By Lisa Pecos
During pregnancy, new moms have to worry about everything they put into their bodies. And while there are many ideas about what is best for a developing baby when it is in the womb, there is widespread agreement about the things that definitely should be avoided and what foods are healthy for the unborn child. But when it comes to post-birth health, the answers are not so clear-cut. The good news is that if you just eat healthy you should be fine, but there are additional concerns to keep in mind.
Make yourself healthy
During the breastfeeding stage of your child’s life, the child will get all or most of her nutrients directly from the mother, which means that the mother has to have the nutrients necessary to meet the child’s needs. Fortunately, the body is great at squeezing the maximum amount of nutrients out of what we put into it, and your systems becomes even more efficient when breastfeeding. Still, if you eat nothing but junk food, then you cannot rely upon your body to generate all the nutrients your child requires.
Occasional dietary lapses during breastfeeding are nothing to worry about, but in general it is a good idea to try to get a balanced diet that contains elements from all the major food groups. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, natural protein sources, and good fats. Meanwhile, if you notice that you start losing weight during breastfeeding, this could be a sign that you are not eating enough. Many moms find that they feel extra hungry during breastfeeding, yet they still try to avoid eating too much. Keep in mind, however, that doctors recommend consuming 200 to 500 extra calories per day over what you would normally consume.
In the end, it may be best not to count calories at all. A new mother’s body will tell her what she needs, so if you feel an overwhelming sense of hunger, listen to your body and give it what it asks for. This will ensure that you have enough nutrition to pass a sufficient amount to your baby while keeping yourself healthy. Many young mothers like to start dieting immediately after giving birth, but it is generally best to get through the breastfeeding stage before restricting your calorie intake.
Finally, you can supplement your nutrition by continuing to take your prenatal vitamins for as long as you are breastfeeding, and you can also add other supplements into the mix to make sure that you get enough of crucial vitamins and minerals like Calcium and Vitamin D.
Things to avoid
When nursing, it is a good idea to avoid food that contains contaminants such as pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals. Fortunately most of us now have access to a wide selection of organically produced foods, and a little bit of research is all you need to find out which types of produce typically contain the highest amounts of chemicals. For example, spinach, apples, celery, and strawberries tend to have high levels of chemical contamination, while avocado, onions, pineapple, asparagus, and mango rate lower on the scale and are thus healthier.
Meanwhile, alcohol can get into breast milk, and even one glass of wine can be enough to affect the chemical balance of the milk. Studies have shown that babies who breastfeed from others who drink alcohol get fewer nutrients and sleep more poorly. There is nothing wrong with having an occasional alcoholic beverage, but in mind that it takes the body two to three hours to eliminate the alcohol in a single serving of wine or beer.
As for other things to avoid, talk to your doctor about the latest recommendations when it comes to breastfeeding and baby health. Plus, your specific recommendations will depend upon the condition of your child’s health and whether he has any special concerns. All of this should be discussed in detail with your medical professional.