Breastfeeding. Should I eat back those calories?

kayva91011
kayva91011 Posts: 19 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello!

My name is Kayla. I had a baby 7 weeks ago and I'm dying to lose weight. I have been overweight since before my first was born.

Well I'm exclusively pumping breast milk for my little guy. I read you burn around 20 calories per 1 ounce of breast milk. Well if that's the case yesterday I pumped 40 ounces of breast milk. That's 800 calories if that calculation is correct!

There is no way I should eat back 800 calories right?

I currently have about half of that logged in my diary. I also want to start working out soon. (I had a c section)

Opinions?

Replies

  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Congrats on the little one :)

    I personally don't. Currently my diary is set to 0.5lbs per week loss. Any extra weight lost, I contribute to the fact I'm breastfeeding (technically pumping...but same difference).


    As for exercise, well right now I'm just walking. I can't wait to start my workout dvd's again, but since I don't have a sports bra that fits correctly, I'm waiting till I can save enough to get one.

    Oh and I just had my 2nd c-section 2 months ago.
  • emmaxbon
    emmaxbon Posts: 123 Member
    There is an option in the MFP database for breastfeeding. It's under food but will give you a negative adjustment the same way exercise will. They are all listed as 500 cals per day which is what I always thought when I was BFing (although I wasn't calorie counting at that point). So half of your 800 wouldn't be far off.

    Not sure about the exercise after a c-sec, best to check that with your doc I think.
  • kayva91011
    kayva91011 Posts: 19 Member
    I got cleared to work out... I was just stating I haven't yet because of my second c section. I'm waiting for 8 weeks post partum.

    I found that breastfeeding in MFP! Thanks!
  • knitknitknit
    knitknitknit Posts: 17 Member
    I assume this is your first? You do need extra calories when you're breastfeeding because your body is working to make milk. You are risking your supply by not eating back any calories. If I were you (and I have been, twice) I'd wait until 3 months PP to start cutting calories. By then your supply will be better established.
    With my first, he refused to be breastfed from 10 weeks. My daughter, who I am currently nursing, I decided to start watching calories around 6 weeks PP and my supply tanked and I had to start eating a lot more. If you want to start calorie counting now, I'd eat back 50% of what you're burning off and go from there. It's a delicate balance, eating enough for your baby but still not too much, but it can be done.
  • badcemom
    badcemom Posts: 50
    Definitely eat back the calories. 500 sounds right. I would track your food carefully and if you are losing 1-2 pounds per week, you are probably eating enough. If you are losing more than that, you may need to eat more. I breastfed 5 kids and cannot recommend highly enough the book "Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding". The times I used it, the weight fell right off. Good luck!
  • kayva91011
    kayva91011 Posts: 19 Member
    Thank you ladies!

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