Breastfeeding: am I eating enough?

rissanddan
rissanddan Posts: 14
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
ok, so I am supposed to eat 1200 calories but while exclusively breastfeeding is taking 500 calories, I upped my intake to 1700 to balance this out. However, I have never even gone close to 1700 in a day. Exercising loses about 310 calories a day. I do get hungry, but I get hungry around the time it's lunch or dinner, so I don't snack. I am taking supplements to increase my milk supply...

Should I eat more or if I am doing ok hungervwise and milk supply wise, keep it as it is?

Replies

  • shovav91
    shovav91 Posts: 2,335 Member
    You definitely need to be eating more-
    Try eating more calorie-rich foods such as nuts and nut butters, avocados, full-fat dairy, chia seeds, add a Tbsp of olive oil a couple times a day (120 cals), coconut oil...

    If your body thinks it isn't getting the sustenance it needs, your milk will be the first thing to go; not good. You have to keep a careful balance!
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Yes, you need to eat more. Focus on nutrient dense foods - healthy fats, proteins, whole grain, and lots of fruits and veggies.

    Also make sure you are drinking lots of water. I'm also exclusively breastfeeding, and I think I've doubled my water intake. I am set at 1950 calories a day (before exercise) I lose around .5-1 pound a week. (Feel free to add me as a friend)
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    You need to be really careful while dieting while breastfeeding, it can easily wreck you milk supply which can be almost impossible to recover. I would NOT recommend trying for 1200 base even when you add 500. Go into the settings, set your goal at 0.5lbs a week (I know this is slow but it's worth it to provide the best nutrition for your baby, and formula is DAMN expensive). Then add you 500 to that AND eat your exercise calories.

    I seriously had to wait until I was done nursing to lose weight. It sucks but such is life.
  • KatFierce
    KatFierce Posts: 252 Member
    you need to be eating more I would add in peanut butter or some protein shakes or something high calorie
  • shoppie
    shoppie Posts: 618 Member
    I was eating around 1600/1700 net the whole time I was solely feeding and still lost 2lb per week. I am now feeding 3 times per day (baby is 8 months) and am maintaining eating only sllightly more net. I think until the baby starts solids they really do absolutely empty you of nutrients, its not just about the calories. I also ate higher fat foods.
  • Bonny272
    Bonny272 Posts: 154 Member
    Okay, I cracked open my La Leche League Breastfeeding Answer Book just for you so I could give an educated answer. It says that you should be eating at least 1800 calories minimum. That is the least you should take it even if you're trying to lose weight. Exercise is going to get you in shape quicker and is good for you. Just remember to drink a ton of water. I nursed so long I'm still in the habit of drinking a gallon a day. Supplements are okay, but your body will take over if you aren't getting the nutrients you need. For more information you can go to La Leche League.com. Enjoy that baby!
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    You need to be really careful while dieting while breastfeeding, it can easily wreck you milk supply which can be almost impossible to recover. I would NOT recommend trying for 1200 base even when you add 500. Go into the settings, set your goal at 0.5lbs a week (I know this is slow but it's worth it to provide the best nutrition for your baby, and formula is DAMN expensive). Then add you 500 to that AND eat your exercise calories.

    ^^^ I agree with this.
  • rissanddan
    rissanddan Posts: 14
    Ok thanks everyone. Knda scared me to read everyone saying the same thing (but exactly what I thought!). starting tomorrow, will ensure I eat more!!! I breastfed my first baby for 2 years and plan to do the same with this one, too. Thanks so much :)
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    Ok thanks everyone. Knda scared me to read everyone saying the same thing (but exactly what I thought!). starting tomorrow, will ensure I eat more!!! I breastfed my first baby for 2 years and plan to do the same with this one, too. Thanks so much :)

    I don't mean this to be rude, but you should really contact your primary physician in addition to increasing your calories. I realize most doctors aren't experts on nutrition, but the importance of this topic extends far, far beyond your desire to get in shape.
  • rissanddan
    rissanddan Posts: 14
    Hi sidesteal, really appreciate you commenting as I read your five tips on another message and it sounds as if you really know what you are talking about :) this is the first time I have ever really taken note of what I eat and am clearly not doing very well. Breastfeeding is so important to me so would really appreciate some help. Basically what I am eating is 1200 calories. Sounds normal, but then I subtract the 500 calories for exclusive breastfeeding and have not been eating them back. So have always been about 500 under. But worked out last night that to eat 500 calories, I need more carbs. So will double my morning cereal, double my lunch (which will double bread, protein and heaps of salad veggies) and add some more fruit. But yes, I think a visit to my doc to sort out my confusion is the way to go.

    Would you mind if we became friends? Would kinda like a mentor of such and by the looks of your photo, you have done a fantastic job with yourself :)
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    http://kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-weightloss.html
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    But yes, I think a visit to my doc to sort out my confusion is the way to go.

    Would you mind if we became friends? Would kinda like a mentor of such and by the looks of your photo, you have done a fantastic job with yourself :)

    EDIT: I'm not a good writer. Let me rephrase:


    I'm happy to help you with your fitness goals but I'm not qualified to give advice specifically regarding your best interests as a nursing mother. I'm sensitive to this issue as I have a 7month old at home so this topic is near to me.

    You can send me a friend invite and/or PM me and I'm happy to give you opinions on things, but you should get your bases covered regarding feeding your children properly by contacting your doctor.
  • EveMerit
    EveMerit Posts: 1
    Hi! I am the new mom of twins! I was told by my lactation nurse that, like while your child was in utero, your body puts the child first. i.e. your baby gets ALL the nutrients first, and you get the leftovers.
    Translation: your body will use every single calorie to produce milk for your child. SO caloric intake doesn't matter that much as far as production is concerned, HOWEVER, if your not supplementing these nutrients/calories by upping your intake then your body will suck everything it can from your teeth and bones and skin and hair and waistline.... Which is one way to lose weight! Yikes!
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