How many calories should I eat when breastfeeding?

Calorie Needs for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding mothers require additional calories to support milk production and maintain their own health. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the increased caloric need for women who are breastfeeding is about 450 to 500 calories per day above their pre-pregnancy calorie intake.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a similar recommendation, stating that breastfeeding mothers need 340 to 400 more kilocalories (kcal) per day than the amount they consumed before pregnancy. This means breastfeeding women typically need around 2,000 to 2,800 kcal per day, compared to 1,600 to 2,400 kcal per day for moderately active women who are not breastfeeding.
It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to avoid restricting calories too much, as this can negatively impact milk supply. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises that eating less than 1,800 calories per day while lactating could reduce the amount of milk produced.
In summary, the recommended calorie intake for breastfeeding mothers is typically 450 to 500 calories per day more than their pre-pregnancy needs, aiming for a total of around 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day. This extra energy is needed to support the demands of milk production and maintain the mother’s own health.

Is 1200 calories too low for breastfeeding?

Eat at least 1500-1800 calories per day
Some mothers will require much more than this, but studies show that going below this number may put supply at risk.

What happens if you don’t eat enough calories while breastfeeding?

Eating too few calories or too few nutrient-rich foods can negatively affect the quality of your breast milk and be detrimental to your health. While you’re breastfeeding, it’s more important than ever to eat a variety of healthy, nutritious foods and limit your intake of highly processed foods.

Does pumping burn as many calories as nursing?

Since a breast pump mimics a baby sucking at the breast, your body responds similarly when it comes to the metabolic response. But while both pumping and breastfeeding burn calories, breastfeeding tends to be more efficient and therefore moms who breastfeed do it more often, burning more calories in the long run.

How many calories should I eat to lose weight while breastfeeding?

Following this initial weight loss, you’ll need to take in fewer calories than you burn off to lose more weight. But for health and safety reasons, you’ll want to lose weight gradually and consume at least 1,800 calories each day while breastfeeding. This will keep your milk supply high and give you enough energy.

Does eating more calories increase milk supply?

Your body needs extra calories to make breast milk. Generally, an extra 300-500 calories a day is needed.

What is the fastest way to lose weight while breastfeeding?

If you wish to lose weight while breastfeeding, both diet and physical activity have a role. Physical activity or exercise is the safest way to lose weight during this time. Moderate calorie restriction (eating less) may be safe for some overweight women, but breastfeeding women should generally eat more calories.

What are the symptoms of low calcium while breastfeeding?

Muscle Cramps and Weakness. Lactating mothers experiencing unexplained muscle cramps or weakness may be exhibiting early signs of calcium deficiency.

Is 1500 calories too low for breastfeeding?

It’s recommended to get at least 1800 calories a day if you’re breastfeeding (1200 is not enough, even if you are not breastfeeding – eating too few calories can damage your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight long-term).

How long does it take to lose 20 pounds while breastfeeding?

La Leche League International states that breastfeeding women lose an average of 1.3 to 1.6 pounds per week for the first 4 to 6 months of the baby’s life, without additional dieting. Adding a diet into the mixture can help you reach your goal of losing 20 pounds faster.

How many calories do I burn every time I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding can also help you manage or lose your postpartum weight. Moms burn about 500 extra calories a day while producing breast milk, which could lead to faster weight loss after birth. Although that doesn’t mean breastfeeding is a weight loss miracle, it can jumpstart the process.