Women who choose to breastfeed wonder if there is a special diet they should participate in to give their baby the proper nutrition. Whether you choose to feed from the breast or pump with a ameda breast pump, medela breast pump or an avent duo pump doesnt matter when it comes to diet. There isnt one recommended diet when it comes to a breastfeeding diet. Of course the foods you eat need to be nutritious and as close to nature as possible, there is one way. While this is true, there are some guidelines to help you choose the right foods.
The nutrients from the foods you eat will go to your baby first and then to you. You dont have to worry about your baby not getting enough nutrition, because your body will deplete you before it will deplete your baby. Women who breastfeed should consumer on average 400 more calories daily. Theres a lot of extra work the body has to do to create the milk and maintain a constant supply. A breastfeeding woman should consume at least eight glasses of water daily. If you begin to feel thirsty, drink. Thirst is the bodys way of letting you know you need more fluids.
Women who eat well, reap the rewards. There have been studies conducted that suggest that by ingesting organic dairy products and meat will increase the good fatty acids found in breast milk. Also, moms who eat fish will pass the beneficial omega 3s onto their baby, which help in brain development. You must be careful when eating fish because some of it is high in mercury which can be harmful to the baby. Some nursing moms say that oatmeal boots milk production and supply.
Breast-feeding often wonder about allergies. Mothers do not have to remove allergy foods from their diet but if there’s a family history of severe allergies they should consult their doctor about cutting these foods out during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. It is advisable to monitor your baby for any possible reactions. If you suspect you have eaten something that has upset their stomach take the time to figure out what new food you introduced into your diet. Assuming the reaction is not severe try eating the food/s again. If your baby becomes upset or reactionary cut this food out of your diet for some time and reintroduce later.
The baby is the best indicator of what breast-feeding mothers should and should not eat. While some babies react to caffeine and chocolate many others do not. Spice foods like garlic and peppers may provide a benefit by preparing the baby for solid foods and acquiring a taste for a variety of foods. One unfounded myth is eating gassy foods. Foods like onions, cabbage, and beans do not make babies gassy according to extensive research. Mothers should feel free to eat the foods they love and even those they do not. By acclimating a baby to a wide variety of foods they should develop a taste for all foods in general. For those who still find concern with consuming gassy foods you can always pump and dump with an ameda breast pump, medela breast pump or an avent duo pump.
Some moms may want to avoid some foods and beverages. For example pineapple, organs, tomatoes, lemon and grapefruit may cause a skin reaction in the baby. If a mom chooses to consume caffeine, the baby should be closely watched for any possible reactions.
There are some activities that should always be avoided. Smoking should be eliminated when a woman breastfeeds. If a mom does choose to smoke she should bottle feed with formula to prevent any adverse effects on the baby. Women can drink alcohol, but in moderation. If a mom is concerned with how much she drank, she should wait a few hours before feeding her baby. Whatever mom is feeling, baby will feel. Talk to your doctor for more guidelines when it comes to a healthy diet while breastfeeding.