Breastfeeding Diet

Breastfeeding moms have to be very watchful of what they eat, so they can ensure the best nutrition for their growing babies. What you eat will greatly affect what is being absorbed by your baby. Consider a few things first and review the best foods that you have to include in your diet to make sure that you and your baby stay healthy and safe for the long term. Here are some more tips from the experts on how to maintain the best breastfeeding diet.

The Meaning of Well-Balanced

You should ensure that you meet the nutritional needs of your baby even if you’re not yet eating the best way. You should eat enough calories to supplement your baby properly. Since occasional dietary lapses do not truly hurt babies aging 3 months and above, you, however, can still suffer the consequences. The body starts to get from reserves once you do not get the proper nutrients needed for the diet. Over time, the reserves can be depleted, and you will need the stamina and strength to meet the physical needs of nurturing your newborn.

Several moms will feel very hungry while they breastfeed, since the body works nonstop to create breast milk for the baby. Eating very small meals, plus healthy snacks is a great way to keep hunger pangs in check and the energy level very high.

Stop Counting Calories

There is no universal rule on how you can maintain the calories needed to take as a breastfeeding mother. The general rule is that several breastfeeding women will require anywhere between 200 and 500 calories more, compared to mothers that are not. This will equate to around 2000 to 270 calories every day. You should try to get slow and steady weight loss. Some moms will experience as if their weight just continues to go down as they breastfeed. Other people will experience differently, based on what they eat, their metabolism and activity level.

Your goal is to lose the weight slowly. The ideal would be no more than 1.5 pounds each week as you combine diet with exercise. You should also make sure that you continue eating enough calories or you risk limiting your milk supply. Take more food after the first 6 weeks of losing weight.

On Consumption

Mothers should boost their water intake by one quart each day, so they get to drink 2.5 to 3 quarts everyday. Nursing women will be thirstier compared to others, especially while they feed the babies. Increase caloric intake to around 2,500 calories. You should spread these over 5 meals. Snacks should comprise of fruit, low fat dairy product and water. You should also refrain from pollutants like tobacco and alcohol. You can take alcohol but no more than 2 glasses per week. Alcohol and nicotine can be passed on to the milk and can be absorbed by the baby immediately. Infants 3 months old and above, however, can still withstand the effects of a glass of alcohol.

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