During the time that moms are pregnant, they learn to be extra wise about the foods and liquids they take into their bodies. This is because it is known that babies in the womb can be negatively affected if they do not receive the appropriate nutrition or are exposed to inappropriate substances. Nursing moms also need to watch what they eat.
It should be noted, though, that a breastfeeding diet is probably easier to follow than a diet when you are pregnant. The diet you follow while you nurse will help determine the quality of your breast milk, to some extent.
Luckily, when you follow a diet that will help your baby, you are also helping yourself! The foods that you will be eating should give you the nutrition you need to deal with your hectic schedule. By being conscious of what you are eating, you can also make better choices that will allow you to take off some of the weight that you have accumulated during pregnancy.
Now you may be wondering what a breastfeeding diet consists of. It is fairly straightforward. It is suggested that you enjoy a balanced diet consisting of all four food groups, and also be sure to include enough fiber in your diet. With all the sitting down you will be doing at the start to feed your baby, you will find that fiber will be your new best friend! When taking in fiber, you also want to make sure that you drink adequate fluids. This should not be a problem, as you are likely to feel thirsty a lot of the time anyway while you are breastfeeding.
Even though you plan to eat a well-balanced diet, it is also advised that you take a good prenatal multivitamin/mineral supplement. This will ensure that your body gets everything that you may be missing in your diet, and results in less chances of your body having to tap into its own reserves to make good-quality breastmilk.
Some moms claim that their babies seem to have a lot of gas when they eat particular foods. Determining which baby will react to which foods or even if he will react, is not an exact science. Culprit foods tend to be the gaseous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage. Some spices are also culprits. Another way that you may catch on that your baby is not happy with a food that you ate, is that he may not enjoy the flavour of your breast milk and be fussy when nursing.
Continue not to eat fish such as king mackerel, swordfish, and shark, to name a few, as they contain the most mercury. Instead, consider eating fish (in moderation) that contain less mercury, as their fish oils are important for your baby's neurological system.
The final thing I want to discuss, when it comes to a breastfeeding diet, is alcohol. If at all possible, it should be avoided as it is a known neurotoxin and sedative. And if you drink everyday, then you should not be nursing as problems have been identified in children whose mothers drank every day during breastfeeding. However, if you just want to have a drink once in a while, then you need to plan ahead to make it as safe for your baby as possible. Consider pumping a few days in advance of when you will be going out so that your baby can have that milk instead. Otherwise, nurse your baby right before you have a drink. Then when you have that drink, it will give your body some time to break down the alcohol before you need to nurse again (or perhaps do not nurse at all for several hours and just pump for comfort and throw away the milk).
In conclusion, there are not too many restrictions on a breastfeeding mother. Most of it is common sense, and mostly involves good judgment. Just remember that a breastfeeding diet can benefit the mom and the baby.
It should be noted, though, that a breastfeeding diet is probably easier to follow than a diet when you are pregnant. The diet you follow while you nurse will help determine the quality of your breast milk, to some extent.
Luckily, when you follow a diet that will help your baby, you are also helping yourself! The foods that you will be eating should give you the nutrition you need to deal with your hectic schedule. By being conscious of what you are eating, you can also make better choices that will allow you to take off some of the weight that you have accumulated during pregnancy.
Now you may be wondering what a breastfeeding diet consists of. It is fairly straightforward. It is suggested that you enjoy a balanced diet consisting of all four food groups, and also be sure to include enough fiber in your diet. With all the sitting down you will be doing at the start to feed your baby, you will find that fiber will be your new best friend! When taking in fiber, you also want to make sure that you drink adequate fluids. This should not be a problem, as you are likely to feel thirsty a lot of the time anyway while you are breastfeeding.
Even though you plan to eat a well-balanced diet, it is also advised that you take a good prenatal multivitamin/mineral supplement. This will ensure that your body gets everything that you may be missing in your diet, and results in less chances of your body having to tap into its own reserves to make good-quality breastmilk.
Some moms claim that their babies seem to have a lot of gas when they eat particular foods. Determining which baby will react to which foods or even if he will react, is not an exact science. Culprit foods tend to be the gaseous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage. Some spices are also culprits. Another way that you may catch on that your baby is not happy with a food that you ate, is that he may not enjoy the flavour of your breast milk and be fussy when nursing.
Continue not to eat fish such as king mackerel, swordfish, and shark, to name a few, as they contain the most mercury. Instead, consider eating fish (in moderation) that contain less mercury, as their fish oils are important for your baby's neurological system.
The final thing I want to discuss, when it comes to a breastfeeding diet, is alcohol. If at all possible, it should be avoided as it is a known neurotoxin and sedative. And if you drink everyday, then you should not be nursing as problems have been identified in children whose mothers drank every day during breastfeeding. However, if you just want to have a drink once in a while, then you need to plan ahead to make it as safe for your baby as possible. Consider pumping a few days in advance of when you will be going out so that your baby can have that milk instead. Otherwise, nurse your baby right before you have a drink. Then when you have that drink, it will give your body some time to break down the alcohol before you need to nurse again (or perhaps do not nurse at all for several hours and just pump for comfort and throw away the milk).
In conclusion, there are not too many restrictions on a breastfeeding mother. Most of it is common sense, and mostly involves good judgment. Just remember that a breastfeeding diet can benefit the mom and the baby.
About the Author:
My name is Kim Allissa, and I have been a breastfeeding mother. Visit my site, Breastfeeding Baby , for more practical information and tips on recognizing the difference between breast infections and plugged ducts as well as my top 3 picks of Breastfeeding Books and much, much more!
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