Many new moms ask, "Do I need a special diet while breastfeeding?" Women often try to eat healthier while they are pregnant. Making healthy food choices after your baby is born also will help you stay healthy, which will help your mood and energy level. You can eat the same number of calories that you ate before becoming pregnant, which helps weight loss after birth. But, every mother's needs are unique. There are no special foods you should avoid and no special foods that will help you make more milk. You may find that some foods cause stomach upset in your baby. You can try avoiding those foods to see if your baby feels better. Ask you baby's doctor for assistance.
What about a vegan diet?
If you follow a vegan diet or one that does not include any forms of animal protein, you or your baby might not get enough vitamin B12 in your bodies. In a baby, this can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, slow motor development, being very tired, weak muscles, vomiting, and blood problems. You can protect your and your baby's health by taking vitamin B12 supplements while breastfeeding.
Fitness
An active lifestyle helps you stay healthy, feel better, and have more energy. It does not affect the quality or quantity of your breast milk or your baby's growth. If your breasts are large or heavy, it may help to wear a comfortable support bra or sports bra and pads in case you leak during exercise. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
What about fluids?
All mothers should drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated for their own health. But, fluid intake does not affect the amount of milk you are making. Always drink when you are thirsty. If your urine is dark yellow you should drink more fluids.
Can I drink caffeine or alcohol?
Too much caffeine (more than five 5 ounce cups of coffee or caffeinated soft drinks per day) can cause the baby to be fussy and not able to sleep well. But moderate caffeine intake (fewer than five 5 ounce cups) usually doesn't cause a problem for most breastfeeding babies. You also should avoid drinking large quantities alcohol. If you have an occasional drink of alcohol, you should wait for about two hours to pass before breastfeeding. Also, many babies don't like the taste of your milk after you have had alcohol and will breastfeed more once the alcohol is out of your system.
