Losing weight while breastfeeding....

3Sprouts
3Sprouts Posts: 6
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
How many additional calories should I be adding to my daily intake? I am currently on a 1200 cal plan.

Replies

  • mowens77
    mowens77 Posts: 36 Member
    I was only adding 250 to my daily intake but I've been reading on here and it looks like the majority of everyone is saying add 500 calories
  • mama22girlz
    mama22girlz Posts: 291
    depends on how much you are Breastfeeding. Are you EBF (exclusivly breastfeeding?) I only nurse my 14 month old about 3-4 times a day/night. I'm still changing it up to see what works. so I'm curious what others say. I think you definatly need to account for it if your EBF as you don't want your supply to tank. Remember you may be eating more calories to help with milk production but you are also burning a bunch feeding so its kind of like "working out" you need to replace some lost so your body doesn't go into starvation mode. Right now I'm addding about 200 since I don't EBF
  • elliscour
    elliscour Posts: 2 Member
    I am currently breastfeeding fmy baby boy for the last eight months. I heard at one time that you burn up to 500 calories a day when you are breastfeeding. If you take that away from your 1200 calories you might not be taking in enough. Personally I intake roughly 1700 calories a day and find that I have sufficient energy. Hope this helps.
  • milton1546
    milton1546 Posts: 6
    You should add 500 calories a day if you are EBF. If you notice a drop in your supply you may need to increase your calories even more. Lack of calories will slow down your milk production so be sure to keep a close eye on it if you can. Good luck!
  • mamagettinfit
    mamagettinfit Posts: 24 Member
    I was told in my Lamaze class to add 500 calories. But, that was for exclusive. I am no longer exclusive, so I do not know how many more calories I need to add. Been playing around with it to figure it out. I have been keeping close to my calorie goal, and still have plenty of milk and am losing weight...
  • 3Sprouts
    3Sprouts Posts: 6
    Okay, looks like 500 is the norm. That's what I heard as well. I am exclusively BFing. My DS is only 4 weeks old, so we are nursing every 1-1.5 hours, with longer breaks at night. And I definately don't want anything to jeopardize my supply. And I could definately use more energy that's for sure!! haha
  • apparatus195316
    apparatus195316 Posts: 79 Member
    I've been trying to add approximately 200 calories but I've definitely noticed a drop in my milk production. Bollocks.
  • 3littlegirls
    3littlegirls Posts: 27
    At that age, definitely at least 500 extra calories.. You need the extra food, not only to keep your energy, but maintain your supply. Drink lots of water, and try not to go too low on your calories (aim for at least 1600).
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