We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Nursing Mommas

ke2life
ke2life Posts: 10 Member
edited February 16 in Getting Started
How do I make sure I have an adequate calorie count?

Right now - my goals are based on 1.5lbs lost a week, with 30 minutes of exercise/5 days a week.

It has me at 1580 calories. Does that seem too low?

Just want to make sure I'm getting enough calories so I can lose weight but maintain my milk supply.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Replies

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    as long as you log your breast feeding in your diary (it ends up being a negative) and netting 1580 and logging exercise and netting close to 1500 you will be fine.

    It is all about the net number...
  • ke2life
    ke2life Posts: 10 Member
    log in my breastfeeding??? how do I do that?

    how does the "net" work? That part always confuses me.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    Super good topic to discuss with your OB/MW or Lactation Consultant (Or even your pediatrician).

    You can lose weight nursing but I wouldn't shoot for any more than 1 pound per week. How old is your baby? How often are you nursing? Those all affect the outcome.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    log in my breastfeeding??? how do I do that?

    how does the "net" work? That part always confuses me.

    There is an entry in the database (under food) for "Breastfeeding" and it will make a negative adjustment.

    Net just means Food Calories - Exercise Calories = NET Calories
  • MamaJilldo
    MamaJilldo Posts: 63 Member
    I have the same problem. Any sort of calorie deficit for me, I lose my breast milk first. The only way to keep a full supply I feel is to eat enough calories to maintain or gain weight. My baby is 7 months today and so I started dieting about a month ago so I can use my frozen milk supply as back-up and even in the first week week I make half of what I normally do and still netting 1500 cals. Frustrating
  • callmestephanie
    callmestephanie Posts: 90 Member
    I've used the "food" breastfeeding and done rather well so far. 1500+breastfeeding sounds ok. Just make sure you drink plenty and monitor your supply and adjust accordingly.
  • ke2life
    ke2life Posts: 10 Member
    So if I workout, I lose even more calories....

    And if I add breastfeeding it subtracts calories...

    Which means I need to eat even more??!?!? Grrrr...

    I mean I know this is what I need to do, just so confusing...

    I will call my lactation consultant tomorrow and see if I can get some more info.

    So I should "NET" 1500 AFTER breastfeeding and working out?

    My baby is 2 1/2 months by the way... and I will adjust my goals to lose 1lb a week.

    Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories