Breastfeeding and Calories

Rosandra29
Rosandra29 Posts: 7 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I posted this somewhere else but no responses, so I thought I try here!

I am currently breastfeeding and was on a calorie intake of 2000. I was exercising 3 times a week (circuit) and nothing! I keep going online to figure out how many calories I'm supposed to take. I need to lose about 45 pounds. I am going to try to go on the 1800 per day to see how it goes. My question: anyone out there with this problem? Or with experience on this? I am almost tempted to talk to a nutritionist I feel so clueless!!

Replies

  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    I lost all my weight by setting my profile to lose 1 pound a week, adding in the appropriate breastfeeding entry in the food diary, and eating to that goal plus the majority of my exercise calories.
  • LAS_1980
    LAS_1980 Posts: 156
    When I was nursing, I wanted to know the same thing so I looked it up on the Internet just to see. What I found out is you don't burn calories by actually breastfeeding, you burn them by producing milk. I personally, didn't nurse a lot...I mainly pumped. I burned 22 calories per oz so I manually entered it in MFP in my exercise diary and that's how I got my exercise calories. I lost a lot of weight right after I had my daughter and since I quit nursing, I can really tell that my weight loss has tremendously slowed down!! Good luck!! :)
  • Flowers4Julia
    Flowers4Julia Posts: 521 Member
    I read somewhere in these forums that protein and WATER were more important than being overly concerned with calories while breastfeeding.

    I know it is frustrating. Keep experimenting with different numbers and give each change at least a week to see if it is working.

    First priority is feeding your baby....BUT you will lose the weight! Deep breath!
  • phyllio77
    phyllio77 Posts: 192 Member
    I sent a message to the MFP creator and monitors to add this option for people who want to get healthy and lose weight by using MFP. Breastfeeding is not calculated into your daily calorie limit and it is very important to get adequate nutrition during breastfeeding! Send a message to MFP..the more steam the better when they go to do an update!
  • time4healthyme
    time4healthyme Posts: 15
    are you breastfeeding exclusively? and how old is your baby? because your adjustment calories could range anywhere from 100-500 calories per day..
  • time4healthyme
    time4healthyme Posts: 15
    also, it might help if you open up your diary so we can be of further help to you..
  • DorkothyParker
    DorkothyParker Posts: 618 Member
    There is a breastfeeding option under food that adds negative calories. I aim to net 1750/day. My production is nothing to write home about, though. I'm meeting my daughter's needs but have no excess really and don't pump much per session.
  • Rosandra29
    Rosandra29 Posts: 7 Member
    are you breastfeeding exclusively? and how old is your baby? because your adjustment calories could range anywhere from 100-500 calories per day..

    Yes I am breastfeeding exclusively- My daughter is two months :). I will open up my diary!
  • Rosandra29
    Rosandra29 Posts: 7 Member
    There is a breastfeeding option under food that adds negative calories. I aim to net 1750/day. My production is nothing to write home about, though. I'm meeting my daughter's needs but have no excess really and don't pump much per session.

    I am producing plenty of milk at 2000 cal per day. I am going to try to stick to 1800 but if I get hungry it won't be the end of the world if I go to 2000. I am concerned in being hungry and not eating as I don't want my milk production to be affected. What I might be doing is eating my calories in things that don't fill me up. Or I might need to add more veggies. I will try to play with it.
  • Rosandra29
    Rosandra29 Posts: 7 Member
    I lost all my weight by setting my profile to lose 1 pound a week, adding in the appropriate breastfeeding entry in the food diary, and eating to that goal plus the majority of my exercise calories.

    I was not aware that there was a breastfeeding entry! Good to know :). Also did you chose the 500 cal per day?
  • mistresstomato
    mistresstomato Posts: 19 Member
    Where is this option? I'd love to add it! My daughter is 8 months old but still breastfeeding 6-7x a day
  • Rosandra29
    Rosandra29 Posts: 7 Member
    Where is this option? I'd love to add it! My daughter is 8 months old but still breastfeeding 6-7x a day

    You put it as a food entry! Just type breastfeeding and it will give you different options. I'm super happy I found this out. Takes the guessing out lol

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