Calorie deficit/weight loss while breastfeeding

How do I go about following a calorie deficit while I breastfeed? I'm having a hard time understanding how that wouldn't effect my milk production.

Answers

  • Cristal_K
    Cristal_K Posts: 3 Member
    I started "playing" around with calorie intake 1400-2000, different weeks, and noticed high protein foods helped me feel better and keep up with baby while being in the deficit. I was exclusively nursing and even so, I was having a hard time keeping up. But what helped me was electrolyte drinks. Which I had a hard time with because it's calories. How not to add it to my count? But i tried not to add those into my daily count.
    I was walking 45 to an hour an a half a day too.
    I'd started with 1500 and if my pumped less id up to 1700. And just find what best works with you. In the end baby is most important. If you notice they're fussy after feedings. I'd up the calories or add more nutrient rich foods
    Hope this helps

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,131 Member
    Obviously, guidance from your medical team is ideal. However, one strategy other women here have used is to eat at estimated maintenance calories (as they would be without the breastfeeding), and let the breastfeeding create the calorie deficit. That's just a possibility to consider, possibly a somewhat conservative one.