Breastfeeding Diet

The food you eat when you breastfeed will directly affect the milk your baby is getting from you. 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. Although there isnt a list of foods a nursing mom should eat, there are guidelines to abide by during these crucial first months of your babys development.

Fortunately, breast-feeding women do not have to consume special diets in order to provide the best nutrients for their baby. Breast-feeding women need to provide additional calories in their daily diet. To offset the strain of breast-feeding on their body. Additionally, some breast-feeding women believe that they need to consume or force extra fluids when they are nursing. However, this is not true, and is been shown that extra water may actually hurt the milk supply.

There are rewards to eating well. Studies suggest that consuming organic meat and dairy products will boost the beneficial fatty acids in breast milk. Additionally, mothers who consume fish can also pass the benefits that fish provide to the baby is well. It is recommended to avoid fish that are high in mercury content in such a short fish, shark and king mackerel just to name a few. Nursing mothers who have started eating oatmeal regularly, report noticing an increase in their milk 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.

There is a myth that states if a food makes you gassy, your baby will be gassy. Things like beans, onions and broccoli do not make babies have gas. These findings are based on research conducted. Moms should not hinder themselves from eating such foods. They should eat the foods they love as long as they are rich in vitamins and protein. 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.

Remember there are also additional things that may affect breast milk. Smoking for one can affect breast milk but breast-feeding and smoking is better than smoking and formula-feeding, but quitting smoking should be a mothers goal. Women may also have an alcoholic drink in modesty but if there is a question as to the possible that too much has been consumed either a home test kit for alcohol in breast milk or waiting for a hour or so should ease a breast-feeding mothers mind. Taking care to listen to the baby is ultimately the best indicator of what breast-feeding mothers should or should not eat and when in doubt consult a doctor.