Confused about calories when breastfeeding and not losing...

lyndseykessinger

I am breastfeeding and eating the correct number of calories suggesed by MFP. I lostsome weight quickly after the baby was born but have now not lost any in about 1 month. What could be wrong and does breastfeeding change the number of calories I need to eat?

maddymama

Breastfeeding does burn some calories, especially at the beginning of your nursing relationship with your baby. As with all forms of exercise and activity, your body can become used to breastfeeding, and then you burn fewer calories with it. Some moms continually lose weight breastfeeding, others find their bodies hold onto some fat during breastfeeding.
Some things to consider are:
How old is your baby? How often are you nursing in a 24 hour period? Is your baby eating any formula or solids?

Also, when you are nursing, you really don't want to loose too much weight too fast as that will affect your supply. Think about losing one pound a week. Any more than that, and your baby might not get enough milk. Watch your baby's diaper count to make sure it is in an acceptable range for his/her age.

ldholcombe

Im breast feeding too. My nutrion doctor told me to consume 2000 calories a day. Jenny Craig said 1700. Anything under 1700 while breastfeeding can send your body into starvation mode causing your body to hold onto fat and you not to lose weight. You burn alot of calories breast feeding. I believe its something like 20 calories every ounce.

lyndseykessinger

My doctor told me that 1700 calories was not too few but I do feel hungry alot. How many calories did MFP recommend for you, how many are you consuming and is it working for you?

maddymama

I'm nursing 3-5 times in a 24 hour period- I'm nursing an almost two year old. MFP says I'm using up 2-300 calories a day for it. I think that's pretty accurate for me.
You can find breastfeeding under snacks....

maddymama

Also, think of healthy snacks to eat.... hummus and veggies, cheese and crackers, and peanut butter and an apple are faves of mine. So are homemade muffins (I freeze them, then thaw them in the microwave for 30 seconds).
I also have some homemade lara bars (nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, lime rind) that I make up occasionally that are delicious, too.
If I have a sacking plan then life is much easier than if I don't have a snacking plan.

eates

I have a REALLY hard time losing weight when I'm breastfeeding. For some people nursing makes the weight just fall off but unfortunately for some people it makes their body hold on to the weight so those extra fat stores are there as extra insurance there will be food for the baby.

ldholcombe

I am consuming 1700 calories. I have only been doing it for about 2 1/2 weeks and have lost 3.6 pounds so far. I think the breast feeding makes my body hold onto the weight because I do alot of walking/cardio. I nurse about every 3 hours!!

lanegringa

I've been breastfeeding for 11 months (almost) and wasn't able to lose any weight until after my son started eating solids and nursing less. My body just wouldn't let me let the weight go. Every mother's body is different. Maddymama has some really good advice. Healthy snacking is definitely the way to go. I found myself wanting to eat anything and everything in the beginning of nursing. I had actually lost all of my pregnancy weight only to gain it all back because I was SOOO hungry. Good luck and hang in there, the weight will come off eventually. Give your body time to get used to everything going on with the hormones.

lyndseykessinger

Thanks everybody for the responses. It is motivating to know that I am not the only one in this situation or has dealt with this.