3 wks post partum - breastfeeding - questions!!

scorl
scorl Posts: 51 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey yall - haven't been on here in about 10 months and I'm ready to get back to keeping myself accountable!! I also have a 2 yr old and now a new sweet 3 wk old (3 wks on Sunday)... so it might be tricky but I need to get in the routine of tracking my food intake.

Exclusively breastfeeding but not sure how much I'm making - seems like a lot. haha I've read posts about putting breastfeeding in your food log or putting it in exercise... I don't really know what to do. My mom was in town all this wk and could not believe how much I wanted to eat. Kept trying to remind her how normal this is and that breastfeeding make you SO HUNGRY. She kept making me feel a bit self concious when I'd go eat something btwn meals but I know I'm doing the right thing. I just need to know how to figure out how many calories I should be eating. Do I use my BMR? Do I just add 300 or 500 extra cals? I dunno!!!

I am 5"7 and weighed 198 at delivery. I now weigh 180 - so I'm down 18 lbs after 2 wks yay! I gained around 30 this time...so pre preggo weight was 164. I had been doing a bootcamp before I got pregnant and gained a bit of muscle mass but everything says I was 'overweight' blah whatever. I would love to get down to atleast 150.

Any help/advice/tips?! Thanks friends!

Replies

  • todayis4me
    todayis4me Posts: 184 Member
    My advice would be to contact a lactation consultant through your pediatrician or even a nutritionist. Your making such a wonderful decision for you and your baby, congrats!
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    Aw thank you! :)
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    Hi! I breastfed my daughter for 18 months. Congrats on your loss so far!

    It's recommended that breastfeeding women eat no less than 1800 calories per day. OR your daily calories (based on TDEE/BMR) plus an additional 500 calories for exclusively breastfeeding or 300 for non-exclusive.

    For these additional calories, try to fill with good fats (nuts, avocado, etc) and protein and that'll help keep your milk production at peak performance. Also drink a lot of water.

    Hope this helps! =)
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    You should be eating above your BMR for sure. On top of that, you should also be logging your breastfeeding under the food section to get extra calories.

    I am also not sure if you should be at a deficit right now, I definitely agree with above poster. But I would at least use MFP to calculate your calorie goal either at maintenance or at a small deficit, like no more than 1 lb a week AND log your breastfeeding.
  • lenamae23
    lenamae23 Posts: 60 Member
    I wouldnt start eating at a deficit until at least 6 weeks. The first weeks are so crucial for your milk supply. Until my baby started on solids I ate 500 extra per day so I was looking at about 1800 per day. Im 5'6 and weighed about 200 at that time. Now that he eats solids I add 300 extra. I did notice when i dropped below 1500 my milk supply dipped so just be careful. Good luck!
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    Awesome - thanks yall. So do I do 'custom' for goals? I'm trying to figure out how to navigate this site again - it's been so long! EEK! I calculated my BMR and it's 1626...

    Also, do I just log breastfeeding ONCE in the food section? Or every time I do? Sorry for all the questions..
  • BeckyBee78
    BeckyBee78 Posts: 5
    Congratulations on your new baby!

    I am currently breastfeeding my 11 month old son. I log my breastfeeding as 'exercise' once a day. I read that you burn approximately 20 calories per ounce of milk that you produce. I know it's hard to know how much milk you are producing unless you pump, but I would assume that a baby as young as yours nurses at least 8 times in 24 hours... and probably takes in 2oz each time? So, 16 ounces = 320 calories/day... and honestly, probably more than that.

    Please remember to give yourself time to heal and recover from your birth. Breastfeeding is excellent for weight loss because of the calorie loss... but you also have to give your milk time to come in and get established for baby. There is also that 6 week rule about not pushing yourself too hard until 6 weeks after you have given birth.

    Hang in there and enjoy your little ones :)
  • bethanyfranco1
    bethanyfranco1 Posts: 41
    I have an 8 week old and I've just been ignoring the fact that I breastfeed. I just don't log it (can you, anyway?) I'm afraid that if I eat 300-500 extra calories, I'll get used to doing that and pack on the pounds once I stop breastfeeding. I was eating 1800 calories, but disliked the 137 pound plateau that's been going on for the past 4-5 weeks because of that. I'm not sure what I'm doing is a good idea, but I want to be my pre-baby weight again. BFing definitely complicates things...good luck to you.
  • bvw665
    bvw665 Posts: 7
    You are burning a ton of calories by producing breast milk. You have to add about 500 calories just to be at maintenance.
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    You can either use Goals>Change Goals>Custom>and then put in whatever you feel you need OR you can add breastfeeding as an exercise or a food. I believe MFP had a breastfeeding option, but it never worked for me, so I just added it in as a food which set me at -300 for the day.

