Calories and Nursing??

violinist618
violinist618 Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
I just had a baby 3 weeks ago and am breastfeeding. How many calories should I add everyday since I'm nursing? I know it should increase just unsure by how much, etc.

Replies

  • Sarahlascelles
    Sarahlascelles Posts: 41 Member
    Do you have a midwife/nurse/health visitor you can ask for advice?
  • Triciasal19
    Triciasal19 Posts: 13 Member
    I just had a baby 3 weeks ago and am breastfeeding. How many calories should I add everyday since I'm nursing? I know it should increase just unsure by how much, etc.

    Generally it is 500+ calories till they start eating solids and it can drop to 300-500.
    I know this from my Lactation Consultant :)
  • rahlpn
    rahlpn Posts: 551 Member
    I would also ask a lactation consultant. I would think more between 500-800 cals per day. It depends on your activity level and supply/demand. I wouldn't even worry about counting calories until baby is 8-12 weeks old and breast feeding is well established. Just eat a well rounded, nutrient rich diet with some good fats, carbs and protein.
  • alychil820
    alychil820 Posts: 219 Member
    1800-2200 calories is what's best to keep your milk supply up. If you drop less than 1500, then it's going to dwindle. This is if you're breastfeeding exclusively.

    I definitely recommend seeing a lactation consultant so that you can be on the best plan for your life and circumstances.
  • bfbooty
    bfbooty Posts: 189 Member
    are exclussively breastfeeding? as in no top ups? if so then 500+ cals on top of your normal daily allowance, so whether you are eating at maintenance or to lose weight it doesn't matter you still add 500 cals and be sure to eat them to keep a good milk supply
  • bfbooty
    bfbooty Posts: 189 Member
    I would also ask a lactation consultant. I would think more between 500-800 cals per day. It depends on your activity level and supply/demand. I wouldn't even worry about counting calories until baby is 8-12 weeks old and breast feeding is well established. Just eat a well rounded, nutrient rich diet with some good fats, carbs and protein.

    +1 i agree with this too btw, i wouldn't worry right now till your sup[ply is established and your baby is well established on the breast, you're not advised to do any kind of dieting for at least 6 weeks postpartum regardless of breast feeding or not, give your body chance to recover e.t.c

    oh and congratulations and best of luck :-)
  • violinist618
    violinist618 Posts: 2
    Yes I'm exclusively breastfeeding. Thanks everyone for the help. I will double check with my lactation consultant. I haven't started counting calories just watching what I eat and the weight is flying off. Excited for the new journey ahead. I'm back to per-pregnancy weight but still have the gained weight from the first two pregnancies, so have a lot of work ahead. :)

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