Key points:
- Breast milk must guarantee adequate nutrition for the baby to continue intrauterine feeding. The mother’s state can be an important factor in milk composition and the child’s nutrient supply.
- The mother’s nutritional needs increase during pregnancy and nursing. During this process, the mammary glands act on their own to ensure that the milk has the necessary nutrients.
- All women are capable of producing milk in adequate quantity and quality unless they are severely malnourished.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important stages for mother and child, in addition to helping strengthen their bond, it provides the necessary nutrients for your baby’s optimal development.
Doubts regarding food will come as you adapt to this stage of your life. What should I eat? Am I providing what is necessary for it to grow healthy and strong? Should I avoid food and drinks? How long should I do it for?
In this article we give you some recommendations, however, you should always have contact with the specialist to help you nourish yourself and be healthy to achieve an excellent development of your baby.
Do I have to follow any special diet?
Not exactly, in general, you should only ensure that your food is healthy and avoid others that could cause your baby some discomfort or that you have already identified that it does not like very well.
You should probably eat a little more than normal, to provide you with the necessary energy for your daily life and so that you can also enjoy each feeding. You can add a snack that can be a toast with peanut butter, a banana, or an apple.
To be healthy, choose foods rich in protein such as white meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and seafood with low mercury content.
Some foods can change the taste of the milk, which will be good for the baby because when it comes time to eat solids, they will be able to accept them more easily.
Avoid alcohol at all costs. Any level of this substance in your baby’s body is harmful to its health.
Should I drink more fluids?
You may notice that when you breastfeed your desire to drink water will increase and this is completely normal, therefore, you can drink one or several glasses while your baby feeds.
Avoid sugary drinks, these can contribute to weight gain and slow down the process for your body to return to normal.
It is not forbidden to consume coffee, but if you do it in excess you could upset your baby and alter its bedtime.
What if I am a vegetarian?
There is no restriction on not consuming meat as long as you have had this lifestyle for a long time and see your nutritionist to specify which foods you should include or avoid to provide the best nutrition for your baby.
Whether you choose to breastfeed or for some reason it is impossible for you, remember that your health is very important and whatever your goal, you should always consult a nutrition specialist to help you carry out an adequate plan for your needs.
At ABC Medical Center’s Obstetrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
