Breastfeeding mother's food

Up to six months after the birth of the baby, there is no need for any food other than breast milk. Breast milk is the best, purest, safest and disease-resistant food for the baby, along with complementary foods from six months to two years of age. Breast milk contains almost all the nutrients needed for the baby, which are supplied from the mother's daily diet or from the nutrients stored in the body. So at this time the mother should eat a little more than usual. This is because the mother's body is deficient in nutrients such as lactose, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, folate, etc., but continues to be supplied to breast milk. But if the mother's body is deficient in iodine, vitamin A, selenium and B-vitamins, then breast milk is also deficient in them. Therefore, it is important to look at the following issues to prevent malnutrition in breastfeeding mothers and to maintain the quality of breast milk:

If the mother eats one to two glasses of water or liquid food (milk, soup, fruit juice, juicy fruits and water-rich vegetables) before breastfeeding each time, the milk is secreted more.

Breastfeeding mother's food

Up to six months after the birth of the baby, there is no need for any food other than breast milk. Breast milk is the best, purest, safest and disease-resistant food for the baby, along with complementary foods from six months to two years of age. Breast milk contains almost all the nutrients needed for the baby, which are supplied from the mother's daily diet or from the nutrients stored in the body. So at this time the mother should eat a little more than usual. This is because the mother's body is deficient in nutrients such as lactose, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, folate, etc., but continues to be supplied to breast milk. But if the mother's body is deficient in iodine, vitamin A, selenium and B-vitamins, then breast milk is also deficient in them. Therefore, it is important to look at the following issues to prevent malnutrition in breastfeeding mothers and to maintain the quality of breast milk:

👉 If the mother eats one to two glasses of water or liquid foods (milk, soup, fruit juice, juicy fruits and water-rich vegetables) before breastfeeding each time, the milk is secreted more.

👉 Eat milk or dairy foods, eggs, fish, meat, pulses or legumes every day to meet the needs of good quality protein, fatty acids, calcium and B-vitamins as well as other essential nutrients.

👉 For vitamin D, both mother and baby will be exposed to some sunlight every day.

👉 Eating dark green and colorful vegetables and seasonal fruits every day can provide a lot of micronutrients like calcium, iron, beta carotene, vitamin C, folate etc. in addition to a lot of fiber.

👉 Iodized salt should be taken to maintain the normal growth and mental development of the baby.

👉 It is better not to eat fried and spicy food in extra oil.

👉 Tea and coffee should be avoided or limited. Tobacco should be avoided.

👉 Do not take any supplements and medicines without the advice of a specialist.

👉 Hygiene and hygiene must be maintained to prevent foodborne illness. Milk, eggs, fish, meat should be cooked well.

Author: Nutritionist and Teacher National University, Gazipur