
Having a healthy breastfeeding diet is important for your baby
Having a healthy breastfeeding diet is important for your baby
Did you know? It is important that you eat a healthy diet while breastfeeding and drink plenty of water and other fluids to help with milk production.
Producing breast milk requires a lot of calories. In just five days of breastfeeding, you can burn about the same number of calories as it takes to run a marathon! And with a newborn in your arms, you may not be getting regular sleep and meals. It’s not surprising, then, that research shows one in five breastfeeding women may not be getting enough calories.
Taking good care of yourself is a great way to take care of your little one. Paying the same attention to good nutrition as you did during your pregnancy is what will help you produce quality breast milk for your growing baby.
Now is not the time to overly restrict your diet, or to try and lose weight too quickly. It’s not just your baby who misses out—if you’re not getting sufficient nutrients, your own stores could diminish, impacting your health and energy levels.
Sources
Aubuchon-Endsley NL, Kennedy TS, Gilchrist M et al. Relationships among socioeconomic status, dietary intake, and stress in breastfeeding women. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015; 115(6):939-46.
Kolasa KM, Firnhaber G, Haven K. Diet for a healthy lactating woman. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2015; 58(4):893-901.
http://www.healthfitnessexperts.com/calories-burned-running/ (Accessed January 11 2017)
Related articles

Baby Crying And Soothing
Because babies don't come home with instruction manuals, here are some tips to help you through those first few weeks
4 mins to read

Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read

Baby Eating Patterns – How to instil Healthy, Early
Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before his second birthday.
2 mins to read

Vision
Curious about your baby’s vision? Your little one sees the world very differently than you do. Here is a guide to the general development of a baby's eyesight.
1 min to read

Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read

Playtime ideas for your 6-month-old baby
There are plenty of fun activities you and your baby can do together to ensure that undesirable screen-watching habits never start.
3 mins to read

Congratulations on reaching 1000 days!
Did you know? By completing the First 1000 Days Nutrition Program, you’ve learned how to increase your toddler’s chances for healthy growth and development.
4 mins to read

Easy 3 Step Guide To Introduce Solids
A month or so after introducing purees to your baby's diet, you can start experimenting with soft, lumpy foods.
3 mins to read

Baby food allergies Vs intolerances—things to consider
Baby allergies and intolerances can develop at any time. An allergy is our immune system’s reaction to a substance it thinks is harmful.
3 mins to read

Healthy Baby Snacks – Find Balance in Nutrition
Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering her smart eating choices in between mealtimes.
3 mins to read

Getting In Shape After Giving Birth
4 mins to read

How to help baby or infant reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read

Helping your little one love good food—for life!
Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating.
4 mins to read

Travelling With Baby
Going away with your baby gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. To make your trip a success, good preparation and organization are essential.
2 mins to read

Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
1 min to read

Help your baby sleep with a regular bedtime routine
Did you know? Putting your baby to bed when she’s drowsy but still awake, and at around the same time every night, can help create an effective sleep routine.
5 mins to read

Foods to offer your baby now to encourage healthy eating later
Variety is key when you start complementary feeding. Help set her up for a future of healthy eating with these need-to-know numbers and food ideas.
1 min to read

Introducing & Starting Solids
Good nutrition will play an important role throughout your child's entire life so it is important to start them on the right track from the beginning and let it happen at a natural pace.
4 mins to read

How to relieve colic pain in infants
Babies cry. Some babies cry more than others. If your otherwise healthy baby is under five months old and has repeated bouts of uncontrollable crying, it could be colic.
2 mins to read