Breastfeeding While Underweight: Tips and Advice

Pregnancy and lactation are some of the most biologically demanding, yet rewarding, tasks that we can take on as human beings. Because exclusively breastfeeding a baby takes an estimated 500-700 additional calories per day, breastfeeding has long been applauded as a way to lose the extra pounds a woman might have packed on during pregnancy.

For some women, especially those with eating disorders, thyroid problems, or inadequate nutrition, the weight loss caused by breastfeeding is a source of stress--not relief. These tips can help an underweight mother to breastfeed her baby with success, without any harm to her or her child.

You Will Still Produce Enough Milk.

Many women mistakenly believe that their milk supply will suffer because they are underweight. Whether weight loss is caused by inadequate caloric intake, thyroid problems, or some other cause, the milk supply of an underweight mother will generally remain stable. Numerous studies both in the U.S. and abroad have determined that women will still produce sufficient breastmilk, even when severely underweight. According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, women will still produce sufficient quantities of breastmilk even when suffering from poor nutrition.

Your Milk will Still be Top-Quality.

According to the breastfeeding advocacy organization La Leche League, research shows that the breastmilk of underweight mothers still contains adequate levels of fat, protein, sugars, and vitamins. However, it has been demonstrated recently that the types of fats found in underweight mothers' breastmilk does vary based on her diet. Breastfed babies whose mothers eat larger quantities of healthy, omega-3 fats, will in turn consume larger amounts of them. It is the ratio of specific fatty acids, not the total number of calories, that affect the quality of breastmilk.

Eat.

Although the breastfed baby of a woman who is underweight will still get adequate nutrition, it is important that she consume enough calories to keep herself healthy. Underweight nursing women can benefit from a diet high in plant-based fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Do not start chowing down on candy bars (this will only send your blood sugar on a roller-coaster). Instead, try to focus on high-calorie healthy foods. Anyone who is underweight may find that they benefit from eating several small meals per day, rather than three large meals. Skipping meals while nursing can spell disaster, both for the mother and baby, because it will not only cause additonal weight loss, but also cause abrupt and uncomfortable drops in blood-glucose levels.

Take Supplements.

Breastfeeding women need to protect their own bodies by insuring that they are taking in adequate levels of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Underweight breastfeeding women are at an especially high risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, so taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D is critical. Your body's resources of omega-3 fats may also be depleted, so consider taking a fish oil supplement to compensate. Supplements do not replace a healthy diet, but they can mitigate the effects of undernourishment.

Get Your Thyroid Checked.

Postpartum thyroiditis is a common problem, affecting about 5% of women within a year of childbirth. If you are losing weight in spite of consuming an adequate number of calories (700 calories beyond your pre-pregnancy intake), it is possible that your metabolism has been sped up too quickly by an overactive thyroid. Postpartum thyroiditis generally resolves itself, but you should notify your practitioner if you are showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, because your situation may require long-term treatment. Postpartum thyroiditis does not affect your ability to produce sufficient breastmilk.

Get Treatment for Depression and Eating Disorders.

Untreated postpartum depression is a frequent cause of excessive weight-loss in breastfeeding mothers. Depression, anxiety, anorexia nervosa, and other mental health problems often cause sudden and severe drops in the number of calories that a woman is consuming. Postpartum mental health complications are common and usually respond readily to treatment. You can protect your body, mind, and child by contacting your doctor to address the problem.

Don't Use Stimulants of Any Kind.

Illegal, powerful stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines should obviously be avoided by all breastfeedfing women, because they readily transfer into breastmilk and are harmful to both mother and baby. However, most underweight women fail to realize that weaker stimulants like theobromine (found in chocolate) and caffeine may also be detrimental to their health. Stimulants speed the body's metabolism, causing inadequate absorption of nutrients and calories. An underweight woman, especially if her weight problem is caused by hyperthyroidism, should consume any stimulants that may speed her metabolism.