Nutrition for the Nursing Mother

Proper nutrition for the nursing mother is important for her to stay healthy while caring for her baby. A mother's body uses many resources to provide for baby during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding. If these resources are not replaced, the mother's health can be affected.

Nutrition and Babies

• Contrary to what many people think, if you have a less than ideal diet, it will not have much effect on your breastfeeding baby. Your body will provide your baby with everything necessary for proper health--even if it means that your body will suffer for it.

  Some things that you take into your body will find its way into your breast milk. Therefore, it is wise to avoid things such as alcohol, smoking, caffeine and many medications including illegal drugs, some herbs and supplements. As long as you continue the healthy habits that you developed while you were pregnant, you will be healthy and your body will provide all the nutritious milk your baby needs.

Nutrition Myths

• There are many old wives' tales about what you cannot eat while breastfeeding. People will tell you to stay away from gas-producing foods because they will make the baby gassy too. They will say not to eat spicy foods because they will bother the baby. While an occasional baby be be sensitive to certain things, it is very uncommon.

  In some countries, spicy food is the norm. Their babies grow up just fine. A food that does not agree with the mother will not necessarily have an effect of the baby. Lactation specialists now agree, a nursing mother should eat what she likes. It will not harm her baby. (Reference 3)

  Some foods that a nursing mother eats will affect the flavor of her breast milk. This is actually a good thing. It allows her baby to experience different tastes and makes him more likely to accept them when he begins to eat solid foods.

Nutrition for Moms

• Nursing a baby is taxing on your body, so providing yourself with enough calories will help keep you energized and able to keep up with the demands of a new baby. When you are breastfeeding, you burn more calories that when your body isn't supporting another life. You may need 1,800 to 2,200 calories a day or more while you are nursing. Follow your stomach. If you feel hungry, eat. Making healthy choices will ensure that you feel great while providing ample milk and, in most cases, while you lose that extra baby weight.

  When considering nutrition for the nursing mother, it is also important to include enough to drink. If you do not get enough fluids in your body, you may become dehydrated. For most women, six to eight glasses of water, or another healthy beverage, is needed to stay hydrated while nursing. Keep a glass of water nearby while you are nursing because you will likely become thirsty while your baby feeds. Drink whenever you feel thirsty and you should get plenty of fluids for yourself and your child. (Reference 4)

  Consume a diet that is well balanced and contains a variety of fresh, wholesome foods. This should include at least three serving of dairy products, five servings of fruits and vegetables, three to four protein servings and five servings of whole grains. (Reference 5)