Exclusive: 500–600 kcal/day (0–6 mo), 400–500 (6–12 mo)
Partial: 300–400 kcal/day
Milk Production: ~22 kcal per oz
Breastfeeding Calorie Calculator 2025: Extra Calories for Milk Production
Breastfeeding moms need **extra 300–600 kcal/day**. Our calculator adjusts for **baby age**, **exclusivity**, and **pumping**.
Calorie Needs by Baby Age
| Age | Exclusive | Partial | Milk (oz/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 mo | 500–600 | 300–400 | 25–32 |
| 3–6 mo | 500–550 | 300–400 | 28–35 |
| 6–12 mo | 400–500 | 200–300 | 20–30 |
| 12–24 mo | 300–400 | 100–200 | 16–24 |
Why Extra Calories?
- ~22 kcal per oz of milk
- Average 25–30 oz/day = 550–660 kcal
- Body uses stored fat + diet
Best Foods
- Oats, nuts, salmon (omega-3)
- Leafy greens, dairy (calcium)
- Lean protein, whole grains
- Hydrate: 3–4L water/day
Weight Loss
- Safe: 0.5–1 lb/week after 6 weeks
- Avoid crash diets
- Track with Weight Gain
Myths
- Can't eat spicy — baby adapts
- No caffeine — 300 mg OK
- Beer increases milk — no
Supplements
- Continue prenatal vitamins
- Vitamin D (baby 400 IU)
- Omega-3 if low fish
Low Milk Supply?
- Nurse/pump 8–12x/day
- Skin-to-skin, rest
- Galactagogues: oats, fenugreek
FAQs
How many oz does baby drink? 2.5 × weight (lb) = oz/day.
Pumping calories? Same as nursing.
After 12 months? Minimal extra needed.
Conclusion
Use our **2025 Breastfeeding Calorie Calculator** daily. **Eat to hunger**, focus on **nutrients**.
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