Calories for Breastfeeding Calculator

Calories for Breastfeeding Calculator

Sedentary (Little to no exercise) Lightly Active (Light exercise 1-3 days/week) Moderately Active (Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week) Very Active (Hard exercise 6-7 days/week)

Exclusively Breastfeeding (No formula or solids) Partial Breastfeeding (Mixed with formula/solids) Weaning / Post-Breastfeeding

Your Estimated Daily Calorie Needs

0

Calories per day to maintain weight while nursing.

Maintenance 0

Nursing Add-on 0

function calculateNursingCalories() { var age = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bf_age').value); var weight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bf_weight').value); var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bf_height').value); var activity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bf_activity').value); var extra = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bf_intensity').value); if (isNaN(age) || isNaN(weight) || isNaN(height)) { alert('Please enter valid numbers for age, weight, and height.'); return; } // Mifflin-St Jeor Equation for Women var bmr = (10 * weight) + (6.25 * height) – (5 * age) – 161; var maintenance = bmr * activity; var total = maintenance + extra; document.getElementById('bf_total_calories').innerHTML = Math.round(total) + " kcal"; document.getElementById('bf_maintenance').innerHTML = Math.round(maintenance) + " kcal"; document.getElementById('bf_extra').innerHTML = "+" + extra + " kcal"; document.getElementById('bf_result_box').style.display = 'block'; }

How Many Calories Do I Need While Breastfeeding?

Producing breast milk is a metabolically demanding process. On average, the body requires an additional 300 to 500 calories per day to maintain milk supply and support the mother's health. This "Calories for Breastfeeding Calculator" uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to determine your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), applies an activity factor, and then adds the energy cost of lactation.

The Science Behind the Numbers

Your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) while nursing is comprised of three main components:

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The energy your body uses at rest for vital functions like breathing and circulation.
• Physical Activity: The energy burned through daily movement and intentional exercise.
• Milk Production: Creating breast milk burns roughly 20 calories for every ounce produced. For an exclusively breastfeeding mother, this usually totals around 500 extra calories per day.

Example Calculation

If a 30-year-old woman weighs 70kg, is 165cm tall, and is moderately active, her maintenance calories (without nursing) would be approximately 2,100 kcal. If she is exclusively breastfeeding, her body needs an additional 500 kcal, bringing her total daily requirement to 2,600 calories to maintain her current weight.

Healthy Weight Loss While Nursing

Many mothers wish to return to their pre-pregnancy weight. Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks postpartum before intentionally restricting calories. To lose weight safely without affecting milk supply, aim for a modest deficit (e.g., 200-300 calories below the result shown above). It is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers consume at least 1,800 total calories per day to ensure nutrient density and milk volume.

Signs You Aren't Eating Enough

If your calorie intake is too low, you may notice:

• A noticeable drop in milk supply.
• Extreme fatigue or "brain fog."
• Irritability or mood swings.
• Constant hunger or cravings.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Always consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet postpartum.