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 BABY HEALTH
BREAST FEEDING
BABY MASSAGE
BABY FOOD
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DIET FOR BREASTFEEDING FEEDING MOTHER
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A baby is dependent upon his mother for all the nutritional requirements during the feeding period.The dietary choice of the nursing mother is well reflected in the baby. For the first few months the only source of energy for the baby is the breast milk. Thus the mother should decide her diet not in accordance to her likings but as per the babies requirements.Since a lot of calcium and other nutrient in the mother's body is being engaged in the production of milk, a healthy diet is as essential for her as for her child. |
If the mother's body is deprived of proper nourishment ,it will still produce milk at a priority even if her own requirements are unmet. Consider the following expert advice on diet for breastfeeding moms.
- INTAKE PLENTY OF LIQUIDS- A lot of water , juices and other liquids should be taken so as to keep the body well hydrated. The body sheds off excess fluid while the baby is being fed. Breastfeeding is thus a thirsty experience .you just need to respond to the thirst. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
- FIVE MEALS A DAY- Divide your calorie intake into five meals i.e. breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, evening snack and finally dinner. Complement each meal with a piece of fruit.
- ZINC SUPPLEMENTS- Nursing mothers often face zinc deficiency thus its a good idea to take zinc supplements. eggs ,oats ,whole wheat and meat are rich sources of zinc. Daily requirement of zinc is around 15-20 milligrams .
- CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT- A nursing mother needs about 1200 milligram of calcium everyday whereas a balance diet provides only 800-100 milligrams of calcium. An external supplement is thus required. Dairy products ,almonds ,hazelnuts and raw vegetables are supportive.
- HIT AND TRIAL METHOD- Sometimes a few food items may not suit the baby. There is no hard and fast rule to identify these food stuffs, but a strict observation may help you to point them out and eliminate them temporarily from your diet. Onion, turnips, cenery , spices etc produce some change of taste in the milk which may not be liked by the baby. the choice varies from baby to baby .If your baby shows any negative sign such as gas problem recall the food you had 24 hrs earlier and avoid it later.
  
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