How many calories should I eat to lose weight while nursing?

Indira1017

I am about to have a baby by c-section in a week. I really want to start the weight loss by eating better since I am not going to be able to exercise for about 6 weeks after. I have no idea how many calories I should eat to keep nursing the baby and lose weight at the same time. I don't mind losing it slowly.

crudd123

I'd ask your doctor! Good luck to you and congrats!

kmcr14

Your doctor will know best, but I will say that, while I've never had a baby, my mom always said that breastfeeding helps shed weight. I'm not sure why, or if it's true for everyone, but that might be a small comfort to you. A google search just now confirmed this is true for some women, apparently. Also, maybe take walks as you feel better?

jlapey

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/pregnant-nursing/137041-how-many-calories-should-i-eat-while-nursing.html

RachelBiancaxx

I'm not completely sure about this but I think it's recommended that you eat 500 additional calories while breast feeding. So if you add 500 cals to MFP's calorie goal, that should work. But I do agree that your doctor would know what's best for you. Good luck xx

TeachTheGirl

An additional 500 calories. And keep those fats up!

Mischievous_Rascal

Do you know what your TDEE pre-pregnancy was? Becuase you have to eat above that to maintain while your nursing - milk production burns as many calories (or more) as a 30 minute treadmill session for most people! Here's an article that may be useful to you:

http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com/articles.asp?id=991

Of course, I would cover all of this with my doctor. Good luck and CONGRATS!!!

rlmadrid

I'd ask your doctor! Good luck to you and congrats!

This! We can advise but the doctor will know.