Breastfeeding Nutrition For Mother and Baby

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Breast milk is the nature's food for your baby. It is vital for his growth and development. It also helps to build up the immune system of the baby and helps him to fight several childhood ailments. So breastfeeding is very important. It is also beneficial for you as it helps to contract the uterus and helps you to return to your weight before pregnancy.

It is imperative that you eat a healthy and balanced diet during your nursing days. This is the time when your own body is recovering from the wear and tear of childbearing. Also, the quality and quantity of breast milk production depends upon the nutrition of the mother. A nursing mother produces around 23 to 27 ounces of milk per day. This requires an additional 500 calories to produce and maintain. Your body uses the nutrients that you ingest to produce the breast milk first, and then it is used in your body. So eat well for the sake of yourself and your baby.

What to eat?

Drink plenty of water. The average should be around 18 to 20 glasses per day. Lactating women are generally thirstier. Part of the water is used directly for the production of milk.

Calcium is vital for the development of the baby. So eat plenty of calcium rich food. Breastfeeding mothers need around 1200 mg of calcium per day.

Protein is important for the production of breast milk. You will need around 65mg of protein each day to sustain the production of milk.

Your body uses up a lot of energy in producing breast milk. In addition new mothers often have cravings. So increase the total calorific value of your meal to 2500 or more per day. But spread out your intake over the different meals of the day.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. These will be passed on to your child and will help in his growth.

It is also advisable that you continue the vitamins you were taking during pregnancy, especially folic acid during breastfeeding. You should consult your doctor in this regard. You should also consider calcium supplements.

What not to eat?

Though it is necessary to increase the calorie intake, do not give in to temptations for sweets and chocolates. They are not good for your baby and are likely to make him irritated. Instead, eat nuts and beans to obtain higher calorie value.

Avoid food with caffeine and nicotine as these are directly passed on to the breast milk.

Do not drink carbonated drinks or alcoholic drinks while trying to increase the intake of liquid. Water, juices of fresh fruits etc are best.

Watch out for any food allergies in your child. Though calcium is a must in the diet of a nursing mother, many babies react negatively when the mother drinks cow milk or other dairy products. If you see a similar trend in your baby, you can opt for fortified food with calcium supplements.

Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor. Pain medications especially are not good for the quality of the breast milk. If you have to take such medicines, take them just after breastfeeding so that little is passed on to your baby.



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