How to Have a Healthy Diet When Breastfeeding
Healthy Food and Diet Advice After Pregnancy
Sep 12, 2009
One way to do this is to ensure she maintains a healthy diet, especially if breastfeeding. By eating well balanced meals mothers can boost energy levels as well as help the body repair after giving birth.
News mums should try to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, along with starchy foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and cereals and meals should also include protein foods as these promote healing, which is especially important for mothers who have had stitches or a caesarean. Foods of this type includes fish, meat, beans, pulses and eggs.
Dairy products and plenty of fluids, such as water, fruit or vegetables juices will also help new mums. When breastfeeding mothers may find they feel thirsty, so keeping a glass of water at feed times is a must.
Although there are a lot of changes and adjustments to be made, new mothers need to make sure they do not rely on quick sugary snacks as these only boost energy levels for a short while, leaving them craving for more.
Eating During Breastfeeding
A mother who breastfeeds is more likely to return to their pre-pregnancy figure than women who formula feed as they burn up a lot of calories which means a woman who breast feeds needs to increase their intake of energy foods.
Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to ensure the body maintains its milk supply and as a rule, breastfeeding mothers are told to listen to their body and do what their appetite and thirst tells them.
Some babies can develop an upset tummy when drinking their mother's milk and this may have been caused by something mum has eaten.The best way to establish the cause is to eliminate the suspected food from the diet for a week and see if baby becomes more comfortable.
Reduce the Risk of Allergies
If either parent or a close relative has a history of allergies, such as eczema or asthma, the Department of Health suggests avoiding eating peanuts when breastfeeding as rresearch shows there may be a link between a baby developing a peanut allergy and a mother eating peanuts or peanut products at this time.
This is because the baby becomes sensitised and produces antigens - a substance that triggers allergic reactions.
Dieting After Birth
Although most new mums want to start dieting soon after giving birth, it is not recommended as energy levels need to be maintained.
Selecting the correct foods and choosing when meals are eaten will encourage healthy eating habits which will become part of a daily routine supporting future weight loss.
By ensuring they eat healthy, new mothers are giving the baby and themselves a positive start to a happy relationship as well as maintain energy levels during what is a very tiring time.
Breastfeeding Helps Mother and Baby
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