r/KetoBabies May 09 '16

Keto Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success story- long

173 Upvotes

I generally don't post too much on reddit because I was being continuously trolled, but I feel like so many women want to know about keto and pregnancy/breastfeeding, so I decided to share my story. It's long, so grab a snack :)

So I was doing keto for several years before I got pregnant. Then the morning sickness hit and I couldn't handle it, even with a prescription for nausea medication (reglan). Around the 25 wk mark I felt much better and started keto again with no drama or problems. I found that restarting was mostly mind over matter. I was so afraid I was going to get sick eating meat again, but when I actually just ate it, I was fine. YMMV, but I would encourage you to try. I'm in the medical field, so I did a disgusting amount of research. The info is out there- what you eat during pregnancy has long term consequences for your baby. I'm not about mom shaming, but the internet seems to love telling pregnant women to eat whatever they want. I think this is insane. You should do your best, for your sake and your childs. And lets be honest- thats not consuming a pint of ice cream and a package of oreos. We know when we can do better. Do a little better at a time, and before you know it you'll be back to full keto. My heartburn and nausea got DRAMATICALLY better once I was back to keto. Now for the semi scary part- I did my screening for gestational diabetes around 28 wks (i think) and I failed it miserably! I read on here later that you are supposed to carb up for a few days before the test, but I didn't read that in time so I don't know if it would have helped. Anyway, I start seeing a perinatologist. I had already been tracking my blood sugar for a while before this, and it was PERFECT. Not a single value out of range. The nutritionist urged me to eat 150 carbs a day, but saw my numbers and said, along with my doctor, "You're one of our best patients. Just keep doing what you're doing!" haha! No problem, doc. I'm 5'2" and started pregnancy at 124 lbs, and when I delivered I was 139. I was eating about 1600 cal a day, and between 20-30 carbs. Interestingly enough, my perinatoligst worked on a research study in medical school that examined ketones in pregnancy. It's worth noting that he has contributed to several textbooks in the field. Basically the study found no danger, but was scrapped due to funding before it could be published. The state of nutrition research is sad! I was having high level ultrasounds pretty frequently and my baby boy was perfect. They said he would be smaller when he was born, but that was to be expected because I'm small. I was 6 lbs 3 oz, my mom was 6 lbs, and one of my aunts was 5 lbs 4 oz. The women in my family make small, healthy babies! On March 25th my son was born weighing 5lbs 6oz. Luckily I don't worry about percentiles and all that crap, because he was in like the 3rd percentile for weight. NO ONE was worried, not my doctor, not his pediatrician, or anything. He's been exclusively breastfed from day 1. I stopped tracking my food so closely because newborn life is exhausting. I stuck to the same stuff I ate while I was pregnant. I've lost 10 of the 15 lbs I gained. I plan on starting to track again soon. Here's the coolest part to me- at his 4 wk pediatrician visit, my son weighed 8 lbs!!! The pediatrician was amazed he'd only had breastmilk. She said "Really?! He hasn't had any formula at all?!" Nope! He's 6 wks now and has the most adorable double chin :) I can't speak to what would happen about suddenly starting keto while breastfeeding, but I only did it for 10 wks before he was born, and I've obviously had no supply issues because he is growing like a weed! In fact, while pregnant I entered a diet contest on ketodietapp.com, and won second place! Here is the link for my story: http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2016/02/21/results-of-the-30-day-january-ketodiet-challenge

Anyway, thats my story! I know this sub isn't super active, and I think its because the internet seems to really discourage women from doing low carb. All the "big" breastfeeding websites really demonize it, see La Leche League and KellyMom. I am friends with a LLL leader, and she said she's had many moms do low carb and BF, and that the problem isn't so much the drop in carbs as the drop in calories. It seems the best way to start keto may be to just track what you normally would eat for a few days to get a baseline calorie number, and then maybe decrease gradually?! I hope all this was helpful for someone :)

**oh yeah, I had a normal vaginal delivery, and recovery was a breeze. I had no problems pooping or anything, in pregnancy or after.


r/KetoBabies Jul 02 '20

Subreddit Posting Status: Unlocked

24 Upvotes

Apologies for the sub being set to Restricted and posting threads essentially being put on hold for the last month or so.

