How many calories while nursing?

Personalized for your body and feeding type

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calories per day
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Protein
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Fats (30%)
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Carbs
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Calcium
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Iodine
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Iron
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DHA
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Folate
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Vitamin D
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Water
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BMR
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TDEE
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Lactation
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Goal adj.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. Always consult your prescribing physician or healthcare provider before making medication changes or interpreting results from population-based models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exclusive: +500 kcal/day months 1-6, +400 months 7-12. Partial: +250 kcal/day.

Yes, but slowly. 500 kcal/day deficit is safe after 6-8 weeks. Never below 1,500 kcal/day.

Calcium 1,000mg, iodine 290mcg, DHA 200-300mg, vitamin D 600 IU, protein 1.3g/kg.

About 128 oz (3.8L) per day. Nursing increases fluid needs significantly.

Sources

  1. IOM Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. 2005. Link
  2. ACOG Postpartum Weight Management. 2021. Link

Methodology

Mifflin-St Jeor BMR for women x activity factor + lactation calories. Safe minimum: 1,500 kcal/day.

Breastfeeding adds ~500 kcal/day for exclusive nursing. Safe weight loss: max 1 lb/week, never below 1,500 kcal/day.

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