WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Good Nutrition and Breastfeeding

Good Nutrition and Breastfeeding
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for both you and your baby, especially when you are breastfeeding.
Proper nutrition can support milk production, provide essential nutrients for your baby's growth and development, and help you recover from childbirth.
Here are some key considerations for good nutrition while breastfeeding. 🥦🤱🍼
Stay Hydrated 💧🚰
  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water, to stay hydrated. Breastfeeding can increase your thirst, so keep a water bottle handy and drink whenever you feel thirsty.
  • Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary beverages, as they can affect your hydration levels and potentially pass through your breast milk to your baby.
Eat a Balanced Diet 🥗🍎
  • Include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet to ensure you're getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Aim to consume a mix of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, in appropriate proportions to support your energy levels and milk production.
  • Consider including foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, as they can benefit both you and your baby's brain health.
Consume Sufficient Calories ⚖️🍽️
  • Breastfeeding requires extra calories to support milk production. It is recommended to consume an additional 500-600 calories per day while breastfeeding.
  • However, the exact calorie needs vary depending on factors such as your body size, activity level, and the age of your baby. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate calorie intake for you.
Prioritize Protein Intake 🍗🥚
  • Protein is essential for tissue repair and growth, including the development of your baby's organs and muscles.
  • Include lean sources of protein in your diet, such as poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products. Vegetarian and vegan mothers can opt for plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and quinoa.
Ensure Adequate Calcium and Vitamin D 🥛☀️
  • Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for bone health and development, both for you and your baby.
  • Consume calcium-rich foods like dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), fortified plant-based milks, leafy green vegetables, and fortified tofu.
  • Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure, fortified foods, or supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you're meeting your vitamin D requirements.
Don't Neglect Iron and Other Micronutrients 🥦🥩
  • Iron is important for red blood cell production and preventing iron deficiency. Include iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and dark leafy greens in your diet.
  • Additionally, ensure an adequate intake of other micronutrients like folate, vitamin B12, zinc, and iodine. These can be obtained from a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit Exposure to Contaminants 🚫🍣
  • Certain substances can pass through breast milk and may be harmful to your baby. Avoid or limit your exposure to potentially harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and excessive amounts of mercury-containing fish.
  • If you have concerns about specific foods or substances, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
Learn more
M
Monesha Williams
18 Jan 2024

Milkmaker munchkin cookies and coconut water is good if your breastfeeding. What do y’all eat to keep your breast milk?

8 comments
T
Tay
Water ,almond milk and lucky duct lactation drink mix , munchkin milk makers oatmeal cookies
27 Mar 2024

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M
Monesha Williams
Yesss I got the oatmeals today 😌
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mel
4 Dec 2023

Does anyone have a good breastfeeding routine or advice, I feel like I’m getting no sleep waking up every 3 hours and taking an hour to fall back to sleep 😅

3 comments
G
Gabreille
Right now I’m doing both formula and breast milk until my milk comes in more. I use a Willow pump every 3 hrs. It makes the pump routine a little bit easier.
27 Mar 2024

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F
Faith
I set a timer for three hours and if my son doesn't wanna wake up I let him sleep a little longer. He also cluster feeds RN so sometimes he won't wake up during the night or if he does I'll sleep while he eats and my bf watches him to make sure he is okay.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


B
Bre
18 Sep 2023

I know breastfeeding have many good benefits for baby and mom but do it really help with weight lost after pregnancy?

2 comments
M
Mia
Yes it’s suppose to help shrink your uterus
27 Mar 2024

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M
Meka
It absolutely does. I breastfed for 1 yr and my stomach went down alot
27 Mar 2024

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K
Keiona
22 Jul 2023

So I’m breastfeeding and i had been told it helps so much with the snatch back process ! My stomach has definitely shrunk significantly and looks a little flatter than I remember before pregnancy ! Here’s the thing, breastfeeding makes me hungry af. I’m over eating and craving nothing but chocolate and sodas and I’m not even a sweets person! What the hell! I actually did want to unbig my back but this is not a good start 😩

4 comments
C
Ceecee
I'm currently breastfeeding and experiencing the same thing, been eating twix and kit Kat candy since I had my son and definitely drinking sodas and I wasn't drinking any sodas my whole pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Luvia
Same 😫 I drank nothing but water and unsweetened tea because the taste really bothered me. My appetite diffentaly picked up and drinking diet sodas like crazy. I breastfeed as well
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
20 Mar 2023

Breastfeeding and pumping does not feel good … it makes me feel weird and uncomfortable hopefully it gets better

3 comments
A
Ayse
I understand
27 Mar 2024

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k
kiaraa
rs i just pump it still takes some getting use to i’ll pump and freeze until i don’t went to anymore
27 Mar 2024

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l
lex
15 Jan 2023

She’s here I had her yesterday 1/14 at 6:25am I’m so in love with this her breastfeeding has been going good as well and she’s completely healthy 💕💞🥰

23 comments
V
Victoria
Absolutely gorgeous 🥰🥰🥹
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jamalia Barclay
Awww congratulations. She’s a beauty
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nicole
25 Oct 2022

What is a good breast pump for a first time breastfeeding mom. I didn't produce enough with my daughter and hoping to be able to this time.

7 comments
D
Dorothy
Get a Manuel pump for sure they’re like 20 something at the store and Madela is really good for a second pump. I have the Madela and I also have momcozy pumps
27 Mar 2024

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✨📍Meek📍✨
Motif I had for my first pregnancy and will be using it again for my second. It’s amazing honestly. A good manual one is the medela
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yndira
18 Sep 2022

My baby doesn't want to latch to my breast idk what's going on I'm sad i wanted him to get some good nutrition. I'm so confused this didn't happened with my first😫😫😫😫☹️☹️☹️.

4 comments
B
Blocked user
If he doesn’t wanna latch just try pumping and put it in a bottle or syringe
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yndira
okay thank you hun 😊
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Queen
28 Aug 2022

Any First time momma struggling with breastfeeding. I have some lactation cookies bites from Walmart omg you they are good and taste good. They have different flavors. I got oatmeal chocolate chip. Walmart

3 comments
N
Nanny
Are they helping produce milk?
27 Mar 2024

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R
REYNA
Do you have a picture when to Walmart I couldn’t find it
27 Mar 2024

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M
Molly
28 Oct 2021

I'm breastfeeding and everything is going well but I'll alternate with bottle. My baby has a very good appetite and my milk is not enough. What brand of milk would you recommend? Thank u

2 comments
K
Kristen
For my baby we have to use enfimil cause similac was not good for him. My baby breast and boytle feeds also.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Molly
thank u
27 Mar 2024

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