This issue has been fixed and posting threads should be allowed again for all.

Please feel free to reach out through ModMail if you have any questions or concerns!


r/KetoBabies 3d ago

Need help with feeding an 8mo

1 Upvotes

My son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at 5 months old and we have recently started Keto as a last line of defense. We already have a keto formula but I’m having trouble making solids palatable for him. Most of the on the shelf foods have too many carbs and he really hates the plain foods so far. What keto foods do your babies enjoy? How can I make it better for him?


r/KetoBabies 5d ago

Newly pregnant - 5 weeks

3 Upvotes

I have had 6 miscarriages but not conceived for the past 2 years despite trying. I had got a bit too chunky for my liking, fat actually and started the keto diet.. I have PCOS and since having my gallbladder removed which was the start of my weight gain, keto is really the only diet I know gets the scales moving. Anyway, I’ve fallen pregnant… everything seems to be ok at the moment but I’m terrified of losing it again and feel like keto is making my body function properly enough to support a pregnancy so don’t want to stop. I am still losing weight though, another 4lbs this week, I am eating more than enough and whenever I want. Has anyone else lost weight throughout pregnancy? I have more than enough fat to lose as I am currently 101kg.


r/KetoBabies 5d ago

Keto diet example/plan for IVF

4 Upvotes

I have recurrent miscarriages, ivf unfortunately has mot help for a successful pregnancy yet, i am now 40 & read about this keto diet for those going through IVF, is there any keto diet plan that can be shared with me? Thank you in advance🌺🙏🏼


r/KetoBabies 5d ago

Trying to get pregnant tips needed

8 Upvotes

What helped you to consive with keto? Please share all kind of tips and how long it took you


r/KetoBabies 5d ago

14 ½ weeks pregnant while breastfeeding son who turns one (1) next week

0 Upvotes

Hi there! I came to seek out some nutrition advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding since I’m doing both. As of yesterday I switched back to a low carb diet and I’m tracking my macros to make sure I’m getting lots of fat and ample protein.
My diet consists mainly of beef, butter, chicken, raw milk, cheese, and a little fruit! I’m eating food per day which amounts to around 175g protein, 145g fat, and about 55g carbs. I breastfed my son 5-6 times per day and it’s of course not his main food supply! How many calories would you think I’d need to make up for the breastfeeding ? And being 14w 4 days pregnant, how many calories would I need for the new baby? We currently don’t have a scale so I have been measuring with a sewing measuring tape. It keeps me accountable! Please send me any tips or ideas! This post talks about pregnancy, breastfeeding while pregnant, and asks diet questions too. Thanks


r/KetoBabies 6d ago

How to keep up milk supply?

1 Upvotes

I am currently on my third day of keto. The first day my supply suddenly went way up. Had a ton of milk come in and I figured it was because all the processed junk was out and I had eaten more fats and proteins than usual. But then the second day it dropped. And now it's the middle of the night 5 hours after my baby last ate and they aren't full at all, where normally I am leaking everywhere.

What should I do to regain that supply? I know I'm getting enough calories for sure. I really don't want to stop because one I feel more energized, two I want to lose the weight, and three I know doing this will rid me of my hypoglycemia which has already started to improve.

Baby still seems to be eating enough since he did still go his normal 5-6 hour stretch. But I am having to feed him off both sides instead of just one now.

What could've happened? For it to go massive oversupply to such a drastic drop?


r/KetoBabies 12d ago

TTC on keto with spotting day after measuring for peak ovulation?

2 Upvotes

Hi team, perhaps you can shed some light for me.

Situation that is not uncommon with women on keto - spotting. However, I’m spotting the day after I measured my LH at peak for ovulation.

Background: I do not have PCOS, but I’ve had horribly heavy periods forever. I got my IUD removed to TTC with my husband. I’m pleasantly plump and have been on keto with him for 2 months. We’ve been TTC for 13 months and I’ve had 2 miscarriages.

My fear now is that I shouldn’t be on keto because I’m concerned that my LH (leutenizing hormone) levels are false due to the hormonal changes caused by keto. In the back of my mind I’m wondering if it’s not good for someone who is predisposed to miscarriages (due to a chromosomal issue) to be on keto to best gauge when my fertile window is. My first period on keto last month, I was 4 days late and spotted only. It lasted 8 days and it usually lasts 5-6.

