What to Eat While You’re Breastfeeding

There are many reasons to watch what you eat while you’re breastfeeding. First, you want to ensure that you have enough energy and that you’re healthy enough to keep up with your baby. Junk food just won’t give you the energy you need. Second, you want to ensure that your baby is getting all the nutrients he needs from your milk that they need. Third, you want to be sure that you won’t gain a lot of weight when you finally do stop breastfeeding. It’s clear that the time for healthy eating habits is now.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning what to eat while you’re breastfeeding. First, you need to drink lots of water and fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated. Additionally, you shouldn’t try to diet, because you’ll need to consume more calories while breastfeeding than you did when you were pregnant. Finally, you have to remember that the nutrients your baby needs will be pulled from your body into your breast milk no matter what. If you aren’t replacing those nutrients from your diet, you’ll find yourself in big trouble.

One thing you can do to help make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals is to take a multivitamin. Your doctor should be able to recommend one or, if you have any left from your pregnancy, you should continue to take your prenatal vitamins until they’re gone, as they’re the best source of nutrients for you and your baby outside of healthy, well-balanced diet.

Vitamin A is one of the nutrients found in the highest quantities in breast milk. Eat lots of foods high in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots and mozzarella cheese. Many foods high in Vitamin A, with the exception of carrots, are also high in starches and calories that will give you added and much needed energy as well.

Generally, you need to eat several servings of foods high in fiber, starches and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains. These foods will help prevent the constipation that plagues most new mothers as well as provide you with the energy you need to keep up with your newly hectic schedule.

Calcium is another necessary nutrient. If you thought your body was drained of calcium when you were pregnant, you’re in for a shocker when you’re breastfeeding. You need a minimum of three servings of dairy a day to keep your calcium intake up. If your baby proves to be lactose intolerant and you have to cut out milk, you can easily make up the calcium loss with foods such as spinach, soy, goat cheese and asparagus.

In general, you need to watch your baby carefully for reactions to the foods that you eat while breastfeeding. Everything you eat will come into your milk in some way. For example, many babies will refuse to feed after their mother has eaten spicy Mexican foods. You can tell if your baby doesn’t like something by how cranky he is about breastfeeding. This can also be an indication of lactose intolerance. Finally, you should also avoid junk food and candies as they’re empty calories that will raise you and your baby’s blood sugar.