Breastfeeding is the most appropriate feeding method for the healthy growth and development of the baby. It has a biological and psychological effect on the health of the mother and baby.
Breastfeeding Period
The need for energy and nutrients during breastfeeding is higher than during pregnancy. The energy required for milk production during the lactation period is provided from two sources:
1- Energy stored as body fat during pregnancy2- Energy from food groups
During lactation period, the mother both keeps her own body's nutrient stores in balance and the milk that she secretes. Adequate and balanced diet should be provided to get energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Otherwise, it will spend from its own body stores. This causes her health to deteriorate and insufficient milk secretion.
Energy and nutritional needs during lactation
A woman who fully meets her baby's needs with breast milk secretes 700-800 mL of milk on average per day. The need for energy and nutrients, which is the equivalent of this milk, should be increased by adding to the normal need during the lactation period. At least 8-12 glasses of fluid should be taken a day. Since milk and fruit juice will also provide the consumption of other nutrients, it will also affect breast milk productivity. For example; milk consumption will provide calcium and fruit juice will provide vitamin C.
Slimming diet should not be done during lactation period. During this period, the energy to be taken daily should be regulated by a nutritionist. Especially at the beginning of the lactation period, a low-calorie diet reduces milk production and adversely affects the nutritional value of milk. can change the taste. While this situation creates discomfort in some babies (such as gas formation, refusal to breastfeed), some may not notice it at all.
Nutrition recommendations during breastfeeding
Mothers should not rush to return to their old weight. This process is under the control of a dietitian.
Slimming diet should not be applied in puerperant women. However, care should be taken not to overeat floury, fatty and sugary foods.
It is important for the mother to be well fed, stress-free and well-rested and to breastfeed her baby at frequent intervals in order for the milk to be discharged during the breastfeeding period. Liquid food should be taken.
Liquid intake should be approximately 3 liters (10-12 glasses of water) per day, and especially light natural teas such as water, linden, mint, chamomile, nettle, unsweetened compote, freshly squeezed fruit juices, lemonade and milk. should be preferred as beverages.
Food groups such as milk, eggs, cheese, which are rich in calcium, must be included in the daily nutrition program.
Foods containing additives such as salami, sausage, sausage should be avoided as much as possible.
Vitamin and Vegetables and fruits rich in minerals should be included in every meal.
Iodized salt should definitely be used. Because iodine is effective in the baby's intelligence development and cannot be taken with natural foods.
Tea, coffee, cola should not be consumed as much as possible. When tea is desired to be drunk, it is important to consume it as clear and with lemon 1-2 hours after the meal in order to prevent vitamin and mineral losses.
Iron deficiency is a common problem during breastfeeding. Consumption of red meat and green leafy vegetables should be increased to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron, which is passed to the baby with breast milk, is also important in terms of filling the baby's iron stores and using it in blood production.
Foods rich in iron; meat, chicken, fish, eggs, offal, nuts (such as walnuts, almonds), dried fruits (such as grapes, apricots, plums, fruit pulp), legumes (such as dried beans, chickpeas, lentils), molasses and green leafy vegetables. Pay attention to the consumption of these foods.
Fish consumption should take an important place in the mother's diet. Omega-3, DHA, EPA, which are found in fish and will pass to the baby with breast milk, are important for the mental development of the baby.
No foodstuffs of unknown content should be consumed, additives in the food may pass from the mother's milk to the baby, and undesirable situations may be encountered.
To agricultural products. Vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly as pesticides are thrown away. r.
Smoking and alcohol, artificial sweeteners should not be used because they pass into breast milk.
Read: 6
