Breastfeeding is an essential part of every child’s growth and well-being throughout the first years of their lives. Nursing is considered to be irreplaceable for babies, and mothers have perhaps the greatest influence over their newborn through their breast milk. A healthy and nutritious diet for the breastfeeding mother ensures the passing on of nutrients, tastes and experiences to the baby as they grow.
The influence of a breastfeeding itself and a breastfeeding diet is far greater than simply the inclusion and elimination of certain foods in a feeding mother’s diet. It is also not only good for the health of the baby but is also immensely beneficial for the mother. Let us take an in-depth look at understanding and learning the benefits of breastfeeding, a proper diet chart for a breastfeeding mom and the foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
A lot has been said about breastfeeding and how a mother’s milk is absolutely essential for the growth, prosperity and health of a newborn baby. Throughout the years, our elders and traditions have dictated that when it comes to good nutrition for the baby, a mother’s milk is second to none but is there any merit to these statements? Are they actually true?
They absolutely are, and the surprising part is that breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby but also for mothers. Let us recount every scientifically proven evidence of the benefits of breastfeeding for both, the baby and the mother!
Breastfeeding helps in the protection and lowers chance of contracting or developing a number of allergies, infections and ailments such as respiratory illnesses, ear infections, intestinal ailments, and Type II Diabetes among others.
Antibodies that only a mother can create to protect the baby from various illnesses are a part of a mother’s breastmilk. They also help a mother’s body understand the antibodies that are to be produced to shield the baby from germs and other forms of illness causing bacteria.
It also contains every single nutrient required for the growth and development of your baby.
Breast milk is the most easily digested by the baby and there are no substitutes for it. There is no risk of any stomach ailments such as diarrhoea.
It has also been proven that breast milk changes as per the requirements of the baby and their age. The composition, nutritional content and quantity changes as the baby grows.
Breastfeeding not only benefits the baby by lowering their risk of infections and ailments but also significantly lowers the mothers’ risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Type II Diabetes.
It also helps mothers’ accelerate their postnatal weight loss regime by aiding the restoration of the uterus to its usual size.
Breastfeeding is astonishingly environmentally friendly as it saves all the packaging, manufacturing and processing by supplying the baby with nutrition that is unlike any other source.
Read more to find out everything about breastfeeding in our article breastfeeding 101.
Diet Plan for Breastfeeding Mothers
A proper diet for a breastfeeding mother doesn’t necessarily have to be a complicated at all. In fact, it is an easy, well-balanced diet that may not end up feeling like a diet. Check out our list of foods to eat while breastfeeding;
Foods that are rich in fibre such as whole grain bread, oats, wholegrain pasta, beans and more.
Foods that are a rich source of starch such as potatoes, rice and more.
Dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese, milk and buttermilk.
Protein rich foods for non-vegetarians such as eggs, lean meat and fish that you are certain has a no mercury content.
Plenty of water. This is a helpful tip in general but for breastfeeding mothers, it’s far more important.
Foods to avoid if you are breastfeeding
Although little evidence supports the theory that a mother’s diet during breastfeeding affects the quality of her breastmilk, it is always well-advised to keep certain foods and beverages off your breastfeeding diet.
Alcohol should be kept away from, although if you do drink a little, you must wait at least 3-4 hours before you can feed your baby. Once the alcohol levels in your blood return to normal, you can resume breastfeeding your baby.
Caffeine should be avoided since it can interfere with your baby’s sleep schedule and even cause them to be irritable. Newborn babies, unlike full-grown adults are highly sensitive to caffeine.
Seafood must be avoided unless you are absolutely certain that it contains no traces of mercury which can be harmful to your child.
In addition to avoiding the aforementioned foods and beverages, the feeding mother’s diet should constantly be paid attention to. If you notice your baby’s health getting impacted by your diet and make an effort to avoiding these foods. For example, if you consume spicy food and notice that your baby does not react well to this addition in your diet, you may want to change it.
Breastfeeding is one of the best things a mother can do for their baby, and the right foods for a breastfeeding mom greatly enhance the quality of the nutrition for your baby. Read more to find out the 5 best breastfeeding positions and tips.
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