- A 140-pound woman may burn about 1,990 calories a day, but if she's breastfeeding, she will burn an additional 300 to 500 calories, depending on whether or not she exclusively nurses her child. A mother who exclusively nurses will burn more calories than a mother who supplements with formula.
- Generally, a nursing mom's caloric intake should be about 300 to 500 calories more than her recommended daily calories prior to pregnancy.
- While most new moms are free to begin exercising six weeks after the birth of their baby, generally nursing moms should avoid beginning a diet until the baby is at least two months old. Even then, moms should consume at least 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day, to avoid putting their milk supply at risk.
- Generally, nursing moms shouldn't lose more than 1.5 pounds per week. Sudden weight loss may put their milk supply at risk.
- Nursing also helps to shrink your uterus faster, decreases the risks of cancer and increases your bone density.
