
The importance of balanced diet assumes greater significance in the case of a pregnant women or for those who have recently delivered. While your health-care expert will take you through the foods you must load up on daily and what to steer clear of, certain points must be kept in mind to sail through this period with much ease.
Here are a few dos and don’ts for breastfeeding women –
Dos
- Follow a well-balanced diet as it impacts the quantity and quality of milk. Since milk production requires additional calories, you will need to increase your energy intake. You will also need to include other vital nutrients such as proteins, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B and C, among others.
- Plan your meals. You should eat three nutritious meals in a day, along with light but healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, smoothies, etc. Skipping meals should be avoided.
- Keep a lookout for your iron intake. Lactating mothers need additional iron intake (25 mg of iron). Iron sources include green leafy vegetables, pulses, eggs, meat, etc.
- Drink water, at least 8-to glasses per day, which will help you curb dehydration that is caused when you breastfeed every two to four hours.
- Include fluids like juices, soups and milk in your diet which will help in milk production.

Follow a well-balanced diet as it impacts the quantity and quality of milk
Don’ts
- Try and keep away from caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, chocolate and colas.
- Stay away from junk food like sugary treats or fried snacks as they contain no nutritional value.
- Bad habits like smoking or alcohol consumption should be avoided or it will affect the baby.
- Make sure that the food you consume is clean and hygienic to reduce chances of infection.