Firstly, let me say, “If you are already breastfeeding your babies, YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!”
To reiterate, breast milk should be the first source of food for infants. Breastfeeding is favourable for both mother and child. Here are some breastfeeding perks.
But, sadly, some discourage breastfeeding.
One of the posts, on a mom’s FB group, said that her paediatrician discouraged breastfeeding, stating that she would get less fertile if she continued to breastfeed. WTF? Why are highly educated doctors saying stuff such as this? I truly hope that the woman concerned has either misunderstood or has some really complicated medical issue due to which her doctor had given her such advice. Otherwise, I cannot think of another reason.
Then, there was a woman whose husband was totally against breastfeeding, as the women in his family traditionally formula-fed their babies (which included him). Women formula-feed for various reasons like low supply, work timings, depression, etc. This definitely cannot become a tradition where you are NOT ALLOWED to breastfeed your baby, especially when you can, especially when it is beneficial for you and your baby.
Anyway, experts recommend that babies be breastfed for as long as possible. Or at least exclusively for the first 6 months, if possible. Did you know that babies can be breastfed for as long as 7 years? Yes, I was surprised, too. So, to keep up, here are some tips to keep your milk factory running. 😉
The nutrient needs of breastfeeding moms increase after delivery. This is a natural phenomenon to fulfil your baby’s needs as well as your own. While the amount of some elements from what you consume may directly affect your breast milk, others may not. The need for specific nutrients, such as protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, B12, selenium and zinc, grows as well.
According to nutritionist and dietitian Swati Narshana, it is advisable to keep in mind the following for healthy breastfeeding:
Eat a well-balanced diet which includes a variety of healthy foods (carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals).
Make a list of the top foods that increase milk production and make sure you have at least two bowls a day. Some of these are: Oatmeal, Garlic, Green Papaya, Carrots, Fennel seeds, Nuts, Bottle gourd, Salmon, Garlic and Dark Green Vegetables such as alfalfa, lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli.
Items to avoid while breastfeeding: High-mercury fish, excessive alcohol, heavy caffeine, and specific supply-reducing herbs like peppermint or sage. Some foods may cause discomfort, gas or rashes. Basically, look out for foods that affect you or your baby.
Don’t count your calories while breastfeeding, as everyone’s body is different with different needs. There is no specific number of calories required, but lactating moms generally need around 1800 to 2000 kcal per day.
Relax when you can. This is important as your body needs rest to function smoothly. You cannot stress your body out and I would generally snooze along with my baby (1st one).
Sesame and fenugreek seeds are known to improve breast milk. You can have a teaspoon every day with lukewarm water or simply add them to your salads, sandwiches or other homemade snacks.
Breast milk lays the foundation of nutrition for your baby. Breastfeeding your baby helps protect their immune system and promote physical and cognitive growth and development. It also helps in preventing infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea. Breastfeeding is said to have saved an estimated 800,000 infants each year by preventing death and stunting from malnutrition.
So, if you are a new mom and are blessed with breast milk, trust me, your babies will thank you for feeding them for as long as possible. All the best, dear mommies!
Image by badarsk from Pixabay
Once you are done breastfeeding, if you want, start losing the excess weight slowly but surely.
24 Comments
Very informative post on increasing milk supply during nursing your baby.
Thanks for the informative post. Will share with my best friend who is a new mom.
You’re welcome, Ginia! Hope your friend finds it helpful! Do let us know.
having curries filled with garlic helped me a lot during my feeding days. along with it i had good non veg food which worked quite well
I breastfed both my children but weaning is important,this mistake I have done with my first child. She doesn’t eat anything else, wants only breast feed and I have less milk supply. She always remains hungry and I have pain and sore nipples.
DM me if you have issues, I can direct you to someone who can help with this. Normally, kids know when they are hungry and when they are not.
This is a very helpful post for new moms. You have shared some good tips.
This is very informative post .Breastfeeding is beneficial for baby as well as for new mommy.
A new mom.can just go through your blog and get an idea on the whole about breastfeeding. Great information Cindy.
Thanks, Seema!
This information is incredibly useful buddy, I wish I had it years ago, thanks for sharing the tips.
My pleasure, Roma!
Very helpful post for new mothers. Daadi Maa ke nuske is what runs an Indian home, getting the information from an expert is very valuable.
Very informative and useful post for all new moms. It’s a complete package of all the knowhow that a new mom must have during her initial days of breastfeeding.
This is an informative post.
Thats a perfectly penned article..lover reading it. Really very helpful for new moms
I just don’t understand why some people are so dumb, how hard it can be to understand that breastfeeding is important for babies. Thank you for sharing this information and I hope it reaches more and more people.
True, please share it if you think it is will be helpful to someone.
Helpful for new moms
A very helpful post for new moms.
Thanks, Mayuri!
So true! Breastfeeding is beneficial for baby as well as for new mommy. I must say this is very informative and useful post for new mommies.
Thanks, Smita!
This looks like an interesting & informative post!