Breastfeeding

sdg_1021
sdg_1021 Posts: 1
in Health and Weight Loss
I am about to have a baby and I'm trying to become really familiar with MFP beforehand so I can start it at 6 weeks. I was wondering if there is any way to specify that you are breastfeeding? I know I'll need more calories, but I haven't figured out if this plan supports breastfeeding. Thanks!

Replies

  • petiteLady89
    petiteLady89 Posts: 198 Member
    http://www.freedieting.com/tools/breastfeeding_calorie_calculator.htm

    I went by this when I was nursing both of my boys. Just be careful not to lose it too fast. I was losing 10-15lbs a week for like a month straight. It hurt my production and energy levels. I didn't mean to lose this much. I wasn't tracking my calories and grossly miscalculated. I'm only 4'10, too so those pounds were a big deal for me.
  • lornaeves
    lornaeves Posts: 3 Member
    if you're breastfeeding you need approximately 500 extra calories a day to maintain a good quality milk supply. You probably shouldn't try to diet as such, just try and eat healthy meals. etc. (P.S i'm a midwife)
  • snoozypoo
    snoozypoo Posts: 32 Member
    In your food diary if you type in breast feeding it comes up.
    For the 1st 6 months you need an extra 500 calories a day :)
  • DaysFlyBy
    DaysFlyBy Posts: 243 Member
    Yep, type in 'breastfeeding' like you would a food item (I usually log it under the last meal of the day), a bunch of different options will come up for you to choose from depending on the age of your baby and if you're exclusively breastfeeding/pumping or if you're giving your baby formula half the time or if your baby is eating food in addition to nursing, etc so you can get as close to accurate as possible for your situation. It will automatically then issue you extra calories accordingly. HTH! Congrats and goodluck mama! :)

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