Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for the first year of life by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are some of the basics of breastfeeding nutrition. 

Extra Calories: As a nursing mother, you will need an additional 400-500 calories a day to help keep up your energy. To achieve this, snack on a slice of whole-grain bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a banana or apple, and 8 ounces of fat-free yogurt.  Make sure to eat a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables throughout the day.

Extra Fluids: Be sure to drink frequently. Have a glass of water nearby when you breast feed your baby. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids a day. Be cautious of juices and sugary drink as they can cause weight gain.

What to avoid while Breastfeeding:

• Alcohol- There is no level of alcohol in breast milk that is considered safe.
• Caffeine- Avoid drinking more than 16-25 ounces of caffeinated drinks a day
• Fish- Exposure to fish with high amounts of mercury through breast milk can pose a risk to a baby’s developing nervous system. Fish low in mercury that would be considered good choices include: shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna and catfish.

Healthy eating and nutrition tips for Breastfeeding Moms.

New mothers often wonder do they have to follow certain restrictions or a special diet while they are breastfeeding. The answer is simple: NO!  Isn’t that great news? There are really no foods you have to avoid.  You can continue to enjoy all the foods you love.  There are no “magic foods” which help moms make more breast milk.

The following are nutrition tips to keep in mind:

Drink plenty of fluids.  Try to remember to drink at least one healthy beverage every time you breastfeed your baby. It’s a good idea to limit sugary beverages such as sodas and fruit drinks. 

Limit caffeine.  Since caffeine is a stimulant it should be limited. Try to limit caffeine to no more than 2-3 cups per day.  Too much caffeine can certainly cause the baby to be fussy or not sleep well.

Be aware of the link between what you eat and how baby is feeling.  If you notice baby is gassy or fussy after you have had your favorite spicy food or green vegetable you might want to avoid that food until your baby is a little older and might be able to better digest it.

Be aware that when following a strict vegan diet or when limiting the amount of animal protein in your diet you may need a vitamin B12 supplement.  You can protect yourself and your baby by taking a supplement. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your B12 needs.

Hope this helps you feel better about making healthy choices for you and your baby!!!!  The following are some links you might find helpful in gathering additional information about breastfeeding and nutrition.

Don’t forget, The Art of Breastfeeding, is a great class all about getting started successfully on the road to Breastfeeding. Call 1-800-StJames to register or to get more information about all of our Childbirth Education Classes.

Happy Breastfeeding to All!!!!

www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html

www.llli.org (LaLeche League International)

www.womenshealth.gov

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Breastfeeding mommies!

Today is our day.

We’re off to Great Places!

We’re off and away!

We have milk in our breasts.  We have babies to feed.

We can steer ourselves

In any direction we need.

We are in this together.  And we know what we know.

And WE are the women who’ll decide where to go.

We’ll look up and down streets.  Look ‘em over with care.

About some we will say, “I can choose to feed there.”

With our breasts full of milk and our children to feed,

We’re too smart to not breastfeed wherever we need.

(In support and celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, 2012. Contributed by HealthConnect One.  Visit www.healthconnectone.org for more information and to support breastfeeding.)

Why is Breastfeeding so important?

There is so much information available currently about the benefits of breastfeeding that it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure it all out.  Here are some very important reasons why “Breast is Best” not only when it comes to being the best for our babies but also because there are benefits for our mothers health also.

Breastfed babies are healthier all throughout their childhood.  They will have less otitis media (middle ear infections).  Infants who are fed even a combination of breast milk and formula are twice as likely to suffer from ear infections compared to infants that are exclusively breastfed.

Breastfed babies have greater protection against lower respiratory infections, eczema and gastrointestinal infections.

Breastfed babies are significantly less likely to develop childhood obesity.  As you may have heard the obesity problem in the US is big and getting bigger every day. When a baby is breastfed they stop eating when they are full.  This insures that they are not over eating each time they are fed.

For mothers the benefits are also far reaching.  There is a decreased risk of osteoporosis. Breastfeeding promotes an increase in calcium production which helps to prevent bone loss later in life.

Breastfeeding women also have added protection against ovarian cancer AND breastfeeding women also have a reduced incidence of breast cancer later in life.

So when everywhere you go you hear “BREAST IS BEST” NOW YOU CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT YOU KNOW SOME OF THE REASONS WHY!!!!

To learn more about breastfeeding sign up for a class in your area.  The Lullaby Birthplace does offer classes on breastfeeding at least twice per month.

Are you interested in breastfeeding at Franciscan St. James Health - Chicago Heights?
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