Child Health World

Dieting tips for women breast-feeding

Friday, 02 March 2007

The great thing about breast-feeding is that it has its own process of meeting your child's nutritional needs even though you have a poor diet. Nevertheless, it is of prime importance to keep in shape not only for your baby but mainly because you need extra strength and energy to keep up while breast-feeding. The good news is that you really don't need to change your present diet, but there are things to remember and consider while you are breast-feeding. Here are some hard facts on dieting and breast-feeding: Eating a lot does not mean you are eating well. You need more energy when you are breast-feeding. You can check with you dietician what you need to eat and at what amounts as they can specifically recommend a proper diet for you. They evaluate the right type of food you need according to your weight and current activity level. A lot of mothers may be thinking of losing weight at this stage, but if you are still breast-feeding your babies, try not to. This is the time to have a balance diet that includes intake of foods with protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Additional calories   Some studies show that additional calories would increase the amount of breast milk. Some medical experts advise that you eat around 2,700 calories everyday or 1,800 calories at a minimum. There are two specific fat types that you need during breast feeding, DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and AA (arachidonic acid). These fats can help improve your child's eyesight and promote brain development. To get enough DHA and AHA fattier fish or any other kind of fish is recommended but not shark, mackerel, or swordfish that may contain harmful mercury. Add salmon, nuts, green leafy vegetables, canola oil and other vegetable seed oils as part of your diet.   Good diet important for child’s development  Choline is also an important nutrient for your child's brain development. Add eggs, meat and beef on your diet regularly. As a supplement, take in multivitamins rich in iron. They are also good sources of folic acid which would help you while breast feeding. Take in as much fluid as you can, you will need it. More than 80% of breast milk is composed of water. Your body needs 100 oz. of fluid in a day. Drink on a regular basis and do not wait for thirst to set in before you drink a glass of water. You can also take in fruit juices and milk. Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine Avoid caffeneited drinks or alcohol during the course of breast feeding. Research shows that these may have adverse affects to your baby like sleep depravation.  Mothers who have a history of allergies may have sensitive babies. Watch out for your child's adverse reaction to the things that you eat. Most foods that are acidic or spicy may possibly cause allergic reactions. Breast feeding is the best time re-evaluate the food that you eat. Be healthy! Being in the pink of health would not only bring great advantages for your baby, but most importantly, it would benefit you as well.

Last Updated ( Monday, 05 March 2007 )

 

< Prev