    It does kind of suck when you stop breastfeeding and have to adjust your calories again, but there's a good chance your BMR/TDEE will change based on your activity and you can continue eating at or around the same amount of calories.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    You can either use Goals>Change Goals>Custom>and then put in whatever you feel you need OR you can add breastfeeding as an exercise or a food. I believe MFP had a breastfeeding option, but it never worked for me, so I just added it in as a food which set me at -300 for the day.

    It does kind of suck when you stop breastfeeding and have to adjust your calories again, but there's a good chance your BMR/TDEE will change based on your activity and you can continue eating at or around the same amount of calories.

    If you log breastfeeding under food you get a negative value.
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    Hence the minus sign. =B

    It was just the easiest and most convenient way to log the burn for me.
  • fleetzz
    fleetzz Posts: 962 Member
    I was completely starving when I was nursing my kids, hungrier than when I was pregnant. Good luck. Most data shows about 500 calories extra while nursing. If you cut back too much you will not suffer, your adorable baby will.
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    Thanks everyone! SO helpful! Yea- definitely didn't plan on eating at a deficit at all right now... and with my first kiddo I tried working out WAY too early (before I was cleared... I know - bad girl!) and I got sick/mastitis. NO FUN. I am definitely taking it easier this time and learning to love my body again while I recover and have different expectations of the time needed to get back to where I was. (Yes I also realize what my body has done is brought a little miracle into the world so I'm really not THAT hard on myself ;) ) Just really curious if I am eating enough. Wake up around 3 or 4am hungrrrrry...so I go eat something. My mom just made me think I was eating too much and I told her I wasn't. I just do better knowing an amount of calories to hit and it will help me make better food choices instead of always wanting ice cream lol.

    I'll get my goals set and figured out soon. This was very helpful.
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    Ok - still dunno what I'm doing. Do I custom set my calories to like 2000 or 1800? and then log bfing as exercise or food? So I'm really only eating 1500 or 1300 calories? I'm lost! help!

    I also 'chase' around my 2 yr old all day... so not sure how to decide how 'active' I am along with nursing a 3 wker. :)
  • soupandcookies
    soupandcookies Posts: 212 Member
    I'm breastfeeding my 7 month old, and I custom set my calories to 2000. I don't log my BFing as exercise. I am supplementing with solids now, but I still have my cals at 2000, and it's working just fine. Congrats on your bundle! Enjoy those first weeks. Don't try cutting too many calories, this early. It wouldn't be worth it, if your supply ends up tanking... know what I mean?
  • mitzvahmom78
    mitzvahmom78 Posts: 64 Member
    Please don't take your mom's comments too seriously. It sounds like you are doing everything right and she just wasn't used to seeing you with a hearty appetite. Keep up the good work!
  • tuttifruttimama
    tuttifruttimama Posts: 2 Member
    Congratulations on your new little one! I am full time nursing as well and just pick option "breastfeeding -500" from the food search and add that to one of my meals on top of my allotted daily cals. So it ends up being 1980 cals for me daily to lose 1 lb per week. I agree with giving yourself time to recover and establish milk before worrying too much about weight loss. And drink a ton of water too.
  • laele75
    laele75 Posts: 283 Member
    Congratulations. But I agree with the others who think it's too early to worry too much about weight loss. Give yourself time to adjust to a new baby and a new schedule before you start stressing about other things. That'll effect your milk production badly.
  • foxythefox
    foxythefox Posts: 8
    I put breastfeeding 500 calories on my log when I tracked. My weight was kinda the same as yours. I am 5'8 and I weighed 225 right before I delivered. I dropped down to 168 within 4 months and stayed there. Probably because I was so hungry like you. I probably ate 2500 calories a day whoops lol. But I never gained weight. I did try to diet to the recommended 1800 while breastfeeding and my milk supply would always tank a few days later. Once I stopped breastfeeding I lost all of my weight. And 13 months after giving birth, I am 151 pounds.
    Congrats on your second bundle of joy!!
    Also, does breastfeeding initially hurt with the second child? Please say no! :)
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    foxy - thanks for the info on your experience! UMMM... we had latch issues. His frenulum (tight thing under his tongue) was super tight so he couldnt open his mouth wide or use his tongue well to nurse. SO - saw an ENT and he needed it clipped and we got that done at one week. It was a rough first wk with that issue... had lactation help after his procedure and then NO PAIN. I KNEW something was wrong and glad I got it looked at immediately. It was tough for about a wk and a half and then that was it!! It's painless now. yay!

    I just cant find a chance to log my food with the two boys at home... just constantly busy and im just trying to grab healthy food choices. Craving sweets is hard to avoid.. so I just dont buy cookies or treats.
  • junejadesky
    junejadesky Posts: 524 Member
    My advice would be to contact a lactation consultant through your pediatrician or even a nutritionist.

