No, you don’t need to eat more calories if you’re breastfeeding.
People who are breastfeeding use up more calories than they would otherwise. It’s different from person to person, but most people use up about 300-400 more calories a day while they’re breastfeeding.
But that doesn’t mean you need to eat more. Studies have shown that eating more or less usually doesn’t affect the quality or how much breastmilk you make. What’s important is that you eat a healthy diet. This can make sure you’re getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need and that you pass them on to your baby through your breastmilk.
Here are some rules of thumb for a healthy diet:
- Have about 2,000 calories a day, but this is different for everyone
- Have a mix of different vegetables, fruits, protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
- Avoid extra sugars, fat, and salt
Whether you eat more calories when you’re breastfeeding is up to you. If you do eat more, experts recommend eating more nutrient-rich foods and not junk food. If you decide not to eat more, it may help you lose weight. Either option is fine, and you can always talk to your doctor to work out the diet plan that’s right for you.
You don’t need to eat more, but eating a healthy diet is important for sure!