Diet essentials of lactating mothers

World Breastfeeding Week 1 - 7 August.
Diet essentials of lactating mothers

During lactation make sure you get enough nutrients, not just more calories. It can make a difference in the quality of your breast milk and affect how quickly your body rebounds from childbirth.

•Plenty of beverages like soups, milk, juices,water
•Fresh fruits
•Milk and milk products
•Eggs/paneer/chicken/fish
•Dry fruits
•Vegetables which are easy to digest and are not strongly flavored
•Salads; can be grated to make them easy to digest and not strain the stitches by adding to bulk.
•Eat more of whole grains and cereals
•Breast Milk Producers- Methi seeds, Fennel seeds, Ajwain, til seeds, ginger powder-saunth.

Breastfeeding benefits

 Breastfeeding benefits

Breastfeeding benefits all sectors of society economically, ecologically and socially.

Breastfeeding is unique - it causes no pollution and is the best example of how humanity can sustain itself through provision of the first and most complete food for human life.

Breastmilk is ready to use at the right temperature, does not need to be sterilized and causes no pollution.

Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her baby and the earth.

World Breastfeeding Week 1 - 7 August

World Breastfeeding Week 1 - 7 August

         Celebrated in more than 170 countries worldwide.

This year's World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) theme, 'BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: CLOSE TO MOTHERS', highlights Breastfeeding Peer Counselling. Even when mothers are able to get off to a good start, all too often in the weeks or months after delivery there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates, and practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding.

As societies change, however, in particular with urbanization, support for mothers from a wider circle is needed, whether it is provided by family or  trained health workers, lactation consultants, community leaders, or from friends who are also mothers, and/or from fathers/partners.

"The key to best breastfeeding practices is continued day-to-day support for the breastfeeding mother within her home and community."

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child. Dramatic health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breastmilk. From antibodies which protect an infant at birth...to the exclusive nutrients in mother's milk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases...the benefits are incalculable.

“Breastfeeding is so important to a baby’s health it provides infants with the most complete nutrition possible and has the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for them to thrive.”

Nursing mother and weight loss

World Breastfeeding Week 1 - 7 August

Nursing mother and weight loss

A common concern for most of the new mother after delivery is to lose the weight gained during pregnancy….

A good rule of thumb is to take in 200-500 calories in excess of what you needed to maintain your weight before you were pregnant while you are nursing. 

Breastfeeding doesn't make you gain weight - in fact, you use up calories when you nurse, and helps you get rid of extra weight more quickly while you are nursing. You might not realize that you already began your

weight-loss efforts the moment you put your baby to your breast. 

Breastfeeding burns around 300 calories per day, so it can help you begin to lose some of your excess baby weight. What's more, breastfeeding can help stimulate contractions in your uterus that help your belly shrink back to its regular size after pregnancy to help you regain your old shape, too.

Your body stores up fat during your pregnancy to provide the extra calories needed for milk production. It is easier to lose lower body fat (hips, buns, and thighs) when you are breastfeeding compared to the mom who is formula feeding. .

Begin your weight loss program slowly when you are breastfeeding. Increase your activity level.