardenburger (I don't eat meat)... they are very filling and yummy. But NOW IS NOT THE TIME to worry about things like Slimfast. Your hormones are not the same as they were before you got pregnant either.

As for now, just try to enjoy the entire experience of your breastfeeding without having any other thoughts. You are creating love and a fantastic nurturing foundation for your child as well as giving her a better, healthier start to her life. Keep up the awesome job you're doing and have no worries. All will fall into place at the right time :). It always does.

In Light,
Jennifer

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C.N.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Dear S., Probably very safe, look on the label. Your body is telling you that it needs some calories. C. N.

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