No appetite, what do I do?

Question

I am breastfeeding exclusively and have not had an appetite since I delivered my beautiful girl (3 weeks and 4 days ago).

I eat once a day, but not very much. It is hard to make myself eat because I don't really have the energy to cook anyhow.

Will my milk supply dissipate, and what can I do - other than eat - to stop it from disappearing if it will?

I do drink a ton of water (and juice and milk) and I am still taking my prenatal vitamin (as recommended).

Answer 1

Congratulations on the new baby. You have been given some great nutritional advise here, but I detect something else going on that no on has addressed. Honey, you are having some hormonal problems (baby blues of a sort) if you are not hungry and lacking in energy. This is totally normal, but you should talk to your doctor and see what he can recommend to help you get back on your feet physically and mentally so you can better nourish your baby as well as yourself. Babies are exhausting demanding little people. I promise you, it will get better soon. By the time the baby hits the half year mark you will be in a better place. Right now the baby is taking all of your time, energy, etc. Don't lose yourself - see if someone can lend you a helping hand - give you a few hours out to do something nice for yourself. I will start with a huge ((((((HUG))))) Now go talk to your doctor and maybe join a parent group. You are not alone.

Answer 2

Congratulations on your beautiful baby. You are eating once a day, so make it a very healthy meal. Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables to supply yourself with calcium. Eat protein to maintain your muscles. Once a day is not optimum, but your appetite will eventually return. Drink at least 24 oz. of milk and continue your prenatal vitamins. Brewers yeast is said to help milk production. I believe you can find it at any health food store. A small glass of red wine is good for your blood as is continuing to take folic acid daily.
As long as your baby nurses, you won't lose your milk. You will however feel extra tired if you don't eat healthy meals. As in pregnancy, when the body sent nutrients to the womb, the body will take nutrients for the production of your milk. Eating a healthy diet will ensure that both you and your baby stay in good health.
Talk to your doctor soon if your appetite doesn't pick up. Cottage cheese and fruit may also increase your appetite. Nursing makes the womb return to normal sooner and you will also find that it will cause you to lose pregnancy weight faster, so be careful to eat really well when you do.
Also, nap when baby sleeps if at all possible. Soon you will begin to feel like your old self. Enjoy your baby!

Answer 3

Your body needs fuel so that you can stay healthy and you can keep your supply up. You especially need to stay hydrated. You'll have more energy if you are eating something!

Buy snacks that are easy to grab and don't require much (if any!) preparation. Do your best to keep it quick and simple.

Pre-cut veggies. Celery, baby carrots, bell pepper slices, etc. Maybe some dip if you like.
Cereal bars or granola bars.
Protein drinks.
Fresh fruits. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apples, etc.
Make up a loaf of bread as PB&J and put it back in the bag and into the fridge. Then you can just grab one when you need it.
Sliced cheese and crackers
Lunch meats and sandwich stuff.
Cans of soup - the kind you just heat up and don't even need to add water.
Yogurt

Answer 4

See your doctor. Your baby could miss out on important nutrients and your body needs the nourishment. Drink lots of water to keep up your milk supply and take a multivitamin. But see your doctor. Keep on feeding your baby girl so the milk supply doesn't diminish.

Answer 5

Well as long as the baby keeps sucking the breast milk will be produced.But i would recommend you to eat at least two times per day and take some vitamins to keep your strength up.

Answer 6

Congratulations!!! I'm sure you're exhausted but, eating only one meal a day could be adding to this exhaustion. I'm glad you are drinking plenty of fluids but, maybe thats why your not hungry, because your so full of the juices, milks, etc.. For your sake and the baby's please call you're Dr.

Congratulations again!

Answer 7

it realy isn't how much you eat, but what you eat. The milk is good, but try to eat fruits vegetables and foods with fibers such as wheat. these foods alone have all the vitamins you need and they are easy to eat because you don't need an appetite to chow down on them and you dont have to cook. trust me, you need to eat. my friend didn't eat nutritius foods while breast feeding and her baby became anoemic

Answer 8

you have to eat, even if you're not hungry because not eating deprives your baby of the nutrients needed to live a healthy life, so eat 3 times a day and try to eat a snack like yogurt in between. Make sure what you're eating is healthy though!!!!!

Answer 9

I breastfed my children also but, I was always ravenously hungry. I think you should see your doctor, There may be a serious problem. I would try high protein foods if you are not eating much.