Breastfeeding calorie question :)

geewizzamanda357
geewizzamanda357 Posts: 36 Member
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been doing MFP for about a month now. I was losing between 1 and 2 pounds a week up until now. I was not adding in the calories I burned breastfeeding and coming in under the calorie goal that MFP set. I don't want to change my eating habits by 500 calories when I quit breastfeeding, so that's why I was not adding it in. But I seem to have stopped loosing.
Do I need to add the breastfeeding calories in so that I am not under 1200 for the day? This is almost the same question as eating back exercise calories, lol.
Also, I am 5'4 and 181. My supply has not been affected since I cut my calories back, so that is not an issue. I exclusively pump and have some to freeze a few times a week. Pumping also helps me add a more precise amount for the calories as well.
Any advice or input would be great!
Thanks :)

Replies

  • kristinbuchert
    kristinbuchert Posts: 1
    It'll happen. Short and simple I know, but, your body has just adjusted to the breastfeeding/calorie intake. Change up your diet some by adding just a few more calories and maybe burning an extra 100 per day and you will start to loose again.
    :D
    Kristin
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    how many calories do you aim for each day? bf women should be getting at least 1600 calories a day.
  • geewizzamanda357
    geewizzamanda357 Posts: 36 Member
    I have been getting under the goal MFP set, which is 1460. But if I do any exercises I have been making sure I eat at least 1200 for the day.
  • Blakemore1229
    Blakemore1229 Posts: 61
    how many calories do you aim for each day? bf women should be getting at least 1600 calories a day.

    i agree totally with this...i just stopped breastfeeding when she was only on milk i ate a lot more once she turned 10 months though i cut the calories for breastfeeding in half because she was only eatting from me 3 times a day...keep ur calories up when breastfeeding
  • lucasdany
    lucasdany Posts: 63 Member
    I am breastfeeding and I add 300 calories burnt and make sure I eat those calories! If you don't you could lose your supply and the quality of your supply could be compromised! I am still losing a pound a week. Hope this helps.
  • geewizzamanda357
    geewizzamanda357 Posts: 36 Member
    It looks like I will try adding those calories in. Thanks guys!
  • LovelySnugs
    LovelySnugs Posts: 389
    it's a good thing your quality hasn't been affected thus far. but, yes, you need to add your breastfeeding (i think it's in the food log. i'm not sure, as i stopped breastfeeding right after i joined here) and DeFiNiTeLy eat them back. lol you're right. it's just like exercise calories. your body may just be having a famine response moment. try to get as close to your NET calories as you can - it's a target, not a limit!

    and also, when you start feeding the baby solids, you'll probably be pumping less anyway, so the change in your calorie intake won't be as drastic as you seem to think it will be.

    hope that helps!
  • TahanyE
    TahanyE Posts: 83
    Yeah you are probably taking in too few calories for what you are burning with breastfeeding. You need to eat back the calories you are burning.
  • theresnoeggs
    theresnoeggs Posts: 188 Member
    your milk will change in nutrients. Eat more! If you are nursing/pumping 8-12 times a day, the whole 500, 300 for 6-8 times , and at LEAST 200 if you are nursing/pumping 3-6x a day.

    It's NOT hard to consume that, with each feeding have a small handful of almonds, a spoon full of PB or something like that, VERY easy to get the extra calories. ;)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories