u/Few_Pay6063

(Posting here and not in xxketo because the sub is dead…)

I tried to do keto and cico at 3 months postpartum and my scale moved maybe 1kg but went up again.

I really need to lose some baby weight, I’m really frustrated looking in the mirror. I feel like I’m trapped in a shell of fat and it’s really affecting my mental health.

Here’s where I’m currently at:

- 73kg
- exclusively breastfeeding (I’d say that I make a bit more than baby needs)
- sleeping okay
- stress is medium to high (I have a toddler)
- I’m 30

Where I want to be:

- 63kg

My issues:

- I tend to binge eat (I have a few “good” days and then ruin it)
- when I did keto 3 months ago I calculated my TDEE and went into a 20% deficit and it barely moved the scale
- I need a really really simple meal plan that is also kosher
- nervous about possible dip in supply

I need to eat approximately 1800cal to be in a deficit and keep supply. Should I reduce carbs gradually? If yes, how?

Ok, this sub really likes to come at me. So before I say anything, please remember that it is just my personal experience and I’m sharing this for other moms who can decide for themselves what to do! And YES, I know that everyone’s different etc.

Good, now that we have this out the way…

When I was nursing the first time around (EBF) I was hearing from everyone that I should pump so that I have a stash for when I need to leave the baby or when I go back to work. So pretty much from the start I was pumping, not just for the stash but also to relieve engorgement. But because I pumped my boobs got used to it and I *needed* to pump every day. And I couldn’t sleep on my back because I would get clogged ducts immediately and every day I would have to pay attention not to get engorged or get clogged ducts. It was a battle!!! And so uncomfortable! I remember having to unclog ducts and blebs many times a week!

The second time around I said: no pumping!
So when I was super engorged in the beginning I did pump! And I thought that I will ruin it for myself again. But I pumped less, not until empty. And I made sure to gradually reduce the pumping until zero. Eventually I stopped pumping all together around 1 or 1.5 months. (I do an occasional pump if I want hubby to give LO a bottle but it is only to replace a feed).

And THIS time around it’s amazing! No clogged ducts, sleeping on the back and on the belly possible! And breastfeeding doesn’t feel like this mental battle and constant vigilance. I can even go 5/6 hours without nursing (at night) and I would get NO CLOGGED DUCTS!!!

So yeah, not pumping regularly has changed everything for me!
I will start pumping a tiny bit a month before I will give LO into daycare.

Ps: we are currently at 4 months EBF