Breastfeeding And Diet: A Look At Sensitivity To Certain Foods or Drinks

Being pregnant is always a good excuse to eat well and indulge in special treats. Yet once your cute little bundle is in your arms, how you’re going to get back into your favourite jeans is most probably on your research list (along with how to get enough sleep to avoid zombie-like behaviour). However, eating right is extremely important for you and your baby, so we’ve highlighted the dos and don’ts.

Many women are harsh on themselves when it comes to getting rid of the post-baby fat, but doctors recommend mothers who are nursing to stay on a very healthy diet to provide their babies with all the nutrients they need. “Nursing mothers should give close attention to what they are eating as their breast milk should meet their babies’ nutritional needs,” paediatrician Dr Osama Khalid said. “If a mother’s diet is low in calories or it relies on one food group, it can affect the quality and quantity of her milk.”

When women start breastfeeding, they might feel extra hungry throughout the day and should be aware that it is not an easy task as it drains them of energy and makes them feel sleepy all the time. That’s because the body is working around the clock to produce breast milk for the baby, according to Khalid. “I recommend mothers to eat small meals and concentrate on healthy snacks between their meals to help control their hunger and keep their energy high,” he said. “When breastfeeding, mothers don’t receive the nutrients they need, their bodies draw on reserves and will eventually become exhausted. This will also lead to mothers being unable to meet the physical demands needed for caring for their infants,” Khalid said. In fact, many doctors ask nursing mothers to take supplements. Usually that entails taking some that contain 10 micrograms of vitamin D as babies consume the vitamin D found in breast milk, making it necessary for mothers to replenish the loss, according to the paediatrician.

As a nursing mum you need to eat, but not everything agrees with your baby. Here’s Khalid’s list of foods and beverages that could cause discomfort.