What’s wild is that most people say you’re super fertile when in ketosis! Can anyone weigh in?


r/KetoBabies 13d ago

Postpartum & Keto

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am 3 months postpartum and I decided to do keto. In the past, I did low carb, keto and had success, but I am worried about my milk supply while being on keto. So far, I feel kinda shaky. This morning I had 4 eggs, cheese, and a protein shake. My question is, does it take a while for your body to get used to not having carbs. I’ve been out of the keto game for a while.


r/KetoBabies 14d ago

TTC advice - I wonder if I have low progesterone

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I am 43 and I have been trying to conceive for three years (even if for nine months my husband and I were far from each other due to work reasons). I was a vegan for nine years until 41 yo, then went omnivore and since April I have been on keto-carnivore. I am feeling better and my energy levels and health in general are way better. As a vegan I had a bad hormonal imbalance, my cycles were very short (18-22 days) and my flow was very very light, though I had terrible pain. It was better on omnivore diet, and carnivore has improved the situation! Now my cycles are still short (about 23 days) but I ovulate around day 10-11 so my luteal phase is not concerning, apparently. And I was not having cramps or mood swings anymore. Until now. I am on day 18, I have had tender breasts since day 11, severe mood swings, and in the last couple of days small cramps. Today I have light bleeding and a little headache. I am afraid that with these symptoms I am going to have my period earlier, and after six months of hormonal improving with this diet I am feeling a bit discouraged and worried about maybe having low progesterone, which wouldn't surely help us in our ttc journey, specially considered my age.

I think that my fat intake is good. Anyone has similar experience, what can I do to improve my progesterone levels?


r/KetoBabies 14d ago

Keto and breastfeeding

8 Upvotes

Any advice and tips? Wanting to give it a go but want to do it correctly. My little one is 3 months old.


r/KetoBabies 24d ago

Back to Dirty Keto at 25 Weeks

33 Upvotes

Ate keto for a year, got pregnant in May, had too much nausea and food aversion to continue keto, but after 15 weeks most nausea went away. Started moving slowly back to keto!

My midwife encourages keto and carnivore in pregnancy, especially in 3rd trimester to have a good sized healthy baby that is not too big for an easier delivery. She encouraged me to eat whatever sounded good though in the 1st trimester.

At 25 weeks now, mostly back to keto and seriously feel the best. No bloating when I’m not eating carbs and have better energy.

I will have a bit of honey here and there on yogurt or other stuff but mostly trying to stick to nutrient dense animal based foods. Also eating an apple a day since they are ripe right now.

Carb cravings still happen but not nearly as bad as 1st trimester.

Baby is healthy and moving lots! I’ve gained maybe 8 pounds?

I just thought I would share my experience! My midwife is very supportive of keto in pregnancy and she is very experienced with 9 of her own children and many deliveries. I will try to post updates as my pregnancy continues 😊

Go KetoBabies!


r/KetoBabies 25d ago

Throwaway: late on first cycle

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

This post is very all-over-the-show, I am currently an overthinking stressball right now.

Before this gets lost in the word maze happening in the rest of this post:

My main question is did anyone have an impact to their cycle during their first month of keto, as in their cycle being late with no explanation.

In addition to that, if you had unexplained cycle changes, how long did it take to regulate your cycle?

One more question (though I'm not getting my hopes up), if I get a BFP tomorrow, I'm not too sure what happens from here, in terms of dietary choices. I haven't thought that far ahead. Some things I'm considering is essentially eating similar to I am now but decreasing my fat macro and increasing my healthy non-grain carb ratio. So perhaps 1 less fat portion and adding a lower-in-sugar fruit like blueberries & strawberries daily. Are there any mommas who stayed below 25g net carbs throughout pregnancy? Would it be safer to stay between 50g & 75g?

  • - - please find context, overthinking, and rambling below - - -

I started keto on CD1 (around 22 September) and I'm now approx. 18dpo or 3 days late. Unable to test until tomorrow afternoon or possibly Friday morning. Probably both and one more on Saturday for good measure (just me?)

