Should I eat more when breastfeeding?

When you're breastfeeding you need about 2000kJ of extra energy from food and drinks. It sounds like a lot, but your appetite will likely increase while you're breastfeeding and you'll be more thirsty too. A healthy balanced diet is essential at all times of your life, but with an extra little person to nourish, this is one of those times it’s more important. Try to eat a little more of each food group to get a wide variety of nutrients in! If you'd like to know more about breastfeeding, have a look at this article where we cover the basics of breastmilk, feeding and burping your baby, and how to keep up your energy while breastfeeding. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding reach out to your midwife, lactation consultant or another healthcare professional for help.

Join

  Join

Supporting your parenting journey, every step of the way

FamilyNes Email Icon

Personalised content

Weekly + monthly e-newsletters based on your child’s development straight to your inbox

FamilyNes Help Icon

Tips & advice

Talk with our Nutrition Experts. Or browse our FAQs anytime, anywhere

FamilyNes Recipes Icon

Free e-recipe books

Enjoy over 50 delicious recipes for the whole family. Download our pregnancy, baby and toddler books today

FamilyNes Tools Icon

Handy tools

Interactive tools to help you keep track of complex things - like fertility, ovulation and growth