Keep Your Energy Levels High With These Breastfeeding Diet Ideas

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.