calorie intake while breastfeeding - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

Sunkisses · 02-04-2009, 03:56 PM

I don't know why this didn't occur to me, but I am still breastfeeding my 1 yr old on demand around 12 times a day. I have no idea how much she is taking as she can be latched on for just a few minutes or a good 45 minutes. She still nurses a few times in the middle of the night, too(we cosleep). She is eating table foods too so she is not exclusively breastfed. I am wondering if my 1800 calorie intake plan is ok? I am also doing an hour to 2 hours of cardio and strength training at least 6 days a week. If it wasn't enough calories, would I just lose weight more rapidly or will my body hang on to it thinking it's starving? I don't think I am losing too fast, I have only lost 17 pounds in about a month.

I never thought to add breastfeeding into the dieting equation.

Sunkisses · 02-04-2009, 04:13 PM

Sorry, just now noticed the sticky on this subject.

LisaMarie71 · 02-04-2009, 06:46 PM

Holy moly, 17 pounds in a month is a LOT. If you haven't noticed your milk supply going down, you're probably fine. I'm trying to figure out a calorie level now that will enable me to lose weight slowly and still have enough milk for my 6-month-old, but I lose MUCH more slowly than you do, and nursing isn't helping me lose at all. I assumed that whole "nursing makes you lose weight" thing was a myth, but maybe it's working for you! Good job!

Sunkisses · 02-05-2009, 11:02 AM

Well, I actually gained weight after I had the baby so I don't think that it really is helping me to lose the weight. However, I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy and I couldn't eat anything that I like. so after I had her, I went a little food crazy. I haven't really noticed a change in my supply, but I never ever pump so I have no clue. The baby doesn't seem frustrated though. Even if my supply went down, I would be fine with it. I have been thinking of weaning anyway. My daughter is almost 14 months old-i'm tired of leaking out of the blue and waking all night to open the booby buffet.

ebb&flow · 02-11-2009, 07:08 PM

I'm in a similar boat in that I have a 12 month old who is still nursing. I don't think nursing helped me lose weight. It would have if I had been better about watching what I eat, but it makes me hungrier. You know that it's not an all or nothing decision. I didn't completely wean my daughter. We got rid of the night feeds, so she nurses just during the day. After that she and I both slept better at night. Our doc said she doesn't need those calories, that she'll get all she needs during the day. Of course, there's the comfort and contact issue, but I decided that we both needed sleep and she needed me to be sane in the AM. If you do cut some feedings, your calorie needs as well as your supply may decrease, though. Good luck and congrats on your loss.

paperSkin · 02-17-2009, 10:05 AM

Hi, I just weaned my baby a couple of weeks ago. I found that for me, I had to drink a lot to maintain my supply... and I'm not a big water drinker.. so I ended up drinking so much juice.. I gained 25lbs. after my baby was born because of this. I've found that by switching to water the weight is coming off pretty well. It's only been a few days and I've already lost 5lbs. Congradulations guys on your losses. 17 lbs in one month is amazing!

sunspell · 03-13-2009, 12:11 AM

can one actually diet while bfing? does anyone know?