Breastfeeding- Caloric intake?

weemes01

Hi there,

Any idea how many calories are used to produce milk? I'm trying to stick to the 1200 calories a day but I've noticed my milk supply has tanked. Thanks!

pastryari

I think you're supposed to be consuming more while you're breastfeeding, as you're also providing your child with nutrients. I would talk to your doctor about this.

kay_der

My target is 1330 net and I eat back every one of my 500 BF calories and 300 exercise calories. If I am even just 100 short for a day or two, I notice a drop in supply.

Edit: To be more clear, my total intake is about 2130. I have lost 8 pounds since I started tracking 5 weeks ago.

MidwestAngel

You burn 300-500 calories a day nursing. Listen to your body and your baby. If you notice your supply dropping you should increase your intake. If you notice your baby's wet and dirty diapers getting less and less, you should increase your intake. You really should be eating more while nursing but the exact number is going to depend on you and your baby.

Also, I am an IBCLC.

Mainebikerchick

When I was breastfeeding, my doctor told me I should be having 600-700 extra calories per day or I would notice my supply dwindle. I did as he suggested and let me just tell you I was a COW who could've fed a whole TRIBE of kids with one boobie alone!

Sincere24

I think it would be best if you spoke to your doctor. From what I understand, your body naturally burns a bit more given that it's producing milk for your newborn. Given that, I doubt calorie calculators can adequately reflect what is needed for those breast-feeding.

Just saw your second post. It seems like an adequate intake.

Nikkitta320

You can factor breastfeeding into myfitness pal by going to foods, then look up breastfeeding, it will then start you out at -500 calories.

rolliepollie087

She is IBCLC -- listen to her! And good luck!

You burn 300-500 calories a day nursing. Listen to your body and your baby. If you notice your supply dropping you should increase your intake. If you notice your baby's wet and dirty diapers getting less and less, you should increase your intake. You really should be eating more while nursing but the exact number is going to depend on you and your baby.

Also, I am an IBCLC.

MrsBozz1

;I am also breastfeeding my 6month old. You absolutely need more calories!! If you are exclusively breastfeeding you need about 500 extra. If you go to add food, input breastfeeding you can add it there. It is VERY important for your supply! Good luck!
I am eating about 1200 + 500 for bf. I've lost 13lbs since Jan 21st 2013 and my baby girl is doing great!! Growing very well!!

Maribabewhich

I had to eat 2200 to produce enough for my baby girl. Now I'm supplementing so. I am cutting down. She is 9 months old and still getting breast milk but not as much as before.

BoomstickChick

I would up that considerably. That's super low for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

firstsip

I just log breastmilk as 200 calories when I drink it, because I figure the nutritional benefits offset alot of the calories.

MidwestAngel

I just log breastmilk as 200 calories when I drink it, because I figure the nutritional benefits offset alot of the calories.

Also, this

Naomi_84

Hey, 1200 is the absolute minimum a person that isn't breastfeeding should have. Breastfeeding uses up around 500 calories a day so without even without exercise your body is potentially trying to run on only 700 calories, not to mention te fact you'll be burning even more running around after a new baby.

Be good to yourself, increase your calories to AT LEAST 2000 you will probably find you still lose weight but you have more energy to enjoy your baby and your milk supply isn't compromised.

(Student Midwife)

angelawellsrichards

I'm glad you brought this up. My baby is 8 1/2 months and she has always nursed and also drinks a couple of formula bottles a day. She now eats food with us and I didn't even think about having to eat more. I actually have been eating a lot less calories then they have suggested. I don't want to stop nursing yet and I think she is still getting enough but she has been cranky and a little consipated too.

I'm wondering if all the salad I've been eating could be making her tummy upset. ?

Best of luck to you!

weese17

I don't know how old your baby is - that makes a difference, because a newborn doesn't eat as much as a 6-month old. But please, PLEASE up your caloric intake immediately. If your milk supply is dropping, it is because you are starving yourself.

I am still nursing my 20-month old, and he LOVES the boob. On days when he hasn't nursed much, I have just naturally been less hungry - and on those days, I tend to eat anywhere been 500 and 700 calories less than I do on days when he nurses normally. On days when he's going thru a growth spurt or just nurses a lot, I can easily take in 1000-1200 calories more than my supposed maintenance intake (2600/day).

PLEASE listen to your body. Eat more. Your baby needs it.

weemes01

Thank you ALL for your replies. I read and appreciate everyone of them. I should have mentioned my toddler is a bit older but loves the boob much like weese17. He really only nurses twice a day and in the night if he wakes up.

I didn't know that about the food option but I will add it immediately. What do you think would be a good amount of calories? Ballpark?

I don't know how old your baby is - that makes a difference, because a newborn doesn't eat as much as a 6-month old. But please, PLEASE up your caloric intake immediately. If your milk supply is dropping, it is because you are starving yourself.

I am still nursing my 20-month old, and he LOVES the boob. On days when he hasn't nursed much, I have just naturally been less hungry - and on those days, I tend to eat anywhere been 500 and 700 calories less than I do on days when he nurses normally. On days when he's going thru a growth spurt or just nurses a lot, I can easily take in 1000-1200 calories more than my supposed maintenance intake (2600/day).

PLEASE listen to your body. Eat more. Your baby needs it.

Thanks for your reply! My baby is 17 months and loves the boob. He usually nurses first thing in the morning and then again after work (he can't get enough of me after being at daycare and this is how he gets his "touch"). Then also in the night if he wakes up. I've found in the past week he's pretty frustrated and my boobs feel quite flacid. That's great to know that your body will naturally repond with hunger when. I find nursing makes me absolutely ravenous!

beetpoet

My daughter is breastfeeding and I breastfed my children. You burn a minimum of 300 extra calories per day just with breastfeeding. Many women burn 500 + calories. Therefore, 1200 calories per day is a starvation diet for you! Your milk supply will dry up if you do not eat enough and also drink enough water. (Sorry to sound so dramatic, but this really is true.)

You could consult a lactation specialist. There are many books and probably a lot of info online. It all can get confusing. However, I recommend that you add about 500 calories per day according to how your toddler is nursing. Maybe add 300 cals, but be sure to get enough. Also, you may not be 100% sedentary! My guess is that you are not since you have a toddler. I think 1200 cals per day is for people like me (really sendentary): grandma, working in front of computer all day. My metabolism is low. Good luck and hang in there!

weemes01

Thanks beetpot! I actually chose sedentary because I'm back to work now and I'm an accountant that sits infront of a laptop from 845to 345 monday through thursday. From Thursday at 5pm until Monday am at 730 I have 2 boys and I'd say I'm 100% baby chaser :-)

weese17

I'm glad my response was helpful for you! Good luck.

weemes01

Please forgive me, all this is SUPER new to me. I just did the TDEE, BMR calculator and it says that my BMR is 1651. So would I be correct in assuming that I should consume roughly 2000 calories per day in order to have an adequate supply?