Breastfeeding burns approximately 450 to 700 calories per day, with most sources citing around 500 extra calories burned daily to produce breast milk. This energy expenditure corresponds to the calories secreted into breast milk, which is about 450 to 500 calories per day according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
. The exact number of calories burned can vary depending on factors such as the duration of lactation, the amount of milk produced, the mother's metabolism, and whether breastfeeding is exclusive or supplemented. For example, during the first six months of breastfeeding, the body may burn around 330 to 500 extra calories daily, and after six months, this can increase to about 400 calories per day
. Both breastfeeding and pumping breast milk burn similar amounts of calories since milk production requires the same energy regardless of the method
. In summary:
- Typical calorie burn from breastfeeding: about 450-700 calories/day, commonly around 500 calories/day.
- First 6 months: approximately 330-500 calories/day.
- After 6 months: about 400 calories/day.
- Calories burned correspond to the energy cost of producing breast milk (about 20-22 calories per ounce).
This calorie burn can contribute to postpartum weight loss but does not guarantee it, as overall diet and activity levels also play significant roles
