DIET OF THE NURSING MOTHER

Caloric Loss Due to Nursing

1) In general terms, human milk has all the nutrients which a baby needs. In fact, all the nutrients are in the right proportions even if the mother's diet is deficient in some area, but, we must realize that these nutrients are taken from the mother's body. Unless she has sufficient reserves, she will use more calories than during pregnancy. She must, therefore, care for her diet and must make sure that it is balanced and sufficient.

Weight Control

2) The mother's caloric needs increase by 500 kcal per day when she is nursing. Because these calories are going to feed the baby, this figure will increase as the baby grows and develops. And so, if the mother's diet is balanced, she should not experience weight changes while nursing. In the same way that the baby's weight is controlled, the mother should keep track of her weight in order to avoid any "surprises."

Nutritional Needs

3) Most of the caloric increase should come from proteins (meat, fish, nuts, milk, eggs) because the mother will need 50% more protein than the before pregnancy. She should also moderately increase her intake of carbohydrates (bread, cereal, potatoes). Fat intake however, should remain constant.

Milk and Milk Products

4) The nursing mother should consume enough milk products ( milk, yogurt, cheese). These will help to provide the additional protein necessary, as well as calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients will help the baby's bones to grow and will protect the mother as well

Vitamins

5) All vitamins must be increased during this time. Some need to be increased by 50% or more. The greatest sources of vitamins are milk, vegetables and fruits. It is therefore, wise to include some type of salad, steamed vegetables and plenty of fruit or fruit juice at every meal. In order to make sure that she takes enough vitamin D, the mother should try to take half-hour outdoors, walks everyday where she can be exposed to the sun.

6) Drinks Especially during the time, water is the best drink, Fruit juices are also good, as are some herbal teas. The mother should abstain from coffee, tea and alcohol. Some mothers have developed the habit of systematically drinking a glass of water , milk or juice when they get up, when they go to bed, and before and after each feed.

Kindly note that the above is just a guideline and should only be considered with CONSULTATION from/with, your / a (DOCTOR - MD, DIETITIAN, GYNECOLOGIST).