Is the Atkins Diet Safe While Breastfeeding?

When you're a new nursing mother, two of the biggest concerns on your mind will be the safety of what you are ingesting and how to lose your extra baby weight. The Atkins diet, a high-protein, virtually carb-free eating plan, is a popular weight-loss regimen. It's often used as a quick way to lose pounds, so as a new mother, you may wonder if it's a good and safe plan to follow. There is evidence to suggest, though, that the Atkins diet is not the healthiest plan for breastfeeding mothers.

What is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins diet was formulated by Dr. Robert Atkins as a way to manage his own weight. His theory being that refined carbs ("white foods") are the reason so many Americans are obese. During the first two-week phase of the diet, called Induction, you will eat mostly protein, very little carbs forcing your body into a state called ketosis. In this state, your body will use fat stores as energy, but many view this as dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Taking Care of Yourself

Per Jay Hoecker, M.D., a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic, three of the most important things you can do while nursing is drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and eating a balanced, healthy diet. The Atkins diet is not balanced, eliminating almost entirely an important food group, so it's best not to follow it while nursing your infant. A diet rich in all healthy food groups will help you feel best and have the energy to nurse and take care of your baby.

Natural Weight Loss While Nursing

It's not just an old wives' tale -- you burn extra calories if you are breastfeeding your baby. Your body uses the stored energy in fat to make milk, thus helping you to to lose weight faster if you follow a sensible diet with moderate exercise, per the lactation experts at Baby Center.

Dehydration While on Atkins

According to David Levitsky, Cornell University professor of nutritional sciences, one of the dangers of the Atkins diet is dehydration. Once ketosis begins, you will lose glycogen in your liver. Since your body does not have enough glucose to control your blood sugar levels, it begins using glycogen instead. Glycogen contains many water molecules, and thus your body gets rid of a lot of water in the initial phases of a high-protein diet. Staying well hydrated is paramount to a healthy milk supply when breastfeeding, and the Atkins plan does not support that.

What to Eat While Breastfeeding

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet for breastfeeding mothers is full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are the exact items that the Atkins diet asks you to eliminate. Be easy on yourself, listen to the old adage: nine month on, nine months off and give yourself time to lose your weight in a healthy manner.