Calories and breastfeeding

[user1471481356]

There is so much conflicting info out there. I have no idea what to do. Calorie counting works really well for me. I’m easily able to maintain 1200 a day (usually 1000-1100). However I have no idea how many calories to aim for while breastfeeding?! I don’t want to do anything to affect my supply, but I’m also desperate to start losing weight. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi there, 1200 calories is way too low even if you weren't breast feeding. I read somewhere that breastfeeding means your body needs an extra 500 calories a day. I recommend searching for a TDEE calculator online. It works out your daily calorie needs based on your height, weight and activity levels. To lose weight properly and slowly it's recommended that you take this number and minus 500 Cal's from it a day and that is your calorie deficit number. But with breast feeding you might not need to reduce it at all. See how you go. Remember you just created a little human and you need to properly fuel yourself and them. If in doubt maybe ask your GP for further advice.

Usually it is recommended that you eat to maintain your weight whilst breastfeeding, and the calories burned through making milk will give you a sensible deficit.

You use 500-800 cals a day breastfeeding. So if you add 500 cals to your minimum you’ll still loose weight.