Nutrition During Lactation

Before the end of a woman's pregnancy, she will have to consider whether she wants to breastfeed her baby after delivery. Start by learning as much as you can about the nutritional value of breast milk for your child. During pregnancy, hormones promote the growth and branching of a duct system, in the breasts and development of milk-producing cells. In other words, your body is getting ready to breastfeed a child. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin are needed for lactation. When a baby sucks a mother's breast, this stimulates the release of these hormones, which signals the mammary glands to produce milk. Prolactin is responsible for milk production. The hormone oxytocin causes the mammary gland to eject milk into the ducts, known as a letdown reflux. The benefits of breastfeeding are many. However, it is important to allow the mom to decide to breastfeed on her own with no pressure from others.She is some good points about breastfeeding that may help a mom decide to breastfeed. For infants breastfeeding provides: a good balance of important nutrients, breast milk helps a baby improve cognitive development, physiological development, protects babies against infections, as well as many chronic diseases and food allergies. For moms, breastfeeding helps with uterus contractions, delays her period, which by the way is not a dependable birth control method, conserves iron stores because you do not have your period for a while and may protect mom against breast cancer. A good supportive system around a mom, helps mom achieve her breastfeeding goals. Dad plays an important part by encouraging breastfeeding if that is the mom's choice. For some, breastfeeding comes easily. For others, it takes time. Practice with your baby and see what works right for you. I had a very hard time breastfeeding my first baby. My daughters also had a hard time. So, be patient and ask for help if you need. Either, call your hospital that you delivered at or see a Lactation Consultant. I do private home visits in New York, NY. A breastfeeding mom produces as much breast milk as her baby needs daily.Therefore, she needs extra energy, all most 650 calories a day. A woman who is breastfeeding should try to eat at least an extra 500 calories a day. It is important for mom to eat healthy while breastfeeding. Starting with drinking fluids, such as water. Water is an essential nutrient. Food provides nutrients, supporting growth, maintenance, and repair of body's tissues. Foods rich in energy-yielding nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, provide the major material for building body's tissue and yield energy for body use and storage. By the way, breast milk has all these components.So from you, your baby is getting well nourished. After the birth of your baby, many women is eager to lose weight fast. Start after six weeks after delivery to exercise moderately. Taking a walk with you baby is a great start. Make sure you are drinking enough and eating a well-balanced diet. Aim for a healthy weight. Be physically active daily. Choose variety whole grains, fruits and vegetable. Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat labels. Choose beverages low in sugar. Prepare foods with less salt. Ask your doctor if you should continue your prenatal vitamins.I remember that I continued taking them while I breastfed. Some things should be avoided while breastfeeding. Make sure you cut back on alcohol consumption. One drink occasionally is all right. Drink one to two cups of coffee or caffeine drinks a day. Use caffeine moderately. If you have to be on medicines, consult your doctor. Stop smoking while pregnant and breastfeeding. Where there are safe alternatives that are available, HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed. Diabetic moms need to be monitored. Some women worry about their breast size while breastfeeding. They get enlarged however, they go back to normal once you wean your baby. In conclusion, breastfeeding should be enjoyable for both mom and baby. Relax and enjoy this special time you have together.Mom needs to take care of her health because your baby needs you. I wish all of you a very successful breastfeeding journey.