Oh, yes, indeedy.
I’m gonna.
Not because I think you’re all that interested, but because that’s what’s a focus in my life right now.
I’m only half kidding. About it being a focus.
After 8 children, it’s pretty hard to gross me out. And I’m finding that baby poop can tell you a lot that the baby can’t.
From the third baby on, I’ve had milk supply problems, and have “finished off” the last 5 babies with bottles and formula. I won’t digress here into the battle that has been.
I’ve always assumed (likely correctly) that my milk supply dwindled because I was pregnant. I knew all the “tricks” and herbs to increase supply, and they just weren’t working.
I was primed and ready to use all the tricks again this time, nursing baby #8. The midwife reminded me (again) to make sure I consume at least 2500 calories a day. I thought (as I always do) “NO problemo!” But I figured this time, I’ll track it. I’m not sure why I decided to, but I did.
I’m awfully glad I did! I learned in a hurry that consuming 2500 calories is indeed a BIG problemo for me! There are times that I can eat a lot of food, but that is not my norm. Apparently, my norm, from looking at the charts of this tracking app, is closer to 700-1000 calories a day. Which is NOT conducive to milk production. Which makes me pretty sure that all the other times have had this as a contributing reason as well, since I’m eating more these days than I have in years!
Anyway, on to the poop:
Changing Caedmon’s diaper these days is like playing the lottery:
His poop is very indicative of my milk quality, which lets me know how to eat.
Bright yellow mustardy poop = enough milk.
Greenish or orangish mucousy poop = not enough milk.
“Seeds” in the mustard = enough fat in the milk.
Smooth mustard = not enough fat OR baby isn’t getting “hind milk”.
Huh. Wish I’d known all that 8 years ago!
So THAT’S why I’m really writing all this- in case there’s someone else whose baby will benefit from that info.
Now, I need to go figure out how in the world I’m supposed to eat 1500 more calories a day. As it is, I don’t see how I can possibly stuff in any more food!
I know it might be difficult with your families dietary restrictions, but I think you'll probably have to go with really calorie dense foods, like potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, nuts and legumes. Also, use "whole" or "full fat" as much as possible and maybe add some extra oil when cooking? I make chicken korma with full fat yogurt, butter and lots of oil and it's over 300 calories for 1/2 cup, but of course that's a lot of dairy.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's very helpful. I find that I am quite ignorant about calories and the like. We did go and buy a lot of nuts, cottage cheese, and yogurt, and everyone knows it's just For Mama so hands-off!Caedmon Is already letting us see a difference in his diapers, so I'm pretty encouraged that I'm making it.
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