How many calories to lose weight when breastfeeding?

Understanding Caloric Needs for Breastfeeding Mothers
Breastfeeding is a natural process that not only nourishes infants but also influences the caloric needs of new mothers. For those looking to lose weight while breastfeeding, understanding how many calories to consume is crucial.
Caloric Burn During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can significantly increase a mother’s caloric expenditure. On average, breastfeeding burns about 500 to 700 calories per day. This additional caloric burn is primarily due to the energy required for milk production. However, the actual number can vary based on several factors, including the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight, diet, and physical activity levels.
Recommended Caloric Intake
To support both weight loss and milk production, breastfeeding mothers are generally advised to increase their caloric intake by 450 to 500 calories per day compared to their pre-pregnancy needs. This means that a breastfeeding mother should aim for a total daily caloric intake of approximately 2,000 to 2,800 calories, depending on her activity level. It’s essential to ensure that this caloric intake does not drop below 1,800 calories per day, as consuming fewer calories can negatively impact milk supply.
Weight Loss Considerations
While breastfeeding can facilitate weight loss, it is important to approach this goal with caution. Experts recommend aiming for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per month. Rapid weight loss or severe caloric restriction can lead to a decrease in milk production, which can affect the baby’s nutrition. Therefore, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is crucial for both the mother and the breastfeeding infant.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers should focus on maintaining a caloric intake that supports both their energy needs and milk production. By consuming an additional 450 to 500 calories daily and ensuring a total intake of 2,000 to 2,800 calories, mothers can safely navigate weight loss while providing essential nutrition to their babies. Gradual weight loss is key, and mothers should prioritize a well-rounded diet to support their health and breastfeeding journey.

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 be eating 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.

How long does it take to lose 30 pounds while breastfeeding?

Therefore, breastfeeding mothers who gained the recommended 25–35 pounds (11.5–16 kg) during pregnancy should be able to lose this weight within the first 6–8 months postpartum ( 13 ). However, many nursing mothers take longer than this interval to shed their baby weight.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Is it harder for breastfeeding moms to lose weight?

Women who breastfed exclusively for at least 3 months had a 1.3-pound (0.59 kg) (95% CI: 0.2,2.5 pounds, p<0.05) greater weight loss at 6 months postpartum, relative to those who did not breastfed or breastfed non-exclusively.

Do you really need more calories when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers generally need more calories to meet their nutritional needs. To be well-nourished, breastfeeding mothers need 340 to 400 more kilocalories (kcal) per day than the amount they consumed before pregnancy.

How to lose 20 pounds in a month while breastfeeding?

How to Lose 20 Pounds While Breast-feeding

1. Breastfeed as often as the baby shows hunger cues and avoid giving the infant formula.
2. Decrease your caloric intake to around 1,500 to 1,800 calories a day.
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
4. Exercise for 30 minutes or more, on most days of the week.

Is it harder to lose weight while breastfeeding?

Women who breastfed exclusively for at least 3 months had a 1.3-pound (0.59 kg) (95% CI: 0.2,2.5 pounds, p<0.05) greater weight loss at 6 months postpartum, relative to those who did not breastfed or breastfed non-exclusively.

Is 1200 calories enough while 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 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.