What should I eat while breastfeeding

Mothers need to eat well to recover from pregnancy, to care for their babies, and for all the other work they do. They need plenty of foods rich in protein, fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. They also need to drink plenty of liquid—clean water, milk, herb teas, and fruit juices. But no matter how a woman eats and drinks, her body will make good breast milk.

Eat and drink enough to satisfy hunger and thirst. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs and unnecessary medicines. Clean water, fruit and vegetable juices, and milk and herb teas are better than coffee and sodas.

Some people believe that new mothers should not eat certain foods. But if a mother does not get a balanced diet, it can lead tomalnutrition, weak blood (anemia), and other sickness.

Sometimes women are given special foods during breastfeeding. These practices are good, especially if the foods are nutritious. Good foods help a woman’s body to grow healthy and strong more quickly after childbirth.

A woman needs extra food if:

• she is breastfeeding 2 young children.
• she is breastfeeding one child and is also pregnant.
• her children are spaced closer than every 2 years.
• she is sick or weak.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010805