Today on Redhead Mom, we’re sharing a sponsored guest post about
how to keep your energy levels high with breastfeeding diet ideas.
The choice to breastfeed your child is not one to be taken lightly, as it makes you completely accountable for your baby’s nutrition. Formula is heavily regulated to include the proper amounts of ingredients, but breastmilk will vary depending on each individual. It would be smart to look at some breastfeeding diet ideas if you make the decision to breastfeed so you can be prepared. You can also consider getting other equipment like a free breast pump for an easier process.
There has been a lot of research into foods that you can eat that will help you produce better breastmilk for your baby. It never hurts to have some help and expert advice when it comes to the nutrition and development of your baby. Monitoring and changing your diet accordingly is a crucial way to ensure your baby gets everything they need from your breastmilk. There are also some foods best avoided while breastfeeding.
Continue reading to find out more about what kind of foods are good for a breastfeeding mother.
Keep That Energy Pumping
If you are breastfeeding for the first time, you may not be aware that you will require quite a bit more of a caloric intake throughout the day to support breastmilk production. You should be very careful about where you get these calories from, as you need to eat a balanced and healthy diet. A good idea is to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day and to have healthy and nutritious snacks at the ready if you find yourself getting hungry or low on energy. You want to keep your metabolism at a happy pace so your body produces milk as efficiently as possible.
What Should You Eat
It really isn’t overly complicated to decide what to eat while you are breastfeeding. If you are already aware of some basic nutrition points, you should be fairly able to decipher what is good for your baby and what isn’t. While you are breastfeeding, you should make sure to get enough protein, iron, calcium and vitamins in your diet. Lean proteins, like fish and chicken, and lots of fruits and vegetables are always a good choice. Keep most of your carbohydrates coming from whole grains, as they are much better for digestion and nutrient content. Your body is going to require more nutrition to sustain two people for six months, so keep this in mind when you are planning your diet.
What Should You Avoid
It’s best to stay away from trans fats, excess sugar, and anything that is processed. These ingredients are going to slow you down and can make you feel sluggish. Large amounts of caffeine are best avoided however a daily cup or two of tea or coffee is okay. Be aware that some over the counter medicines and soft drinks contain caffeine too. Moderate or heavy drinking is definitely not recommended while breastfeeding, however, it is also okay to have an occasional alcoholic beverage. Remember that having more than one drink will increase your blood alcohol level to the point that the alcohol will get into your breastmilk. If you plan on having more than one drink, wait two hours per drink before you breastfeed your baby again or simply feed your baby first and then enjoy your glass of wine.
Consider A Supplement
Supplements can play an important role in nutrition if used properly. The right supplement is going to compliment your already healthy diet and ensure that you are getting all the proper nutrition. There are some major vitamins, like vitamin A, B12, and D for example, that you are going to need a lot more of so you can share with your baby. Just be aware that not all supplements are made the same so you will want to consult with a trusted professional before making any purchases. There is no point in buying an expensive supplement if it isn’t going to give you what you need or is not suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
Trust Your Motherly Instincts
When it comes to your breastfeeding diet, you just need to make proper food choices. If you use your head, watch what you eat, and trust your motherly instincts, you should be producing the best breastmilk possible for your child. As a mother, you want to remember your breastfeeding journey for your little one and make it into breast milk jewelry that you can wear whenever you want to. It symbolizes a mother’s pure love and dedication to her child.
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Such great tips!! I remember how hungry and tired I was while feeding my twins!
I didn’t get to breastfeed as much as I would have liked to but I remember oatmeal being such a power food for me. It gave me so much energy- and milk!
Nnniiiccceeeeeeee of you, Shannon! The whole world needs to read this information more and more.
It’s so important to get the proper nutrition when you’re breastfeeding! You’ve got some great breastfeeding diet tips!
Breastfeeding can drain you of your energy. I remember my grandmother giving me a concoction made up of Fenugreek and some other plant. I agree that it would be best to maintain a proper diet to support our body’s needs if breasfeeding.
Breastfeeding is not an easy process and we all need to be aware of the food and nutrients intake. Thanks for sharing this ideas!
Great post. Staying up on your eating and caloric intake while breastfeeding is important. And eating healthy foods is key!
Really appreciate that you said to trust your instincts. Really liked reading this blog.
Lean proteins, like fish and chicken is really needed by the body. I agree that they should also be eaten at a moderate level. Always check food allergies too!
Trusting your motherly instincts is definitely key. There can often be too many voices in our head making it hard.
This is great information for breastfeeding moms. With my first child, I wasn’t sure about the whole process, and I didn’t understand that things I ate could upset his tummy or system. It all worked out but I’d of loved to have had this guide. I never had an ounce of energy.
Yes you do need to be concerned with diet and exercise when breastfeeding. So good for you and baby.
It really is important to know what works best for you, diet-wise, when you are breast feeding. My daughter-in-law did a lot of research on it. She’s amazing that way. 🙂
It’s such an informative article for young mothers. Am forwarding to my niece who has recently been blessed with a baby girl.
Great tips. Most women in the Netherlands breastfeed.
Great tips and I love how you talk about how easy it is and yet get detailed in talking about avoiding sugar and other dietary restrictions.
The food that we eat surely affects our body greatly. This list was so informative. Thanks for sharing.
Great suggestion, Shannon. The thing is my sister is pregnant and she is facing so many problems. Yesterday she got admitted in the hospital due to some kind of infection and also Pneumonia. Do you have any idea what food we should give her during this time?
wonderful idea and thanks for sharing