What should a breastfeeding mother eat?
You are what you eat... that's how saying goes. When you are a new mom, this can take on a whole new meaning, because not only is your diet affecting you it is also going affect your new baby. When you are breastfeeding it is important that you pay close attention to what you place inside your body. This seems like it would be a "no- brainer" and in many ways it is. What happens more often than not though is that the cravings tend to get the best of the mother and that's where trouble can start.
Breastmilk has been found to take on the taste of the food that the mother has been eating. Infants enjoy the variation of breastmilk taste and it provides the infant with their first introduction to the various types of foods flavors that are there for them to eat and enjoy. Sometimes though, the things that moms eat the babies are not quite ready to experience yet... and you will know because the baby may begin to start fussing and pushing your breast away as a sign that they don't like the menu for today.
When breastfeeding mothers may want to avoid some foods all together because they can cause your baby to become gassy. Examples of these types of foods are cabbage, garlic, chilli & curry. As we said earlier, sometimes mothers get that craving, and no food is known for this more than caffine... and it hides in many forms like coffee, soda, and tea. This stuff will keep you up and if you are breastfeeding if could possibly keep your baby up so please try to stay clear of this while you are nursing.
For some more information on foods to eat during breastfeeding please visit here: Breastfeeding... foods to eat and avoid
What foods did you eat when you were breastfeeding? Did you yield to any of your breast feeding cravings? If so, please write about your experiences here... you may be able to inspire a new mom and dad with your testimony.