What New Moms Need to Know?
There is a lot of conflicting advice about
breastfeeding – and what you can and cannot eat is often a long and confusing
list depending on what corner of the world you are nursing your little one in.
It can be confusing to sift through culture or tradition and scientific fact.
The truth is
that some nursing moms can eat whatever they like – and the key to healthy
breastfeeding is moderation, balance, listening to your body and observing your
little one. Here are some myths & facts about healthy breastfeeding to get you
started. And as always, speak to your doctor!
Some strongly
flavoured foods may change the taste of your milk – but most babies seem to
enjoy a variety of breast milk flavours. The dominant flavours of your diet
were likely in your amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
Occasionally,
a baby may be fussy or gassy after you eat a particular food. Pay attention
– if you notice a pattern, avoid that food for a few days before reintroducing
again to see if that food really was the cause. A particular food may also be
the cause if the baby spits up a lot, shows signs of colic, a rash or
congestion – if they do, it’s time to examine what is going on.
It is
entirely possible that certain foods do not agree with the baby. Common
culprits include chocolate, spices (like cinnamon,
garlic, curry, chilli pepper), citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, pineapple,
“gassy” vegetables (onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers
and peppers) and fruits with a laxative effect (like cherries and prunes).
You only
need to drink enough to satisfy your thirst while
you’re breastfeeding. Drinking lots of water or going a bit thirsty, won’t
affect the amount of milk you make. Your body is fine tuned to regulate its
reserves and make sure it keeps your milk supply going. It is, however, a good
idea to keep a drink nearby while breastfeeding. During a feeding, your body
releases the hormone oxytocin making you feel thirsty. Worried about hydration?
Keep an eye on the colour of your urine – a pale-colour means you’re getting plenty
to drink. A dark yellow or strong smell is a sign of dehydration and a sign you
should drink more.
It’s ok to
have an occasional alcoholic drink while breastfeeding. Keep in mind
that alcohol does goes into your milk and will be transferred to your nursing
baby. The Motherisk program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto
recommends waiting 2 hours / drink before breastfeeding.
Also keep in
mind that breast milk production is not the same as how your body processes
urine (produced and then sits in your bladder). Substances diffuse in and
out of breast milk over time, so if you just wait, the alcohol will metabolise
out of your milk. If you pump and dump – the substances like alcohol will
remain the same unil they have had time to be absorbed into the rest of your
body. Drinking lots of water, resting, and the pump and dump won’t make your
body get rid of the alcohol any faster.
You may want
to stick to non-alcoholic drinks if your baby is a newborn – who usually
require feeding every to 2 – 3 hours.
You don’t
need to consume too many extra calories while
breastfeeding. Health Canada recommends that breastfeeding moms take in an
extra 330 calories until your baby is 6 months old and then an extra 400
calories when your baby is 7 months – 1 year (or until you stop breastfeeding).
Breastfeeding usually gives you a big appetite. If you’re finding it a struggle
to eat, talk to your doctor.
Losing weight
is normal while breastfeeding. Losing 2 pounds a week should not affect your
milk levels. However, it is not a good time to go on a restrictive diet.
Finally, on
health supplements – do take your vitamins (your
prenatal vitamins if you still have them). However, The Society for
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists warns that you should use the same caution
with herbal remedies as you do with over the counter or prescription drugs
during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only use them with the advice of a health care
professional.
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