Health And Diet When Breastfeeding

Mother in breastfeeding period should stay health and watchThe nutritional requirements for the baby will rely solely on mother’s breast milk, therefore the mother will need to maintain a healthy diet in order to supply the best nutrition for their baby. If the baby is large and grows fast, the fat stores gained by the mother during pregnancy can be depleted quickly after birth, meaning that she may have trouble in eating good enough to maintain and develop sufficient amounts of milk. However, this situation can’t be let happened, it surely can endanger baby’ development.


The diet for mother who are breastfeed baby normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which follows on from that in pregnancy. Even though mothers in famine conditions can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12. So, mother should still always consume food with the criteria nutrition content.

If mother is a smoker, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution. More than 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in baby. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke. So, it is most recommended that you have to quit smoking.

It is not only smoking, but also heavy drinking is also known to harm the baby, as well as yourself. If you are breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at a time. Be selective to eat food or drink since you are not only fed yourself, but also your baby.

The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability, sleeplessness, and increased feeding in baby. Moderate use, normally 1 – 2 cups a day normally produces no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast feeding are advised to avoid caffeine.

By following a healthy diet and limiting your intake of the above, you'll ensure that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding. This stage of life is very important - as you don't want anything to happen to your baby. You have to remember that breastfeeding activity will bring much impact for your baby’s development. So, stay health and watch your diet while you are breastfeeding.

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