Breast Feeding and Diet

Breast Feeding and Diet

During breastfeeding, diet is highly important. A woman should eat at least 2,000 calories per day. Many guidelines suggest eating between 2,300 and 2,500 calories per day, but if you want to avoid weight gain, try to limit yourself to as close to 2,000 as possible. Do not try a diet plan during this time, as it can be detrimental to both mother and infant.

Be sure that you are eating at least three or four servings of a leafy green vegetable, two or three servings of protein, plenty of milk, natural fruit juices, water, three fruit servings, an additional dairy product (cheese and yogurt are great sources), and then at least three servings of grains. The most important thing to remember is to keep hydrated! In some infants, certain green vegetables can make a baby colicky. If you find your infant is overly fussy, remove these items from your diet one at a time until you discover the item that is causing the trouble.

Diet during Breastfeeding

Your breastfeeding diet should be low on caffeine. It can make a baby seem cranky or jittery. If you must have coffee or soda, consider the decaffeinated versions while you are breastfeeding. Most importantly, though, do not make alcohol a part of your diet during breastfeeding. The alcohol passes into your breast milk and can enter your child even if you feel fine. If you must drink, do so after you have nursed your baby for the evening and skip the next feeding. Give a bottle of stored breast milk while the alcohol leaves your system.

Remember to continue taking your prenatal vitamin supplement as a regular part of your breast feeding diet. The recommended intake of calcium during pregnancy and lactation is 1,000 mg a day. A pregnant or lactating teenager needs 1,300 mg of calcium a day.

6/4/2007 4:17:09 PM