What Foods to Eat When Breastfeeding

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.

Theres no reason for a breastfeeding mom to go on a special diet because the body will give all the nutrients to the baby before the mom. Women who are breastfeeding are told to consume more calories because of the energy exerted in the milk development process. Its also recommended to drink more water. Some women find themselves parched every time they nurse their baby. This is the bodys way of letting mom know she needs to drink more water.

Some women are curious about how allergies affect breastfeeding. Just because mom may be allergic to something doesnt mean the baby will be. For example, if the mom is allergic to peanuts, this doesnt mean she needs to abstain from them when shes feeding the baby. The mom should still keep a close eye on the baby and how he or she is responding to various foods consumed by mom. If there is every a reaction, mom will know when it occurred. If mom eats something that severely upsets her stomach and she sees the same reaction in baby, then the mom should cut that food out entirely.

Some people wonder about allergies while breastfeeding. Studies have concluded that just because mom may be allergic to a particular food, doesnt mean that the baby will be allergic. Not only that, but the allergy will not be passed through the breast milk. It is advised to keep an eye on your baby if you do eat something youre allergic to. If you introduce a new food into your diet and you notice that your baby responds with a stomach ache, remove it from your diet and see if it solves the issue. After you cut the food out, introduce it again and see if your baby has the same reaction. If so, you know to avoid that food.

The baby is the best indicator of what breast-feeding mothers should and should not eat. While some babies react to caffeine and chocolate many others do not. Spice foods like garlic and peppers may provide a benefit by preparing the baby for solid foods and acquiring a taste for a variety of foods. One unfounded myth is eating gassy foods. Foods like onions, cabbage, and beans do not make babies gassy according to extensive research. Mothers should feel free to eat the foods they love and even those they do not. By acclimating a baby to a wide variety of foods they should develop a taste for all foods in general. 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.

Nursing mothers may want to limit their intake of a few foods, juices or drinks. Pineapple being the worst other fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges, tomatoes, lemon and grapefruit my cause a nappy rash in babies. Foods or drinks that contain caffeine should be monitored as well. Remember that tea, soda drinks and even some over the count medications may all contain caffeine. As previously mentioned if introducing new food/s into the diet make sure to monitor the results to avoid a fussy baby in the future.

There are certain activities that should be avoided while breastfeeding. A woman should never smoke while breastfeeding. If a mom is having a difficult time quitting, she may want to consider bottle feeding her baby with formula. Alcohol is another activity that should be avoided but isnt as severe as smoking. If you have a drink or two simply wait a few hours before breastfeeding your baby to ensure none of the alcohol is transferred to your baby. In all cases always consult your doctor for more specific guidelines.

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