About this topic
There is no special diet for breastfeeding women. The amount of milk made depends on the mothers diet. You should eat a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. The amount of milk made depends on the mother's diet. Ideally, her choice of foods should be: ‚
- Fresh
- With less additives
- Whole foods or unprocessed
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What lifestyle changes are needed?
Stop smoking if you are smoking. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Ask your doctor or dietitian for a diet that is made for you. ‚
- Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.
- Eat up to 2500 calories to help you have energy at the end of the day.
Who should use this diet?
Women who are breastfeeding their babies should use this diet. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
- Meats and proteins like: Beef, fish, poultry, pork, eggs, kidney beans, tofu, lentils
- Breads and grains like: Cereals, bread, oatmeal, wheat products, brown rice, barley
- Milk products like: Yogurt, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, butter, margarine, heavy cream, sherbet
- Fruits like: Apples, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, watermelons
- Vegetables like: Carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, radish, zucchini, yellow squash, spinach, sweet potatoes
What foods should be limited or avoided?
- Caffeine
- Beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Foods that cause gas like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage
- Fish with high levels of mercury such as mackerel, swordfish, tuna, and shark
- Butter, margarine, and lard
- Sweets
When do I need to call the doctor?
Talk to your doctor if your favorite food is not on the list. Be sure to ask if you have questions about breastfeeding. ‚
Helpful tips
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs. Some drugs can be passed to the baby through your milk.
- Try to eat at the same time each day.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Alcohol-Breast-Milk.aspx ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/How-a-Healthy-Diet-Helps-You-Breastfeed.aspx ‚
La Leche League ‚
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbmarapr04p44.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/breastfeeding/Pages/breastfeeding-diet.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