Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs for healthy development in the first months of life. When you are breastfeeding, your diet is as important as it was while you were pregnant. Eating a balanced diet and receiving the nutrients you need helps promote your baby’s growth, now and in the future.
Nutritional needs while breastfeeding
Just as when you were pregnant, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. You are still the sole source of all the nutrients your baby needs for his healthy growth and development. In fact, your vitamin and mineral needs are even higher than they were when you are pregnant. To get the nutrition you need, eat a varied diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and calcium-rich foods.
Studies have identified certain nutrients as playing a critical role in the health of a baby when taken by breastfeeding women.
• DHA is a fatty acid naturally found in breast milk and is essential for the brain and eye development. It is found in fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines.
• Probiotics are natural cultures of “good bacteria” that are commonplace in the human gut and have many health benefits when consumed on a regular basis. Probiotics are available in foods like probiotics yoghurts and in special supplements.
• Breastfeeding mothers have higher requirements for energy, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, C, A and D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium. Hence, it is also important to get adequate levels of these important vitamins and minerals.
Supplements – to take or not to take?
If you’re like many women, your diet may be less than ideal following the birth of your baby. You are tired and busy and it can be hard to find time to plan well-balanced meals. Breast milk always maintains a certain nutritional quality, even if your diet isn’t perfect. But the levels of some vitamins and minerals in your breast milk are directly affected by your dietary intake.
Nutritional supplements are a good way to ensure that you are receiving all the nutrients you and your baby need while breastfeeding. They provide additional vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients such as probiotics and DHA to help you meet the daily recommended intake.
Supplements are usually very easy to take, in tablet or milk powder form, and need only be taken once or twice a day. While a balanced diet is always important, with a supplement you are assured of meeting your nutritional needs and ensuring the healthiest start for your baby.
Written by Sister Kang Phaik Gaik
Senior Parentcraft/Lactation Consultant
Mount Alvernia Hospital
