Do you count the calories burned nursing?

e_falagan

Do you count the calories you burn nursing towards your deficit? I've been tracking what I pump (but not what my son eats because i have no way of knowing exactly how many ounces hes getting from nursing) and adding it as an exercise but I almost feel like its cheating because that's 600+ calories a day.

janejellyroll

How would it be cheating? Your body can't create breast milk "for free," it's going to take some energy. I understand there may be some issues with estimating the calorie burn, but surely it's using *some energy*.

e_falagan

janejellyroll wrote: »

How would it be cheating? Your body can't create breast milk "for free," it's going to take some energy. I understand there may be some issues with estimating the calorie burn, but surely it's using *some energy*.

That's why I only count pumped ones, then I know exactly how many ounces are going out. Whatever my son takes out I don't figure in.

jemhh

How many calories per ounce are you using to get 600 calories per day? I'm asking because if you're using the oft-quoted 20, that means you're pumping 30 oz per day on top of nursing and it makes me wonder if you are a super-producer. I was in that boat when my daughter was nursing (pumped 30-something oz/day while at work while she only drank two bottles while I was gone and then nursed 6-8 times when I was at home.) Bottom line, if your production isn't tanking and you are feeling good (not worn down/out) then keep doing what you are doing.

e_falagan

jemhh wrote: »

How many calories per ounce are you using to get 600 calories per day? I'm asking because if you're using the oft-quoted 20, that means you're pumping 30 oz per day on top of nursing and it makes me wonder if you are a super-producer. I was in that boat when my daughter was nursing (pumped 30-something oz/day while at work while she only drank two bottles while I was gone and then nursed 6-8 times when I was at home.) Bottom line, if your production isn't tanking and you are feeling good (not worn down/out) then keep doing what you are doing.

I do use the standard "20 calories per ounce". I'm an over producer so I pump the excess and give it to my toddler, keep a freezer stash, and donate to local mommas. It just feels like cheating to add all these burned calories when I don't feel like I'm working to burn them... Lol

youngcaseyr

I used to log calories burned from breastfeeding and pumping, but I was not able to use those calories as part of my deficit or as a way to eat more and still lose weight. I had to reduce my calories very slowly so my supply wouldn't totally diminish, but I wasn't able to lose more than 5 lbs until I got serious about working out in a different way and reducing my caloric intake. But it really depends on whether or not you're experiencing weight loss just from breastfeeding. If you are, then I say count it as a win and go ahead and log the calories burned!

charlenegrichard

I did. I didn't initially and found that I was weak while working out. After looking at calories burned working out and pumping I realized I needed to eat a lot more. I started keeping up with it after that.

SezxyStef

e_falagan wrote: »

jemhh wrote: »

How many calories per ounce are you using to get 600 calories per day? I'm asking because if you're using the oft-quoted 20, that means you're pumping 30 oz per day on top of nursing and it makes me wonder if you are a super-producer. I was in that boat when my daughter was nursing (pumped 30-something oz/day while at work while she only drank two bottles while I was gone and then nursed 6-8 times when I was at home.) Bottom line, if your production isn't tanking and you are feeling good (not worn down/out) then keep doing what you are doing.

I do use the standard "20 calories per ounce". I'm an over producer so I pump the excess and give it to my toddler, keep a freezer stash, and donate to local mommas. It just feels like cheating to add all these burned calories when I don't feel like I'm working to burn them... Lol

but you are working...to produce quality milk to feed a child requires a lot of calories and if you are worried you are counting too much then use 75% but as a nursing mom you need all the extra calories allowed ot ensure your health and the health of your child.

PrimalForLife

Breastfeeding is such an important benefit to your child, why not worry about the calorie-counting until after your child is weaned?