Mothers who wish to breastfeed to achieve optimal growth, development and health for their baby, are recommended to exclusively breastfeed – the infant only receives breast milk and no other liquids or solids, which includes water. The World Health Organization suggests that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infant for the first six months to protect them from common childhood diseases and have longer-term benefits.
Here we shall discuss some best foods you can add to feed your hungry little ones well,
MILK
The act of breastfeeding requires a lot of energy and nutrients in the body, so boosting your calcium intake is a necessity to promote healthy bones. Your newborn depends on your breast milk for calcium which will help their bones develop. To meet your daily calcium requirements, it is important to include dairy products that are rich in calcium, like milk, in your diet
NON-CAFFEINATED AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
While nursing, many mothers may feel dehydrated, which indicates they need to increase their fluid intake. When a mom breastfeeds, the body will release oxytocin, a hormone that helps milk secretion and also makes mothers thirsty. Women who breastfeed and drink more than two to three cups of coffee a day can make their baby prone to irritability and have trouble sleeping, according to the March of Dimes.
LEGUMES
While mom’s iron supply is passed on to the baby through breast milk for the baby, she needs to ensure her iron levels are sufficient to avoid anemia. Iron-rich beans like black and kidney beans are a great source of nutrients, for both breastfeeding moms and vegetarians. Beans and legumes contain healthy bacteria and enzymes that help digestion
LEAFY GREENS
Green and leafy vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Spinach and broccoli have high levels of vitamin A that can be beneficial for your newborn, even reducing their risk of death.
WHOLE-GRAINS
Whole-grains contain folic acid, a nutrient that is essential for cellular growth, an essential process for a growing baby or a mother recovering from birth and pregnancy. Although folic acid is present in breast milk, the use of it during breastfeeding must be done under the supervision of qualified healthcare provider.
WILD SALMON OR SARDINES
DHA-rich (docosahexaenoic acid) foods are considered to be healthy additions to any diet because of omega-3. Wild salmon or sardines can help promote your baby’s brain growth. Salmon is considered a fish low in mercury.
