The nutrition and dietary habits of a new mother during lactation are just as important as they are during the pregnancy. The same rules apply to nutrition duringlactation as pregnancy, and the foods that should be avoided during pregnancy should continue to be avoided until after the lactation period. Some women may assume that after they give birth to their healthy baby that it is ok to eat differently, but they should remember that everything they eat, is still in fact being passed on to the baby during the lactation process.
One of the most important things to remember during the lactation period for nutrition is that an average new mother produces up to 27 ounces of milk each day. This quantity of milk produced requires her to take in an additional 500 calories a day to make up for the deficit. Here are some good guidelines for mothers to follow during the lactation period:
- Water intake should be increased and should be at least 2.5 to 3 quarts per day
- Calorie consumption should be at around 2500 calories per day
- Eat plenty of foods that are rich in protein
- Instead of having a couple large meals, consume 5-6 smaller, healthy meals throughout the day.
- Stay clear of nicotine and tobacco
- Stay clear of any kind and amount of alcohol
- Always talk to your doctor before taking any kind of medication
- Keep up with taking the prenatal vitamins; they are just as essential during lactation as they were during pregnancy.
Basically, to be healthy and provide healthy nutrition for your baby during lactation, follow the above guidelines and take care of yourself to keep you healthy to properly take care of your newborn. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet and remember that everything that you consume is also being consumed by your newborn.
