Doctors hear this question a lot from new moms. All of a sudden, moms find themselves wanting to eat more once they start breastfeeding. So that leads to the question – does breastfeeding make you hungry?
Do you find yourself constantly snacking after you’ve finished breastfeeding your little one?
You’re not alone!
A lot of women experience increased hunger after they breastfeed.
This is because breastfeeding helps to burn calories, and it also causes the body to produce more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates the appetite.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why you may be feeling so hungry after breastfeeding. We will also provide some tips for how to manage your hunger pangs.
Does Breastfeeding Make You Hungry?
A common question we hear is, why do breastfeeding mothers eat a lot?
Does breastfeeding make you hungry?
The answer is yes!
It’s not unusual to want to snack more often or feel hungrier than usual after breastfeeding.
It’s very common for breastfeeding mothers to produce the hormone ghrelin.
When ghrelin is released, your appetite is stimulated and you’ll find yourself roaming the kitchen much more often!
Here are some other reasons you may be feeling hungrier than normal:
- You have a fast metabolism.
- You’re not getting enough sleep.
- You’re anxious or stressed.
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, you may have noticed that you’re always hungry.
Here’s why…
Breastfeeding requires a lot of energy.
In fact, it can burn up to 500 calories a day!
That’s why it’s important to eat often and make sure you’re getting enough calories.
Breastfeeding can sometimes cause low blood sugar. This happens because your body is using up energy to produce milk, which can leave you feeling shaky and weak unless you eat something right away.
If you’re breastfeeding and always feeling hungry, make sure to eat nutritious foods often. And if you’re struggling to get enough calories, talk to your doctor about supplementing with formula or food.
With a little help, you can make it through this hungry phase!
How Do I Stop My Hunger While Breastfeeding?
If your body is signaling to you that you are hungry, it can be for a few reasons.
The most common cause of hunger is the need for energy to do your typical day to day actions. The more calories you burn throughout the day, the more food you will need as fuel to help you get through your day.
If you are breastfeeding and find yourself extra hungry, it’s typically due to the extra 300-500 calories per day you are burning by simply the process of breastfeeding.
If breastfeeding is the cause of excess hunger, it’s important that you eat enough food and drink enough water so you can supply your baby with all the nutrition it needs.
However, if you feel yourself always hungry, there are some reasons why that may not be related to breastfeeding.
Reasons why you may be extra hungry while breastfeeding:
- Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Breastfeeding can be dehydrating, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated.
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from getting too hungry.
- Include protein-rich foods in your diet. Protein will help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Good sources of protein include lean meats, beans, tofu, and eggs.
- Avoid sugary and high-fat foods. These can cause blood sugar spikes that will leave you feeling hungry soon after eating them.
If you’re finding it difficult to control your hunger while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a healthy eating plan that will meet your needs and help you reach your breastfeeding goals.
How Often Should I Eat When Breastfeeding?
It’s important to make sure you’re eating enough when you’re breastfeeding.
You need extra calories for energy, and your body will use some of the fat in your diet to make breast milk.
Aim for an extra 300-500 calories a day, from healthy sources of food.
How often you need to eat depends on how hungry you are.
Eat when you’re hungry, and don’t worry if it’s more or less often than what someone else is doing. Some days you may need to eat more often than others.
Just listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
If you’re having trouble getting enough calories, try these tips:
- Spread your meals out throughout the day instead of eating three big meals.
- Eat foods that are high in calories and nutritious, such as nuts, nut butters, seeds, avocados, whole milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Milk is a good choice, but you can also drink water, juice, or smoothies.
If you’re still having trouble getting enough calories or if you’re losing weight while breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need.
For more great breastfeeding tips, bookmark our blog at Noodle Soup!
