Nursing going great, should I start Herbalife weight loss program?

QUESTION: I am currently nursing my forth child and all is going beautifully. I am interested in starting the Herbalife weight loss program I was on before my pregnancy. Can you tell me if it is safe? I would be happy to send an ingredients list.

Dear Linda,

What a nice surprise for me to get a letter from someone where all is going well! I know you are pleased about that too! I am not familiar with the Herbalife weight loss program, so yes, please let me know about it. In general, as long as you are losing weight slowly (approximately 1 pound per week), there should be no problem. Of course, it is normal to lose more than that the first week or two on a diet because of fluid loss. The reason you want to take it slow is because toxins are stored in our body fat. If you lose too much fat too quickly, a lot of toxins are released into the  bloodstream. It is from the bloodstream that the milk is made. Also, all  studies show that the slower weight is lost, the more likely we are to keep  it off.  As far as herbs are concerned, most are considered safe when used in normal  dosages. There are some herbs, however, which can decrease supply (such as  sage).

Cher Sealy RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

Follow-up

Dear Linda,

I have done some research on the Herbalife products you were asking about. I have spoken with three people who are knowledgeable about both herbs and  breastfeeding. I know you will be disappointed, but the general consensus is that this is not a good plan for a breastfeeding mother--especially with a  newborn. If your baby were closer to a year, it probably wouldn't be as much  of a concern. While none of the ingredients are necessarily harmful, there are some concerns about them:

#1. This diet has the potential to help a mother drop a large amount of weight quickly. As I mentioned to you in my original letter, that is not a safe thing for a nursing mother to do. Also, it could negatively impact your milk supply.

#2. There are many stimulant-type herbs in these preparations. That is why  women themselves may feel good while on this diet. But it is not a good  thing for a baby. Just like with caffeine, they can affect the baby's sleep  and feeding.

#3. There are so many different herbs in these preparations. Your baby  could be sensitive to one, and you would have no way of knowing which one it  is. Some of them could potentially decrease supply, some have a laxative effect, and some, as I mentioned above, could affect your baby's sleep and/or  feeding.

I certainly understand your wanting to lose the weight and wanting to do it   quickly. (I need to do the same and I sure wish it could happen overnight!)   But you can lose weight safely while breastfeeding. There is a really good   book called "Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding" by Ellen Behan. I   believe it sells for about $11.00--probably less than the herbs in Herbalife.   Weight Watchers also has a plan for breastfeeding mothers. Just increasing   exercise without even changing your diet can help you lose weight. And, if   you increase exercise as well as reducing fat, you will get even better   results. Realize that you are doing the most important thing in the world   right now for the health (both physical and emotional) of your baby. I know you don't want to compromise that in anyway.

Good luck, Linda!

Cher Sealy RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

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