The good news is that your breast milk will be a good source of nutrition, no matter what you eat. You don't have to eat a special diet to make enough milk for your baby, but your body needs fuel to make breast milk. While breastfeeding is not an excuse to eat and drink everything, there's also no reason to avoid your favorite foods either.
A healthy diet is recommended for all women and offers many benefits to the new mother. Choosing a variety of healthy foods creates a pattern for the entire family.
Women who are breastfeeding need about extra calories per day. Some women might need more, while others might need less. When choosing foods, use the nutrition chart below as a guide. West Jefferson Medical Center Family Birth Place Lactation Consultant, Lila Luster-Stipe, also adds that an "intake of diary products has been known to cause Colic symptoms in some newborns such as gassiness, bloated abdomen, and reflux.
Breastfeeding is a natural way to connect with your baby and provide your baby with the nutrition they need.
But just because it's natural doesn't mean it always comes easy. Many women have trouble getting their babies to breastfeed, which is why we have experienced lactation specialists on hand at our Family Birth Place who offer breastfeeding classes to help you with positioning your baby, latching techniques, one-on-one appointments, and more.
