Low-carb diets restrict carbohydrate intake for the purpose of weight loss. Low-carb diets typically limit grains, fruits and processed foods while encouraging meats and dairy. The theory is that eating foods that are high in carbohydrates spikes blood sugar and insulin levels in the body, which causes the body to hold onto fat. While low-carb diets may lead to weight loss for some people, they aren't the best choice for breastfeeding women.
Types of Carbohydrates
Types of carbohydrates and their differences are important when it comes to nutrition. Complex carbohydrates -- such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, vegetables and fruit -- are rich in nutrients and fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, candies, cakes and other processed snack foods have little nutritional value and tend to spike blood sugar levels quickly.
Low-carb Diet Risks
Kelly Bonyata, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, states that low-carb diets are not recommended for nursing women, because they do not typically contain enough folic acid, antioxidants or photochemicals that mothers need. The lack of magnesium and potassium in high-protein, low-carb foods may also lead to dehydration.
Rapid Weight Loss
Another potential problem with low-carb diets for breastfeeding women is that they tend to lead to rapid weight loss, especially in the beginning of the diet. This is because the dieter is often eating fewer calories than before and may be losing water weight. La Leche League states that when a nursing woman loses weight rapidly, the environmental toxins in her body become more concentrated in the breast milk, which can harm the baby. Rapid weight loss may also reduce a woman's milk supply.
Calories, Exercise and Weight Control
Breastfeeding women do not need to go on a low-carb diet to lose weight, since breastfeeding itself can encourage weight loss. La Leche League explains that nursing women lose an average of 1.3 to 1.6 lbs. a month during the first four to six months of the baby's life, just by breastfeeding. The more frequently a woman breastfeeds without substituting with formula, the more calories she will burn. Bonyata recommends that nursing women feed their babies on demand, eat about 1500 to 1800 calories per day and exercise moderately to lose weight at a healthy rate.
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