New to this... Trying to figure in extra calories for breast

Ayarnell
Ayarnell Posts: 2
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Hi everyone! I just had a beautiful baby girl three weeks ago and I'm trying to lose the weight. I am breastfeeding, which burns an additional 500or so calories a day I think, but I can't do much exercise for another three weeks. Any support or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • msmandyjo
    msmandyjo Posts: 95 Member
    Congratulations!!! On not only the birth of your baby, but the decision to breast feed as well. Best of luck on your journey to weight loss. I'm not near qualified to give you advice on calories and working out, but I will tell you... Drink LOTS of water and get as much sleep as you can. That's not just generic new mom advice either... They are both important to losing weight.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,458 Member
    My two cents? Rest, eat well and enjoy being a mom. When you are able, start walking!!

    Welcome. :flowerforyou:
  • Mybetterme
    Mybetterme Posts: 80 Member
    Yes 500 a day and no rigorous dieting while breastfeeding. Ketones from fat goes into breast milk bad for baby in high levels. No more then about a pound a week.
  • TinaS88
    TinaS88 Posts: 817 Member
    Yay for breastfeeding!! I say do not worry about your weight just yet. NO DIETING! You and your baby need the nutrients. Concentrate more on WHAT you are eating rather then just how OFTEN. Good luck!!
  • cgottel
    cgottel Posts: 22
    My son is 3 months old and I have breastfed exclusively. I started watching what I ate about 3 weeks ago. I am on a 1500 calorie diet and only try for 1/2 to 1 pound weight loss each week. I also make sure I get as close to my calorie goal as possible. when I first started I was on a 1200 calorie diet (trying to lose it faster) and I noticed it messed with my supply and baby wasn't happy. So I have upped my calories and added exercise. I do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (which I wouldn't recommend right away). Start with walking or something you are more comfortable with. You did just have a baby. Take your time, listen to your body, eat when you are hungry, but make good decisions about the kinds of foods you eat... drink lots of water, fresh fruits and veges... try to stay away from the fats and sugars. Best of luck to you on your journey and congratulations on the birth of baby girl.
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    Congrats on your new baby!! For now, rest up and just focus on snuggling. When you log your foods, you can put "Breastfeeding - Mom" as a food, and it will deduct instead of add 500 calories. You just do that every day that you log, and it will do the math for you.

    Starting with light walking, maybe wearing your baby, is a good start to get back into things. A great workout is the Moms Into Fitness Bootcamp for postpartum (and beyond) moms. It has three women doing it, and they each show a version, from easy to more challenging. One of them shows the moves modified so that they would be fine for a postpartum mama to do. (Take it easy when you start, though -- it's not a race!) It can be done as challenging or as easy as you need day to day. I've really enjoyed the workouts.

    I would not do any calorie restriction, especially in the early weeks -- you are probably burning over 500 calories right now making milk. The book Eat Well, Feel Great While Breastfeeding is pretty good. Focus on eating well and staying active, and your body will do what it needs to do. :-)

    Enjoy your baby!
  • Ayarnell
    Ayarnell Posts: 2
    Wow, thanks for all the feedback! I'm taking your advice, just walking and carrying my little one everywhere lol! I'll also put breastfeeding down under exercise now, makes me look like less of a slacker :)
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    If you don't have a ring sling or wrap, I recommend getting one - it will make things much easier. Walking with baby in a soft carrier has physical benefits for the baby as well as for you! LMK if you need some info on babywearing or choosing a carrier - some are not as safe or as ergonomic as others.
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