Breastfeeding your baby is the best gift you can give your child. Studies show that breastfeeding helps keep your baby healthy and in many cases, the baby gets so used to breastfeeding that breastfeeding stops becoming a reward for your baby. Here are some breastfeeding tips to make breastfeeding easier.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
The U.S.D.A. recommends that you breastfeed your child for at least six months. Your body normally burns up about 300 to 500 calories a day depending on when you are breastfeeding, whether you are breastfeeding exclusively or not. Be sure to make up this calorie deficit by eating more than the recommended amount of calories per day to help your baby gain the needed weight.
Take vitamins.
If you aren’t breastfeeding your baby strictly because you don’t like breastfeeding, a good idea is to take a daily multivitamin supplement to supplement your diet. Many vitamins have natural formulas that allow them to be broken down efficiently by your body and contain the vitamins your baby needs. Some mothers find it helpful to use a blend of vitamins for a softer feel to their diets as well.
Choose low-calorie, high-fiber foods.
To make breastfeeding easier, you may need to watch your weight as you transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. Although breastfeeding is still a healthy choice, you may need to reduce your caloric intake if you are giving bottle feedings. You should speak with your health care provider to get recommendations for a formula that meets your baby’s nutritional needs.
Drink enough water every day.
Breastfeeding can be quite thirst producing. To make up for this, you should drink plenty of water each day. Not only will your body be hydrated but your newborn will be too.
Limit your infant’s exposure to alcohol.
Because you are breastfeeding your baby, you should limit your infant’s exposure to alcohol. The only exception to this rule is if you know your baby is sensitive to caffeine or another stimulant contained in alcoholic beverages.
Include a variety of foods.
breastfeeding is more than just feeding your baby, though. You and your baby need a balanced diet, which includes a wide variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Because breastfeeding is partially done through breastfeeding, you should include foods that are rich in protein, iron, and calcium to help support your baby’s nutritional needs.
Some women wonder how breastfeeding will affect their chances of developing stretch marks during pregnancy.
First, research shows that babies who are breastfed are healthier and have lower chances of developing poor skin quality or poor weight. In addition, studies also suggest that women who breastfeed for longer periods of time are likely to experience less stretch marks during their pregnancy than women who feed their children only once or twice per week. Even though stretch marks may occur during the first few months of your pregnancy, you can reduce their appearance during your pregnancy by being careful about what you eat and how much you eat.
Watch out for certain foods and drinks.
If you suffer from food allergies or are lactose intolerant, you should not consume any products containing lactose. While milk and certain dairy products may provide your baby with certain vitamins and nutrients, it is better for your health to avoid any products that contain artificial substances or sugar. As an added precaution, you should read the labels on your non-breast milk products and ensure that the vitamins and minerals remain natural.
Other common concerns include lactose intolerance, which means that you may need to eat foods low in lactose before breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding women learn how to properly choose and prepare breast milk. You may need to read the label carefully to determine which foods may need to be removed or substituted. For instance, chocolate and refined carbohydrates are two items you should definitely avoid while breastfeeding. Other foods you should be aware of are caffeine and wheat products, which may need to be avoided if you are breastfeeding.
In addition to dairy products, poultry should also be a concern while breastfeeding. Before breastfeeding, you should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Some benefits of poultry include chicken being a source of protein and iron, as well as the fact that it is one of the few foods that is a natural source of calcium. However, some women may be allergic to poultry, and you should check with your doctor to make sure that you will not be able to feed your infant dairy products. Similarly, women who are lactose intolerant should not breastfeed chickens or cow.
Babies and infants can eat all the protein and calories they want, so long as they receive balanced nutrition. You should focus on breastfeeding when you are trying to get your baby to eat fewer extra calories. Eat six meals a day instead of five or six meals, and take your time in preparing meals. This will help you meet your daily nutritional needs while breastfeeding.
