Diet and breastfeeding

RahmeDaoud
RahmeDaoud Posts: 1
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello! I had a baby almost 3 months ago and I'm trying to find a balance between breastfeeding and losing weight. I don't know how many calories I should be eating. I don't want to effect my milk supply. Any advice? Anyone else in a similar boat?

Replies

  • KittiesSong
    KittiesSong Posts: 33
    Breastfeeding alone burns a lot of calories. For lactating mothers you actually need more calories to support all those lost during milk production and feeding. Doctors don't recommend going on a "diet" during this time for this reason. However eating a diet rich in healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats and low fat dairy is always your best bet for not only losing weight but also supporting your body as well as providing rich and nutritious milk for your little one. :)
  • jigsawxyouth
    jigsawxyouth Posts: 308 Member
    I was breastfeeding when I started back on MFP. I calculated that for every ounce produced = 20 calories. So, pumping 10 ounces would equal 200 calories. I noticed right away that restricting my caloric intake not only messed with my supply, but it really did a number on my blood sugar (not to mention how exhausted I would feel after I would pump or feed my son)
    Talking to my doctor about wanting to diet and get back to a healthy weight while breastfeeding, she said that eating anything less than 1300 calories can deminish my supply. I gained far too much weight when I was pregnant, and I'm currently at my halfway mark. But I wanted to get a start on my weight loss as soon as I could.
    So, following a normal healthy diet, I suggest continue taking prenatals (I was so good about taking my vitamins when I was pregnant and breastfeeding, as soon as I weaned, I never took a vitamin since, which is terrible!)

    It would also be good to talk to your doctor about this just to make sure, every woman is different, so just because something worked for me doesn't mean you'll have the same results.
  • twiglips
    twiglips Posts: 136 Member
    I replied to a similar topic earlier with my story. I welcome anyone that wants to add me and venture on this journey together :bigsmile:
    I started losing in Jan 2012 then found out I was pregnant in December. My doctor was adamant that I shouldn't worry about my weight until after I had the baby (he's 9 weeks old). Now that I've had him, I've lost the 22 pounds I gained plus another 9! I just started back to work this week and this is really the first time I've had to pump on any consistent basis and I'M STARVING!! LOL I adjusted my calories down to 2000 (from 2300 while pregnant) and I've just resumed exercising a couple of days a week. I drink tons of water and I'm trying to get my milk supply to increase. I added oatmeal, ground flax and nuts to my diet everyday. I've also just added supplements to help -- fenugreek and brewer's yeast - in addition to my daily prenatals.

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