Q&A: How Many Calories Does Breastfeeding REALLY Burn?

The question: Kristin Cavallari looks amazing only 12 weeks after giving birth to her second baby. "I'm breastfeeding, which burns a ton of calories," she told E! News recently. How much of a role does breastfeeding really play in post-pregnancy weight loss?

The expert: Makbib Diro, M.D., associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

The answer: Good news! There’s a strong connection between breastfeeding and weight loss, says Diro. When you're pregnant, biology kicks in and helps you build up a reserve of weight that’s beneficial to both you and your baby. After you've given birth, it then helps you lose it by breastfeeding, which can burn 300-500 calories a day.

Part of the reasoning behind this lies in what’s in the actual breast milk. It’s a special mix that’s composed of immunity-boosters and the necessary vitamins that will help a baby grow properly, says Diro. Since your body isn’t normally creating this blend, it has to work harder to produce enough to handle the constant demand.

Another element is the energy you’re giving to the baby via calories when you breastfeed. You're not storing as many calories for yourself because you're passing a lot of them to your child. You'll likely be below your regular calorie balance, so unless you supplement that with extra food, the weight will start coming off. Plus, it doesn't hurt that new moms are often busy due to the sudden lifestyle change.

If you're predisposed to obesity or gained more than your doctor recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding may not help you get all the way back to your pre-baby weight. That doesn't mean all is lost, though. Just follow these healthy weight-loss tips to start working your way back toward your pre-baby poundage.

More from Women’s Health: 5 Things You Need to Know About Pregnancy Sex  Is Coconut Oil a “Superfood” for Pregnancy? 17 Things You Shouldn’t Ever Say to a Pregnant Lady