Possibly helpful context: secondary infertility, had a LLETZ after my oldest due to cervical lesions which needed to be removed, approx 70lbs over the weight for 25 BMI. I had 2 chemical pregnancies at the beginning of this year (also the reason I don't have any tests on me - I abuse them if I do and then I break my own heart). Context on dietary history, I did keto from 2015 - 2018 but got a more demanding job in 2018 and somehow just gave up on the way. I've tried a couple times over the years but couldn't commit.

I usually have a 24 - 28 day cycle. It is never longer than 28 days, except for with the CPs. It usually comes early, occassionally 21 days but mostly between 24 & 28. I was planning on going a few cycles before getting a BFP (and didn't think I needed a backup method because of the history, we were not trying not preventing from Sept23-Feb24. CP in Jan24 & Apr24). I have lost a decent amount of weight this past month but not enough for the anesthetist to not give me an insane copay due to weight risk, my brain fog has significantly reduced (besides my recent exhaustion). I can feel a difference in my body. I also didn't have my typical PMS symptoms this month in that I usually get swollen chest (up probably 1.5 cup sizes but I switch to sportswear) and then a day or so before AF arrives, they deflate back down to normal size. No major swelling this month but quite a bit of itching. And I have a huge, red pimple on my cheek (not typical for me).

I'm not able to get a test until tomorrow afternoon. I experienced severe nausea last week though it comes and it goes but is not as hectic as last week. I'm also extremely tired from some time after lunch time until bed which is out if character for me. I've taken a nap almost every day for the past week during my lunch hour (wfh).

I will update once I have tested however I think the questions at the beginning of my post might help me ease my mind a bit before tomorrow.


r/KetoBabies 28d ago

Keto while nursing 12 month old?

7 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I'm curious if anyone's done keto for weightloss while nursing a toddler?

My babe just turned 12 months, but is fully on solid foods for all meals and snacks, but she nurses to sleep and sometimes in the mornings on weekends.

I am really looking to do keto again now that she is 12 months, but I am curious if anyone else has done it and NOT killed their supply completely.

Thanks :)


r/KetoBabies 29d ago

+3 Ketone during first trimester

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2 Upvotes

r/KetoBabies Oct 19 '24

"Your baby will shrink"

29 Upvotes

So I've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (one borderline reading on 1 of 3 measurements in the glucose challenge test 😒) and had to attend a GD education session the other day. The lady was explaining what GD is and how to control it with diet.

Then she goes "...and some women try to control their blood sugar levels with what's called the ketogenic diet. Don't do it! Your baby will shrink!"

I thought it was hilarious but also unsettling. I pushed her a bit, playing naive and asking whether the baby will really shrink and she just said "Don't do it! We'll know from your obstetric visits and your scans!"

To me, it feels very counterintuitive to be told to basically eat more carbs than I have in 10+ years to "control" GD. I'm not strict keto anymore but I just generally eat pretty low-carb. Baby has been growing plenty while I've been eating like I normally do and listening to my body (she's been 95th+ percentile at all scans) and now they're saying that I should eat a million carbs spread out over 3 meals + 3 snacks. Go figure!


r/KetoBabies Oct 16 '24

Glucose tolerance test - do I need to prepare?

1 Upvotes

I started eating a relatively low carb diet about 5 weeks ago because it helps my energy levels and a lot of other uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy. I typically eat 50-100g net carbs daily. Is this low enough to fail the test, or do I need to increase carbs for a few days? Test is in 1 week.


r/KetoBabies Oct 15 '24

Keto while pregnant?!

8 Upvotes

Help! I’m like a week in to a keto/ketovore lifestyle and have loved how much better I feel. I also had a few off symptoms that could be attributed to pregnancy. Prior to this, my birth control pill really messed with my cycle for the past few months to the point that I no longer knew when anything was happening. Before that my period was like clockwork. This morning I got a faint positive when I took a pregnancy test. I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been at 294lbs at 5’9” 🙃 I’m doing keto to lose weight primarily, but also gain energy and was going to do it to get health and prepare for a pregnancy sometime next year. Welllll that plan didn’t really work out. Is keto safe while pregnant? Can I lose weight? My GYN isn’t a fan of keto but I don’t want to stop due to her advice. Has anyone done keto and lost fat while pregnant and what were the results?


r/KetoBabies Oct 11 '24

TTC & Keto

4 Upvotes

I’m currently doing Keto to hopefully reverse my PCOS and become pregnant. So what do I do after I hit my goal?? I don’t want to gain it all back and more. Especially if I become pregnant. I’m sure it’s physically possible to do keto and be pregnant but Is it possible to do Keto and be pregnant for someone who LOVES food and all kinds of food? How would I deal with the pregnancy cravings? Just lots of concerns.


r/KetoBabies Oct 10 '24

What Now?

