World Breastfeeding Week 2019: Foods To Eat While Breastfeeding

Friday, August 2, 2019, 15:14 [IST]

Breastfeeding your baby is a major task. Since your baby is dependent on you for nutrition, you have to be extremely careful about the foods you eat while you are breastfeeding your baby.

You will find tons of conflicting advice, traditional as well as modern, about what you should eat or avoid while breastfeeding. But the most important thing is that you should not compromise on the amount of nutrients your body must receive during this phase.

Since your baby receives nourishment from your breast milk, you will have to choose carefully what kind of foods to eat while breastfeeding. These foods will help in increasing the milk supply and keep you healthy as well.

CHECK OUT: Tips For Sore Nipples From Breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies. So, this breastfeeding week, let us take a look at the different types of food that can be consumed by a breastfeeding mother.

There is no need to go on a special diet while breastfeeding your baby. You just have to take care that you consume extra calories which is needed for milk production and eat foods which are less spicy. Avoiding spicy food is important because whatever you eat has a direct impact on your milk which can make it difficult for your baby to digest.

Vegetables

The veggies are the best option for you while breastfeeding your baby. Vegetables such as the broccoli, bell peppers, squash and beans are the best diet options for breastfeeding mothers.

Fruits

We definitely cannot miss out on the nutritious fruits which are rich in fibre and also add healthy calories. You may consume fruits such as apples, berries, plums, oranges, peaches.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain the complex carbohydrates which is essential for you while breastfeeding. So, include whole wheat bread, rye bread and brown rice in your diet.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, raisins, dry dates are traditionally fed to the breastfeeding women as they have a high calorie content. Dried fruits help to build the calorie content in your body which is helpful for milk production.

Ghee

It is also one of the traditional foods for breastfeeding mothers. Ghee is also helpful in increasing the calorie count and fat which provides energy to the weaning mother.

Healthy Drinks

You have to avoid aerated drinks at any cost if you are breastfeeding your baby. Go for healthier substitutes such as homemade fruit juices, buttermilk, coconut water because keeping yourself hydrated is the most important rule of thumb for breastfeeding mothers.

Fish

Fish is considered one of the best foods while you are breastfeeding your baby. It contains the essential fats and oils which are not harmful in any way for the mother or the baby. However, go for simple and bland fish preparations since spices may cause upset stomach for both you and the baby.

Milk & Milk Products

It is advisable to drink cow's milk in sufficient quantities while breastfeeding. You must also include products like butter, cheese, yogurt in your diet.