Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

1

Hi, I'm fairly new to the Paleo lifestyle. I keep reading about fasting and wonder if it is safe to water fasting while nursing. Thanks

flag	asked Jun 16 at 3:07 Misty 13●3

Dragonfly · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-16 03:13:48Z UTC

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Please don't fast while nursing! You may negatively impact your milk supply.

Both you & babe need a nutrient-dense diet--you need to replenish your nutrient stores & baby is growing.

Eat to hunger & add in organ meats & bone broth if you can.

answered Jun 16 at 3:13

Dragonfly
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Fasting might be better suited to men than to women, at least male rats according to a study I recently read. The female rats who fasted became more "masculine", not exactly the ideal hormone balance for breastfeeding. – Happy Now Jun 16 at 5:31

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Not only do you impact milk supply, but your body will release toxins into the breast milk. The best thing to do is eat nutrient dense foods, as much as you want, and foods that you and your baby can tolerate. – AmandaLP Jun 16 at 12:45

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Just to add to the above statements, I wanted to add that you need to think about this - if you were formula feeding, would you give your baby diluted formula? Because you might as well be if you nurse your baby during a water fast. Not to sound incredibly harsh, but your baby depends on you for nutrients from your milk for growth, brain development and well being, and by watering it down, releasing toxins, and impacting your supply, you are hurting your baby's health by putting your desire to water fast first. Wait till baby is weaned, then water fast to your heart's content. – PixieMama Jun 16 at 18:51

syrahna · Answer 2 · 2012-06-16 04:03:20Z UTC

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Listen to Dragonfly. 2. Common sense applies to eating paleo, just like anything else.

answered Jun 16 at 4:03

syrahna
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Crowbar · Answer 3 · 2012-06-16 05:08:06Z UTC

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Be patient enough to wait until you're done nursing, for your baby AND yourself.

answered Jun 16 at 5:08

Crowbar
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SS · Answer 4 · 2012-06-16 04:04:46Z UTC

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that is terrifying to think that anyone would think water fasting while nursing was even to be considered. Wow

answered Jun 16 at 4:04

SS
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Your comment isn't exactly compassionate and kind in the way it's worded. All new moms have questions, and we are, as a culture, overcoming at least two generations of OUR mothers who were told that science had a better alternative to breastfeeding. This isn't necessarily common knowledge anymore. – staceychev Jun 17 at 12:22

Roth · Answer 5 · 2012-06-16 05:41:34Z UTC

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Honestly you'll probably be fine it you do water fast, but pregnancy and the postpartum period is a time to eat a LOT of nutrient dense food because the developing fetus/baby requires very varied nutrition. Much of that is transferred through breast milk as well.

edited Jun 16 at 5:41

answered Jun 16 at 4:45

Roth
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She is nursing, not pregnant. – Crowlover Jun 16 at 5:37

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SHE may be fine, but baby likely won't. It could also impact her ability to nurse. – MathGirl72 Jun 16 at 14:11

Water Fasting and nursing

5 Answers