Proper Diet for the Breastfeeding Moms
It is very important for the breastfeeding mother to have a healthy and balanced diet. A variety of foods are required during this period including:

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try to have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and vegetables.
• Eat starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice to provide you with energy.
• Women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fiber on a daily basis with help with this. Sources for this which provide fiber include wholemeal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pasta.
• Eat proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.<br>
• Try to eat two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed two portions of oily fish per week. Avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as they contain high levels of mercury.
• Eat dairy such as cheese, milk and yogurt which are excellent sources of calcium and should be included in a breastfeeding diet.
• Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg/day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.

In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time. You should be careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that breast feeing babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed. Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well. Approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts, however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hayfever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.

Return to Index