Health Breastfeeding

New mothers are learning about breastfeeding and at the same time the babies are learning are also trying to learn how to be fed. At the beginning, this process can be difficult and painful for both mother and the baby. Besides learning about the way to breastfeed properly, you as a mother have to gather knowledge about the food and its important nutrient needed. There is no super food which can provide you complete nutrition. So, you need to consume various types of food and enough water to give enough nutrition supply. At least you need to drink three or four quarts mineral water each day.

It is better for you to consume fresh food because it contains no preservatives and other chemical substance. Junk and canned foods can offer high quantities but have no benefits to milk production. Everything you eat will pass on to that beautiful child. That is why you need to consume high proteins, enough calories, and complete vitamins. Milk production is happened all the time and the energy from the calories will sustain the process. Chocolates, candy bars and anything that’s sweet should not be eaten regularly because they tend to cause stomach ache. Baby stomach will get some problems if you eat too much oil and spices in your diet. In addition, too much garlic and onions also influence the flavor the milk negatively. Indeed, it will be difficult to avoid the strong temptation from certain types of food. But, it is best to stop the consumption while you are breastfeeding your baby. It is done to make sure your baby get the best nutrition.

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.