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So you've decided to breastfeed your baby! You'll want to make
sure that both you and your little one are getting all of the
nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing mothers need to eat
about 300 calories more each day than they normally would and at
least 1500 calories every day. Your daily food consumption
should consist of a variety of healthy foods with extra protein,
calcium-rich foods and plenty of water. In addition to these
general guidelines, you should also:-
Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you're
satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as
whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
- Monitor your baby's reactions. If you notice that he or she
is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain
foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods
or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.
- Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first
few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid
accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid
that isn't filled with empty calories in order to prevent
dehydration.
- Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make
your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for
him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated
beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative
effects on the baby.
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise
directed by your physician.
- Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a
baby's ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc
are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.
- Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.
- Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common
allergens such as cow's milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and
peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin
rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.
Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all
of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something
lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby
that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a
healthy, well-balanced diet. That's the best way to ensure that
you have the stamina and strength you'll need to be the best mom
you can be!
About the author:
Jacqueline is the co-developer of a natural remedy for acid reflux in babies which also helps alleviate
the symptoms of intestinal colic. More on http://www.coliccalm.com.
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