How Many Calories Should I Eat When Breastfeeding?

According to USDA MyPyramid, when you are breastfeeding you should eat at least 1,800 calories per day. Most women do not need to count their calories while breastfeeding unless they are dealing with a weight issue.

Significance

Many women want to get back into their pre-pregnancy shape after giving birth. Judith Lauwers and Anna Swisher, co-authors of "Counseling the Nursing Mother," suggest that a woman can safely lose one pound per week.

Breastfeeding Multiples

For each breastfed child you will want to add around 500 calories to your diet, suggests Kathy Charbonneau in "Just Another 500 Calories: Nutrition for the Breastfeeding Woman." Even so, no matter how many children you are breastfeeding you may burn up to 1,000 calories each.

Losing Weight Too Fast?

If you lose weight too fast, your breast milk supply could suffer. Try adding frequent, healthy, small snacks throughout the day in addition to regular high quality meals.

Vitamins

Most lactating women continue to take their prenatal multivitamin while breastfeeding. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you may want to supplement vitamin B12 in your diet.

Water

Common recommendations are to drink to thirst and have a cup of water each time you breastfeed. Charbonneau states that dehydration can negatively impact your breast milk supply but so can over hydration.

Considerations

Caloric needs vary from person to person according to activity and the quality of calorie sources. The UDSA MyPyramid website has a meal planner and calorie tracker for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you have breastfeeding concerns seek the help of a certified lactation consultant.