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Breastfeeding
: Eating Well For Two - The Breastfeeding Mother
It's important for the breastfeeding mother to maintain a healthy
diet and lifestyle, both for her own good and to ensure that her
baby is getting the healthiest breastmilk possible. The following
are general guidelines for the breastfeeding mother:
- Follow Canada's Food Guide or the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid
for good nutrition guidelines.
- Make sure to drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid daily to replenish
the fluids lost during breastfeeding.
- Eat an extra 500 calories a day of nutritious food, to support
your supply of breastmilk. The extra calories will not cause
you to gain weight. In fact, you may find that you lose weight
in spite of your increased food intake.
- It's likely that you will need to take iron supplements
to replenish the iron transferred to breastmilk. Consult your
physician for advice.
- Avoid foods that seem to be irritating to your baby.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as these are passed on
in breastmilk.
- Consult your doctor about taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medications, as these may pass through your breastmilk to
your baby. It's best to avoid taking medications altogether
unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Don't smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking can cause
vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness in your breastfed baby.
It may also cause reduced milk production.
Other Breastfeeding
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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