Breastfeeding question

mchalel
mchalel Posts: 3 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi Everyone! I had a baby on May 24th and Im breastfeeding. I feel like I'm nursing all the time but I have no way of knowing exactly how many calories i'm burning. He probably nurses 8-10 times over the course of a day. Any ideas on how many i'm burning? 500?

Also since I gave birth I've lost 20 lbs. I started out at 130, then I gained 30 lbs. After about 1 week after giving birth I was down to 140. Since then my weight hasnt budged. Everyone made it sound like i'd easily shed weight nursing. I guess it takes longer? I actually feel really bloated. My wedding ring is tough to get on, yet it fit when i was 160lbs during my pregnancy. I dont feel like Im eating a lot, but maybe I"m eating more than i think. I certainly dont want to be dieting...but thought i'd be closer to my pre pregnancy weight. My stomach is still quite flabby.

Replies

  • crystalnichle
    crystalnichle Posts: 126 Member
    When I was nursing I always just logged it as burning 500calories a day.. Idk if thats accurate but it worked for me. While breastfeeding your going to be more hungry then normal .. some say they crave more foods than when they were pregnant! I would just make sure your eating healthy, drinking lots of water, and exercise the weight should come off.
  • Cjmi427
    Cjmi427 Posts: 26 Member
    Yes, I'd log 500 calories burned as long as you are exclusively breastfeeding, especially a newborn. Fwiw, my weight loss was kinda slow at first with both kids, but then it just started falling off.
    Also, I'm a breastfeeding counselor if you have any other questions or need support :)
  • healthygreek
    healthygreek Posts: 2,137 Member
    Just wanted to reiterate-drink lots of water! It's extremely important for breastfeeding mothers and it will help you get rid of the bloat.
    Congratulations!
  • Lilly_the_Hillbilly
    Lilly_the_Hillbilly Posts: 914 Member
    I didn't lose heaps of weight when I breastfed. I had to work it off later (I am now pre baby weight now). I'd say- drink fluids, 500 cals logged for BFing, make smart food choices(not saying diet but be aware of what you are eating) and do nothing more strenuous than walking. Well- that's what I would do.
  • ancl123
    ancl123 Posts: 12 Member
    Hello! I have a 9 month old and weight 155 and am 5 foot 4. I want to loose another 15-20 pounds. My weight loss is very slow. I eat about 2000 calories a day or 40 weight watcher points and was loosing but it has been slow. My daughter nurses 3-5 times a day and eats 3 meals a day. I am thinking about cutting calories a bit but dont want to decrease supply, thoughts?

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