Weight loss while breastfeeding?

Hi, I've been away a LONG time.  I had a baby girl 5 days ago, and I am now WAY overweight.  Does anyone know how I calculate how many cals I need to stay healthy but lose weight while breastfeeding?  I don't want to sacrifice my or my baby's health, but I'm tired of being a fatty.  Thanks in advance.

you need 500 extra calories/ day while breastfeeding (only 300 extra while pregnant).  So, I would say, until you start exercising, eat about what you need to maintain, or just over, and you should still lose weight.  If you're exercising, factor that in.  That's been my experience anyway, and the pounds came right off (although, the last 10 didn't come off until I stopped).  oh, and make sure you drink lots of water while breastfeeding.

Don't shy away from food while you are breastfeeding - I think its 500cal extra...  

I really noticed it when my son went thru the 12 week or 3 month growth spurt - he was feeding so much and so often that the pounds were just falling off. 

Enjoy the baby!!!!

(aaww your giving me baby fever)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! yeah me too in my experience ( i breast fed 2 babies) until they were 18 months, I know long time but my weight just fell right off too! how fun. what did you name her???

At 5 days postpartum, I would not diet at all.  I have 4 kids, including twins, and breastfed them all way past the age of 1.  Right after they were born, I lost weight quickly without trying.  But right now, you are establishing your milk supply.  That and healing from birth.  I wouldn't jeopardize that by restricting calories.  Not to mention all the emotional/hormonal/life changes you are going through.

Since you want to lose, I'd wait until 6 to 12 weeks and then start a weight loss plan.  Definitely add back the 500 calories and I wouldn't aim for more than a pound per week.  That means you'd want a deficit of 500 calories on a calculator here that doesnt' allow for breastfeeding.  You can start exercising then too.  Just put the baby in the stroller and walk, or use a sling.  When my twins were infants, my neighbor and I started a walking plan in January.  I bought two snowsuits with attached mittens and feet and loaded them up and went and walked.  It worked out great, she had a newborn too.  Oh, and we live in Ohio.

I have tons of breastfeeding experience, so if you have any questions or want any support (I lost 90 lbs while breastfeeding a 2 yo) feel free to PM me.