Breastfeeding Calorie Calculator
Calculate your additional calorie needs while breastfeeding based on your current state, age, height, weight, and activity level. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining milk supply and your own health during lactation.
Daily energy needs: 0 kcal
Additional calories needed: 0 kcal
Base metabolic rate: 0 kcal
Nutritional Recommendations
| Nutrient | Recommended Daily Intake |
|---|---|
| Protein | 71 g (1.1 g/kg) |
| Calcium | 1,000-1,300 mg |
| Iron | 9-10 mg |
| Vitamin D | 600 IU (15 mcg) |
| Omega-3 (DHA) | 200-300 mg |
About Breastfeeding Calorie Calculator
Breastfeeding requires additional energy to produce milk and maintain your own health. This calculator helps you determine how many extra calories you need during lactation based on your current state, body measurements, and activity level.
How Breastfeeding Affects Calorie Needs
Producing breast milk requires approximately 500 extra calories per day during the first 6 months of lactation. After 6 months, when complementary foods are introduced, the additional calorie need decreases to about 400 calories per day.
Calculation Formula:
The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation to estimate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), then adjusts for activity level and breastfeeding needs:
For women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age(y) - 161
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) = BMR × Activity Factor
Breastfeeding Calories = TDEE + Additional Calories (330-400 kcal for 0-6 months, 400-500 kcal for >6 months)
Nutritional Considerations
While calorie intake is important, the quality of your diet is equally crucial during breastfeeding. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Hydration Needs
Breastfeeding increases your fluid requirements. Aim for about 13 cups (3.1 liters) of fluids per day from water, milk, and other beverages. Thirst is a good indicator of your hydration needs.