Calories While Postpartum

The postpartum period is the first six weeks after the birth of a baby. During this time, a woman's body undergoes several changes, some of which are the process of returning it back to its pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, new changes also occur during the postpartum period, for instance, a woman begins to lactate in preparation to breastfeed her baby. Nutrition, healthy food intake and adequate calories are all important to support health while undergoing the body changes associated with the postpartum period.

Energy

A calorie is a component of energy that is found in almost all foods. Regardless of the types of foods that you eat, all contain calories. If you take in more calories than you expend during activities and exercise, you can gain weight, which is appropriate to some extent during pregnancy. Additionally, you do need calories for energy, as the postpartum period can be a stressful time and your body is changing and healing itself. Calories are important during the postpartum period to give you energy to feed and care for your baby as well as to support your own health while your body is healing.

Weight Loss

Some women who have gained extra weight during pregnancy may be eager to lose weight once they reach the postpartum period. While you can lose weight during this time, it is important not to cut calories too drastically by fasting or following fad diets. While you can slowly cut back on calories, avoid restricting your intake to less than 1,800 calories per day. If you plan to lose weight after having a baby, talk with your doctor about the right number of calories that you will need each day.

Breastfeeding

If you plan to breastfeed your baby during the postpartum period, you will need to increase your daily calorie intake. According to the American Pregnancy Association, breastfeeding mothers secrete between 425 and 700 calories in breast milk each day. If you do not increase your food intake but are still breastfeeding, you may become calorie-deficient, which can further contribute to fatigue and low energy levels. Plan to add about 500 calories to your diet each day if you are breastfeeding.

What to Eat

How many calories you need during the postpartum period depends on several factors, including your pre-pregnancy weight, the amount of weight you gained during pregnancy and whether or not you are breastfeeding. Try to avoid empty calories that do not provide nutrients for your health. Alternatively, you can promote healing to your body by focusing on nutrient-dense foods that provide vitamins, fiber and minerals for the same amount of calories. For example, a medium sweet roll contains 227 calories and may supply some carbohydrates, while 1/2 cup oatmeal with low-fat milk contains only 158 calories and supplies your body with whole grains, vitamins and calcium.