    ^^THIS^^ We are all different as our babies are all different also. The best way to figure it is to ask your lactation specialist or your doctor if one is not available.

    Congrats on your wee one!! I am 8 weeks in to my 3rd pregnancy so I'm excited to get to your point!!
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    Hi! I breastfed my daughter for 18 months. Congrats on your loss so far!

    It's recommended that breastfeeding women eat no less than 1800 calories per day. OR your daily calories (based on TDEE/BMR) plus an additional 500 calories for exclusively breastfeeding or 300 for non-exclusive.

    For these additional calories, try to fill with good fats (nuts, avocado, etc) and protein and that'll help keep your milk production at peak performance. Also drink a lot of water.

    Hope this helps! =)
    THIS

    and drink lots of water :drinker:
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    Ok - still dunno what I'm doing. Do I custom set my calories to like 2000 or 1800? and then log bfing as exercise or food? So I'm really only eating 1500 or 1300 calories? I'm lost! help!

    I also 'chase' around my 2 yr old all day... so not sure how to decide how 'active' I am along with nursing a 3 wker. :)

    If you're not sure, why not set your goals for maintenance and not log your BF calories burnt? I am 4wks PP today- i gained 18lbs as of the morning of my induction, and so far have lost 32.5lbs from that high water mark. I'm currently set at 2k calories a day (which is actually a 1/2lb/wk loss) and I do not log my breast feeding as 'exercise' for calories burnt. I do log my daily walks with my kids as well as the light strength training I'm doing until I get the OK to go back to the gym.

    I know some say breast feeding burns an additional 500 calories, but I really think it varies from one woman to the next, as well as how often you're BFing and how much you're producing. With my firstborn, i lost 30 of the nearly 60lbs I gained within the first two weeks, and then, despite breastfeeding and eating 500 calories over my maintenance, what I *thought* was the correct number of calories, I did not lose anything more. In fact, I started gaining a little.

    You may have to play around with the numbers a little, but there's no reason you can't slowly lose weight AND take in enough calories to continue to make plenty of breast milk for your baby.

    Congrats, btw!!!
  • lynnerack
    lynnerack Posts: 158 Member
    This time you really are eating for two! Congratulations on the birth of your baby and your decision and success in breastfeeding.
  • Beastmode454
    Beastmode454 Posts: 340 Member
    There are like no guys on here lol UNTIL NOW lol... My wife, breast fed for only a few weeks this is our first child and she was having alot of trouble with the whole process.. she lost all her weight in a matter of months... but she never really spoke about being hungry alot... Idk but i gained 30lbs from her pregnacy and i have only lost about 18lbs and its been a year... so i wish it was easy for us men sometimes... but hey i respect all mothers and the hard work they put into it.. no joke. its hard.
  • mjterp
    mjterp Posts: 650 Member
    HOW AWESOME for you and your baby and your WHOLE family!

    I would consult with La Leche League for all things breastfeeding. I think you can google them to find a way to submit questions online. a GOOD leader will say "I think it might be X but let me check and get back to you." (Although depending on experience, they really might know upfront. Seems to me, it was about 500 extra cals per day...but my "baby" is 13 YEARS)

    Keep it up!!!

    Edited to add "Years"...to clarify my "baby" isn't "months" old...it's been a long while. Don't blink...you will be saying the same! ;-)
  • summersmama2
    summersmama2 Posts: 7 Member
    I'm glad you posted this, I'm in the same situation! My LO is 5 weeks old now and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to start back on my weight loss journey. I am EBFing and STARVING! I'm TRYING to eat three small meals a day with protein packed snacks in between lunch and dinner and then another snack sometime after dinner. Also trying to drink enough water, as I know not drinking enough water can make you feel hungry.

    I have my calorie goal set at 1700, but after reading all these posts, I might up it to 1800. My biggest concern is over doing it and my supply dropping.

    Good luck mama, and feel free to add me for support and motivation.
  • scorl
    scorl Posts: 51 Member
    Hey thanks for all the responses! I was not checking mfp for a few days... I got frustrated when I couldn't figure out what to set it to. haha Here's the deal too... I feel like I'm eating random things through the day and dunno how to log. So I think the answer is to just not eat the random PB&J crust and crackers left in my sons snack bowl etc etc. I was making salads in a jar ahead of time and that was an easy lunch and healthy too cause it was all ready and id just dump it into the bowl and there ya go!

    I might just start at 1800 and see how it goes. :) I know a lot of ppl said to 'play with the numbers' and see what works but of course not letting it affect milk supply. I'm cleared at my 6wk appt next wk and I wanna start my C25k app again. That will just make things more confusing!!!! ah

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