10/06/2024
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation are very important to ensure good growth and development of the baby, and hence nutritional requirements of the mother will increase during these periods. A good well balanced, diverse diet is strongly encouraged during breastfeeding. Remember that whatever you eat, passes into the breastmilk. Breastfeeding mums should consume at least 5 meals a day and foods must contain generous amounts of good fats and proteins. Ensure that you include healthy sources of protein in the form of eggs, meats and fish, however, stay away from fish that has a high mercury content. Fruit and veges are strongly advised but ideally, exclude gassy veges eg. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and raw onions, especially if baby has excessive amounts of gas causing discomfort. Nuts, almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are excellent snacks in between meals to ensure a constant production of nutritious breastmilk. Please stay away from alcohol and caffeine during breastfeeding. Smoking is also an absolute no.