Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant’s life is important as the milk is comfortable to digest. The milk contains antibodies, antimicrobial factors, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory factors along with fatty acids, which promote optimal brain development and the required amount of water for the baby.
Hence a breastfeeding mother needs to pay a lot of attention to her nutrition during this period. Here are some of the diet tips for breastfeeding mothers.
10 Diet Tips For Breastfeeding Mothers
- The period of lactation requires an additional 500 kcal in the daily intake of a breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to eat a balanced diet with the correct proportions of proteins, nutrients, iron, and calcium. Women can often simply continue the dietary pattern they were following during pregnancy.
- Sources of high protein such as whole grains, pulses, cereals, dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, and eggs are useful for the mother and infant.
- Aerated beverages and liquor are not advised. Instead, change to more healthy choices to remain hydrated such as fresh juices, tender coconut water, lime juice, and lassi.
- While specific sources of nutrition for a mother cannot be isolated as causing colic for the infant, mothers are encouraged to only eat what wholly agrees with them.
- It is often the case that family members encourage lactating mothers to adopt a diet rich in ghee. As there is no clear proof that this causes an increase in breast milk secretion, a better move is to switch over to fruits, milk, yogurt, and juices.
- Likewise, mothers are encouraged to proceed with the iron and calcium supplements in the initial period of post-pregnancy for as long as three to six months.
- Water is not a food as such for lactating mothers. But it guarantees a regular supply of breast milk. It is encouraged that mothers drink a minimum of eight glasses of water a day. Breastfeeding mothers should keep a water bottle close by, regardless of whether they are thirsty or not, as it is challenging to get up once they begin feeding.
- Cereal is particularly in style nowadays among office goers. It is light and gives the correct sustenance. Lactating mothers are encouraged to have oats as a part of their diet as it lowers cholesterol and controls blood pressure. Additionally, it has also been observed to build the milk secretion.
- Garlic is an everyday ingredient found in all kitchens. Adding garlic to the mother’s diet increases the taste of the dish and increases the breast milk supply.
- Breastfeeding mothers have the right chance to feed the bunny in themselves. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is incredible for lactating women.
A healthy eating regimen is fundamental to guarantee that the mother gets her additional 500 kcal from nutritious food. Some nursing mothers feel they can eat whatever they like, but she needs to be cautious with certain foods and drinks as they may contain toxic substances that could be harmful to the baby.
Foods that a nursing mother should avoid
Seafood while Breastfeeding:
In present times, mercury levels are high in different water bodies, which get converted to high levels of mercury in seafood.
High levels of mercury are present in shark and king mackerel, unlike other seafood, which has lower mercury levels. Hence doctors advise nursing mothers to avoid seafood altogether.
Processed Food When Breastfeeding:
Processed foods are snappy and simple to plan, particularly when a mother has a child to take care of.
However, these foods contain additives and substances that harm the infant. These substances can cause colic in the child and hypersensitivities.
Spicy Food and Flatulence-Causing Food:
Spicy food and flatulence-causing food scan cause a shift in your baby’s reaction. Though this research is in its initial stage, it would help note the mother’s diet and her baby’s change in behaviour.
Artificial Sweeteners And Sugar:
However, with some restraint, it is safe to have artificial sweeteners and sugar. A mother can utilize it once in a while in her food. A few internal hindrances keep the child from having an overabundance of sugar. There is no definitive hypothesis that sugars are unsafe for the infant, but it is ideal to have them just occasionally
Caffeine While Breastfeeding:
Abstain from having caffeine as it can make the infant restless and keep them awake. A mother must drink coffee only after consulting a physician.
Consumption Of Alcohol While Breastfeeding:
Liquor intake during pregnancy and post-pregnancy is a NO. Even the slightest measure of liquor can hamper the baby’s development. If a mother wants to have a glass of alcohol, quit breastfeeding until the liquor is thoroughly washed off the mother’s body.
Meat and Poultry Products:
Meat that has fat retains toxic substances. Additionally, it makes the mother put on undesirable weight. It is prescribed to have lean meat for healthy eating.
Acidic Foods While Breastfeeding
Vitamin C may harm a few infants, found in oranges, lime, tomatoes, and so forth. The infant may encounter gastrointestinal issues with citrus nourishments. Mothers can eat it with some restraint, and keep a note of their infant’s changes. Food that may cause a change in digestion patterns are beans, cabbage, dairy products, garlic, onions, tomatoes, caffeine, chocolate, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, and citrus.
Signs that a baby could have allergic reactions due to food
- Fussiness
- Colic symptoms
- Running nose
- Excessive spitting
- Rash or eczema
To Conclude
Especially in the first milk that comes out with each feed.
This will satisfy the baby’s thirst without additional water, except for oral rehydration solution, drops, and syrups of vitamins, minerals, or medicines.
This is the primary reason that the WHO recommends children to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.
Breast milk contains the right amount of nutrients and antibodies to boost the baby’s immune system. Beyond the health benefits for the newborn, breastfeeding might help a mother lose weight after childbirth.
Hence these diet tips for breastfeeding mothers should be followed to stay healthy and reduce weight post delivery. So it is recommended that mothers should have a balanced diet, and consume fruits and vegetables in equal portions. Most importantly, they should stay happy.
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