calories needed for breastfeeding toddler

[conniebonnie]

hello- just signed up on sparks people and i think i will be doing a couch25k, but i have a question about calories. Im nursing my daughter who is almost 16 mo and still nursing 3-4 times at night and 3-4 times during the day. She also eats a TON of food, but nurses for reasons other than being tired or getting hurt, so i think she is still getting calories and goodness and nutrition from it.
how much calories should i add to my daily totals to accomadate nursing her? or should i just stick around my max limit?

[julie80]

I believe the recommended number is 500 calories a day for breastfeeding moms. But I'm sure there are many other factors such as how active you are, etc.

[junipermuse]

Well in weight watchers they recommend an extra 10 pts for exclusive breastfeeding and an extra 5 for breastfeeding mom who have babies or toddlers who eat solids. That is approximately 500 calories and 250 calories respectively.

[ameliabedelia]

I think 250 calories sounds about right. I think the 500 they suggest for exclusively nursing is too much, but I do think you need some extra for nursing a toddler.

[sapientia]

I was coming here to post the very same thing. I just signed up on sparkpeople a few days ago as well and so far am loving it. I'm actually motivated! FInd me on there if you like, it's under the same name I am here: sapientia.