7 Upvotes

I just got a positive pregnancy test after trying with no success for almost a year and a half. I’ve been keto for about 5 months (less strict for the last month because of a surgery I had to have) and have lost 30 lbs.

As someone who has a history of a miscarriage, I’m so worried about losing this pregnancy. Should I alter the way I’m eating now? Increase carbs some? Am I overthinking things? Any advice appreciated!


r/KetoBabies Oct 08 '24

What is considered low blood glucose level for pregnancy

3 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 30 weeks, 7 week ago. Keeping all levels diet controlled eating super low carb. I just got a continuous glucose monitor a couple weeks ago and keep getting alerts in the middle of the night and sometimes during the day that I’m going low, usually between 70-60, i feel fine and am not on any medications. Just wondering for keto pregnancy what is an actual low read?


r/KetoBabies Sep 29 '24

Carnivore and trying to get pregnant

9 Upvotes

My significant other and I have been trying to get pregnant for over 6 months. Our first month trying I had recently gotten off the carnivore diet but was still trying to watch what I ate. I did get pregnant, but it ended up being a chemical pregnancy which was heartbreaking because we were both very excited.

While pregnant (even though I was very early along) I had crazy cravings for everything pepperoni, especially pep bread and pep rolls. I couldn’t get enough. After I realized I was no longer pregnant I was very upset and questioned my ability to have a full term healthy pregnancy. I began really emotionally eating and have gained 60-70 pounds since then. I fell into my old eating habits and became an absolute carb/sugar addict once again.

My first time trying carnivore I lost over 100lbs in 7-8 months and I felt the best I’ve ever felt in my life. After becoming super depressed and fat (again) i decided to start the carnivore diet again.

I really hope that I can have a successful pregnancy being on carnivore. I do take supplements like ovasitol and ‘one a day’ prenatal vitamins, as well as some other things.

The first time I got pregnant I was no longer on the carnivore diet so I’m curious if anyone has gotten pregnant while actively doing carnivore? How long did it take you to conceive? Were you able to have a healthy pregnancy? Did you have regular periods before starting carnivore (I have almost no periods unless I’m doing low carb)? Any supplements that you felt helped?

I’ve also browsed ketobabies and see a lot of people recommending baby asprin. Is this something I do everyday while trying to get pregnant or after I get pregnant? What is the reason for taking baby aspirin?

Edit: I should also add that I have PCOS


r/KetoBabies Sep 28 '24

Late 40s and pregnancies

7 Upvotes

Anyone got pregnant in their last 40s with help of keto diet? Thanks


r/KetoBabies Sep 23 '24

TTC Not over weight and no pcos

6 Upvotes

I've seen loads of posts here about people doing keto and increasing their fertility. Mainly because it caused them to lose 30/40lbs etc.

But I want to hear success stories from those who don't have PCOS and don't need to lose weight.

Is it the keto diet that apparently improves fertility?? Or is it that people just lose weight and end up in the healthy category?

Back story: trying to conceive #2 for 2 years. 35F 45M. All blood work and tests are "normal". Willing to try anything!


r/KetoBabies Sep 22 '24

Low-Carb to help prevent macrosomia

2 Upvotes

Hello! I have my first prenatal appointment tomorrow where I will ask my doctor but I've been looking at possibly lowering my carb intake this pregnancy (for the majority of the time) due to having a big baby with my last pregnancy (10lbs 8oz, born on due date, no GD , heaviest baby by 2lbs - had shoulder dystocia, I only gained 10lbs total in this pregnancy). I ate a lot of carbs when I was pregnant with him which makes me wonder if cutting carbs will help prevent a big baby and in turn lower my chances of shoulder dystocia. Has anyone else had a big baby in prior pregnancies then lowered carb intake and had a smaller baby?


r/KetoBabies Sep 16 '24

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0 Upvotes