Posts Tagged ‘Nutrition’

Eat Healthy When Breastfeeding

Eating the right foods during your pregnancy is important because you are the sole provider for nutrition that your baby receives. It is equally important to eat just as healthy when you are breastfeeding if that is the option you are choosing for your newborn baby. Eating healthy foods provides the iron and calcium your baby needs to develop and get nutrition.

In addition to providing nutrition, you will also keep yourself in good shape because breastfeeding can cause minor problems such as constipation or fatigue. It takes a lot of energy to make milk for your baby. The list of foods not to eat while breastfeeding is pretty much nonexistent unlike during your pregnancy, however there are some exceptions. You can eat almost anything you want. Here are some healthy eating ideas for when you are breastfeeding your newborn.

Fruits and vegetables are two of the most important sources for vitamins. They contain natural vitamins that keep you healthy and provide you energy. In addition to providing vitamins, they are high in fiber, water, and natural sugars. You can start your day with a fruit salad, or enjoy a banana or apple for a snack during the day. It can be hard to find the time to sit down for a meal with a newborn, and grabbing a piece of fruit on the go will provide calories and keep you somewhat full. Vegetables are great as a side for dinner or as an afternoon snack.

Because you can get stomach problems, such as constipation, from breastfeeding it is a good idea to eat sprouted or soaked grains. They provide fiber to your body which can help you go to the bathroom. If eating whole grains makes your stomach ache worse, avoid eating it because it can be hard to digest.

There are some foods that you should avoid when breastfeeding, but not as much as when you were pregnant. A lot of fish contains mercury which is unhealthy for your baby. You should avoid shark and swordfish and eat salmon instead. You shouldn’t avoid milk like some studies suggest. If your baby has colic, you should consume raw dairy instead of not drinking milk or eating milk products. Milk allergies are usually caused because of how milk is processed, so raw dairy is the best way to go.

Something you may notice if you love spicy foods is that your baby will get an upset stomach after breastfeeding. The spicy foods can pass on into your milk and cause your newborn to have really bad stomach aches. This could lead to diarrhea, and if they are having a lot of diaper changes that could lead to diapers rash.

If you have been craving coffee or other caffeinated beverages during your pregnancy, here is your chance to enjoy a good brew in the morning. Don’t overload on caffeine because that could be harmful when you are breastfeeding, and it will also dehydrate you. Drink one cup of coffee in the morning or one caffeinated beverage during the day. Remember that moderation is key to health. In addition to drinking coffee, you can drink alcohol. Please do not drink too much because in addition to being unhealthy, it can be dangerous to drink too much while caring for a baby. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, but limit yourself and be conservative.



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