Health Breastfeeding

When you are pregnant, delivering, and breastfeed your baby, you will be accustomed to listen the words Omega 3. It is usually found in the milk or fish oil supplement. Researchers have found scientifically that Omega 3 fish oil supplements are healthy and good for pregnant and breastfeeding mother. Its main function is helping the baby’s brain and eye development. Actually the body can produce Omega 3 but not in the baby’s body. The next effect of breast milk containing Omega 3 is the baby will have higher intelligent level. If your baby has less Omega 3, she will have less energy for the brain metabolism.

After knowing the reasons why breastfeeding mother has to fulfill the needs of Omega 3, the next task is choosing the right food which contains it. Seafood has been known as the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids. The oil in fish has high concentrations of DHA and EPA. The deep dwelling and cold water fishes are known as the ones with largest concentrations of DHA and EPA. For example, sardines, salmon, trout, herring, and tuna. In a week, a breastfeeding mother should consume 3-oz. of servings. In case you are afraid that the fish you eat is contaminated by mercury or other dangerous substance, you are recommended to take high-quality fish oil supplements. To know the number and kind of fish oil supplement you need, it is better to consult with the doctor.

A breastfeeding mother like you cannot be picky eater. You have to eat various foods to produce healthy breast milk. Your diet has to be balanced appropriately because that is your first investment for your baby’s long-term health. Your baby will get all minerals she needs only from you. Besides vitamins and protein, minerals also have important role for your baby’s development. One example of important mineral is calcium. It is very essential in the development and healthy maintenance of bones. Not only your baby but also you need calcium. You will see that your baby grow fast and gain more weight. The baby’s bones are hardening and you also need to strengthen your bone. In this case milk is supposed to be consumed twice a day minimally. Calcium can be found in cheese and other dairy products.

In addition, you need to consume foods that contain zinc. For example, you may eat red meat, sardines, beans, yogurt, cheese, pumpkin seed, peanut butter, or whole meal bread. Zinc works to heal the wounds and is essential substance of many enzyme reactions. Then, iron is also important to make hemoglobin. It is the pigment on the red blood cells. That is why you have to put some foods on your daily diet. For instance, lean beef, lamb and kidney, eggs, baked potatoes, green vegetables like broccoli, peas, spring greens, and dried fruits like apricots, prunes and figs.

Low quality breast milk will not make your baby grow maximally. The forming of first essential abilities and skills depends on the breast milk quality. Therefore, your diet has to be managed properly. New mother usually needs help from other people because she has to focus on the recovery and learning how to breastfeed. Daily healthy diet should include grain, vegetables, fruits, and various nuts. If they are combined in certain arrangement, the result is healthy mother and baby. That composition will fulfill the needs of vitamin, mineral, carbohydrate, protein. There are also various milks specially formulated for breastfeeding mother. You can buy one to make more complete nutrition for your baby.

In addition, there are some foods which are beneficial in maintaining healthy and balance diet. For example, you can consume beans and peas. They are rich of vitamin B and tend to help you lose your weight while breastfeeding without affecting the breast milk quality. Some foods such as clams, dried scallop, and oyster are rich of iron. They will prevent you from anemia. Do not forget to put high fiber food on your diet. It can be found in green vegetables and seaweed. They function to reduce the cholesterol level and improve your body development. Then, it is fine if you add raisin, almond and others nuts which contain higher iron, calcium and fiber. Remember, although you need sugar, it is better for you not to eat too much sweet. If you have to take medication, consult with the doctor first.