Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for your baby's health. Although you may be anxious to start losing the baby fat, you must decide whether the Atkins diet is the best diet for you and your current situation. If you choose to follow the Atkins diet while breastfeeding, keep in mind that you should only aim to lose about 2 pounds per week under the supervision of a physician to ensure the maintenance of an adequate milk supply.
Step 1
Wait until breastfeeding is well established. During the first two months of breastfeeding, your focus should be on establishing a good milk supply, getting to know your baby, and settling into a new way of life. This is also a time when minor breastfeeding problems might arise such as sore nipples, thrush, or slow weight gain, so be sure to conquer those hurdles first before starting any diet. You will likely lose weight during this time without even trying. Your body will be releasing water and stored fat during the postpartum period. Do not risk breastfeeding failure by trying to hurry things along.
Step 2
Decrease carbohydrates slowly. Typically, Phase One of the Atkins diet allows only 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. If you are breastfeeding, it is better to start out on Phase Two or Three, and consume at least 40 grams of carbohydrates instead. You can always decrease carbohydrates when your baby is older and solids are introduced. Be sure to drink plenty of water during carbohydrate restriction diets because there is a risk of dehydration associated with low carbohydrate dieting.
Step 3
Monitor milk supply. To ensure that your milk supply has not diminished, watch for signs in your baby. Does the baby seem satisfied? Do you hear him swallowing when he nurses? Is he producing six to eight wet diapers and stooling at least twice per day? Is he gaining weight appropriately? If you answer no to any of these questions, begin consuming a regular balanced diet again to see if problems resolve. If your diet is affecting your milk supply, your body will probably bounce right back once you return to a regular diet. If correcting your diet does not correct the problem, contact your pediatrician immediately to determine the cause of your baby's slow weight gain, infrequent stools or inadequate milk transfer..
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