MyFitnessPal and ebf- confused

[Teaandcrumpets95]

Hi,

Am new to using mfp and just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Apologies if this sounds daft.

So, I'm currently 4 months pp, am 5ft 6 and 14st 5lb and would like to get to 11st 7lb.

Decided to use MyFitnessPal as friends had success with it in the past. Put in my stats to lose 1lb a week as want to do it gradually and it gave 1840 cal goal.

Since I'm ebf am using the breastfeeding 'food' to given additional 500 cals, as I really don't want to lose my supply. So total 2340 cals to consume.

Will I still lose weight eating that much? It just seems like a lot compared to what I've been reading. Should I disregard the bf calories or stick with what the apps telling me?

Any advise would be appreciated 😊

Hi lovely, you won’t lose your supply by dieting and calorie counting. Did you put into the app that you’re EBF? I’m fairly sure it takes that into account when it calculates the amount of calories you should eat. I would stick to the 1840 calorie goal. That’s actually the average maintenance calories for a female who isn’t active, so it sounds to me like it’s definitely taken into account the calories burnt by breastfeeding. Hope that all makes sense!

To add/clarify - the only thing that will affect your supply is how much and how often baby feeds. Dieting, eating certain foods etc will not effect your supply in either a positive or negative way :)

@Castleway thank you so much!

That's very helpful and reassuring 😊

@Teaandcrumpets95 you’re welcome 😁

I wouldn't get too hung up on it. I'm in a very similar situation to you. I didn't really factor in BF when I decided on my calorie goal. I used a TDEE calculator and then added about 200cals a day because I really like food and wanted to eat more 🤷‍♀️ I just thought I'd see what happens and adjust as I go. I aim for 1800 cals per day but regularly end up averaging 2000 per day over the week. I'm losing 1/2/3lbs every week. It fluctuates. It's usually 7lb over a month though. If it slows down I'll decrease the calories but I'm happy with this pace for now. You should get a feel for what works for you after a while.

@Outlyingtrout thanks ; that's really good advise 😊

I think I'm gonna just aim for between 1800-2000 (depending on activity that day) and see how I get on.

Was just worried about it impacting breast milk as my baby will absolutely not take a bottle but seems that'll be okay.

@Teaandcrumpets95 I ebf my DC, my recollection is that there is a calorie intake they recommend you not go below, I think it’s either 1600 or 1800. Might not affect your supply but you might feel quite drained if you eat less than that!

@DungareeClad - good advice - should also have mentioned ensure you drink plenty too as make you feel very thirsty!