Calorie intake while nursing

[MarissaNicole]

Ugh, I can't get the scale to budge, but I'm probably not cutting the calories enough. I think I'm consuming about 1,800.

I'm looking to lose about 15 pounds so I can wear pants and shorts again (I've got about five pounds in my waist and ten in my legs so I'm 2-3 pants sizes larger).

My milk supply seems fine, but again I'm losing nothing. Do I need to drop closer to 1,500 calories?

I'm probably cheating a little to much if I'm being really honest.

Thoughts on calorie intake?


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[OrionGrad]

How many weeks postpartum are you?
In my experience, I dropped a lot of weight right after birth, then hit a plateau for a few weeks before the scale started going down again (on its own). I'm hesitant to cut calories those first few months, at least until I'm sure my supply has regulated. What about eating the same number of calories but exercising (stroller waking, etc) more? 1,500 while you're breastfeeding seems too low, imo.

[spotty_dog]

Eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full, and I wouldn't restrict while nursing. Less than 1800 calories is a starvation diet, unless you are very short. Boost your nutrient-dense foods and maybe make yourself a few reasonable rules about snacking and desserts and things, but maybe it could also just be time to accept that this is a season to weigh 15 pounds more than you once did? You made a baby. That changes things around a bit.

[Thirteen]

How many weeks postpartum are you?
In my experience, I dropped a lot of weight right after birth, then hit a plateau for a few weeks before the scale started going down again (on its own). I'm hesitant to cut calories those first few months, at least until I'm sure my supply has regulated. What about eating the same number of calories but exercising (stroller waking, etc) more? 1,500 while you're breastfeeding seems too low, imo.

+1.


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[MarissaNicole]

I'm only 1 month pp. And like OG said the initial weight fell off (the weight of the baby and fluid), whats left is fat and will take some effort.

I'm doing a good job increasing protein and fiber. I eat a lot of lean meat, yogurt, oat meal, fruits and veggies.... its the sugar and sweets that I need to cut down/out. I've had icecream and or chocolate nearly everyday.

Shockingly I'm not starving or overly hungry but that's because I'm not working out. Once I add exercise I know that will make me hungry.

Although I'm not ever hungry, I also never feel full either... that's why I need to be more careful because I think I'm snacking excessively.

Maybe I'll try and be more diligent (honest) with tracking calories... I'm guessing I need about 1800? 1300 + 500 for nursing?

Wife of a PGY-5

[JaneDoe]

I would be very careful to not restrict calories. I nursed all four of my kids, but with my last baby I failed to produce enough milk beginning when he was around four months old. He was then diagnosed with failure to gain weight. My low milk supply was confirmed when his pediatrician had him and I spend a day in the hospital so he could be weighed before and after feedings. We discovered that he was only receiving an ounce of breastmilk per feeding.

About six weeks prior, I changed my diet. I was eating very healthy (lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and veggies), but not enough- like 1800 calories per day. I lost about 15 pounds. Looking back, I'm certain it was the reason my milk supply nose dived.

I am still so angry with myself about that. I was never able to regain the milk supply that I had despite pumping like crazy and taking Reglan. My son refused any kind of bottle so I was unable to bottle feed him. I had to use the Supplemental Nursing System to get more milk in him. It was so stressful. Please don't restrict calories. I know the desire to get your body back, but it really is scary and stressful if your milk supply declines.

He is now 20 months old and doing well. He evuntually started to drink from a sippy cup around eleven months old. He is still on the small side, but he is making gains on the growth chart. His ped is no longer concerned about his growth.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I ate about 1600 while BFing and then added more calories when I added exercise at one month PP. But I'm lucky that (so far), my milk supply never changed while exercising. I know several women who had to keep on about 10 lbs extra to keep their milk supply up.

[Thirteen]

I ate about 1600 while BFing and then added more calories when I added exercise at one month PP. But I'm lucky that (so far), my milk supply never changed while exercising. I know several women who had to keep on about 10 lbs extra to keep their milk supply up.

This is me, although my body just lovingly "holds on" to the last 10 pounds until weaning. Like a cute little inner tube around my midsection. 😂


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[scrub-jay]

My weight doesn't change until I wean. If I decrease calories, my milk supply dwindles; if I increase calories, my milk supply increases. My weight remains unchanged, which sucks considering my pregnancy gain is always more than I'd like. I drop only after weaning. I nursed my first two for roughly 2 years each.

[MarissaNicole]

I think I'm gonna chill out about weight loss. If I have to buy some new work clothes so be it.

I'll continue to track intake to make sure I'm getting at least 1,800 calories and try and cut down on the junk food.

Wife of a PGY-5