Nutrition for the nursing mother

The breastfeeding period is a physiological state concerning healthy women. Their diet during this time does not differ from a healthy, proper diet of a woman of the same age, with similar height, weight and physical activity. It is only necessary to take into account the increased need for protein, vitamins and microelements, as well as additional energy needs associated with the secretion of milk, which is about 500kcak/day, and in slim women 650 kcal/day. The diet of the lactating mother has no influence on the composition and volume of the milk.

“The mother nourishes herself, the breast always stands by the child” (P.Meier )

Sometimes at the time of discharge from the hospital mothers are advised to follow an easy-to-digest diet, but this is only for themselves because of the strain on their bodies during labour or a caesarean section. This is a recommendation for the postpartum period for the mother’s sake, not so that the baby does not have colic or other problems.

It is recommended for a nursing mom to eat what she likes and what is healthy. But if she happens to eat something unhealthy, nothing will happen. What she eats does not create food for the baby. The food is created anew in the milk follicles.
A breastfeeding mother should remember to eat several meals during the day – for example, 3 main dishes or more but smaller snacks. It is best to quench your thirst with water, juices, fruit tea, or milk. The usual fluid intake during breastfeeding is about 2 liters/day. Avoid foods that contain preservatives. Do not use weight-loss diets, low-calorie diets, or diets based on pharmacological drugs.

Remember, you have to eat healthy, not diet! After giving birth, it is a good idea to eat lightly for the sake of your health, as nothing will happen to the baby!

Foods that are difficult to digest, such as fatty meats, cured meats, cheese and fried foods, do not harm the baby. Highly bloating foods (e.g. peas, beans, cabbage, onions), if they bloat the mother, do not pass into the baby’s food. In the case of products with a strong smell and taste (garlic, cauliflower, hot spices), their flavors can appear in the mother’s milk. According to research, babies like to suck milk with flavors, thus getting to know the natural environment of the family diet. Then they are eager to eat their foods so seasoned.

Strong allergens – milk and milk products, eggs, citrus fruits, strawberries, cocoa, chocolate, nuts or fish – do not pass into breast milk. If a mother is allergic to any of these products, she should not eat them because of her problems. Sometimes babies are allergic to cow’s milk proteins and eggs, but these are very rare cases. And even then the mother does not have to be on a diet.
Excluding milk and milk products from the diet, just in case, is not justified in light of current scientific reports.

An elimination diet is not recommended to prevent the onset of allergies in the baby either for pregnant women or nursing moms.

In conclusion- there is No Lactating Mother Diet!