Do you burn any calories using a breast pump?

Question

I plan on breast feeding when my baby is born. I was just wandering do you burn any or as many calories using a breast pump? I know you burn 500 or more breast feeding.

Answer 1

Yes it is all the same.  You are still pumping and burning calories as much as breastfeeding. But you should only pump when you can't feed your baby or if your pumping in between to build your supply.

Answer 2

As long as your body is putting out the effort to make the milk you are using calories.  It doesn't matter what the milk is getting sucked out by (baby or pump), because its the making of the milk that uses energy.  Perhaps holding the infant up to your breast uses a few more calories (and builds some arm and back strength), but then again, the maneuvering of those breast pumps can be a feat in and of itself!

Answer 3

Yep! You're burning calories by making the milk. You'll want to make sure to establish your supply before trying to pump though. Get that baby to the breast often! (It's also recommended that you don't introduce bottles or pacifiers until around 6 weeks to avoid nipple confusion.) Breastfeeding is a pretty awesome way to burn calories. You know, hanging out and bonding with your baby, while feeding him, is a pretty terrific way to get back in shape! ;)