When you are breastfeeding it's not a good time to diet and try to loose your baby weight, you can save that for later and belive me you will have more energy for dieting later... just leave it and who cares... you just had a baby for gods sake, why is there pressure to look great right away! But seriously, it's still so important to eat well for your baby. I thought it might be a good idea to make a list of things that are good to eat while breastfeeding.
I found this terrific list of great foods for breastfeeding mothers that is pretty uncomplicated and simple. It's from a really great book called:
FEEDING THE WHOLE FAMILY
Recipes for Babies, Young Children, and Their Parents
by Cynthia Lair - to buy it click here
WHOLE GRAINS
Quinoa, Millet, Sweet Brown Rice
LEGUMES
chickpeas, pinto and navy beans, lentils, split peas, fermented soy foods
VEGETABLES
anything dark green or orange
FRUITS
oranges, lemons, berries, grapes, grapefruit, apricots, peaches, melons
NUTS AND SEEDS
almonds, flaxseeds, pine nuts, sesame and pumpkin seeds, walnuts
SEA VEGETABLES
dulse, hijiki, arame
DAIRY
organic yogurt, kefir, sour cream and aged cheeses from grass-fed cows if possible, fresh goat milks and cheeses
FISH
wild line-caught fish, especially salmon and halibut, a good cod liver oil supplement can also be beneficial if access to wild fish is limited.
POULTRY
free-range or pastured poultry and eggs from them
MEAT
beef, lamb, and pork from humanely raised animals
These are foods that have above-average levels of one or more of the following nutrients: protein, calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Needs for these nutrients are elevated for nursing mothers.
Another side note that I read in the book that is great information is that the Colostrum, the first substance from the mothers breast, helps baby pass meconium, reduces the chance of jaundice, and supplies your baby with immunological properties... good to know!
If you want recipes for any of the above items I am pretty sure that I have written about just about each food so if you do a search on my blog you can probably find whatever you need... and if not, buy the book!
Have fun with your breastfeeding, and don't get crazy about your diet and over analyze what you are eating because that's way too stressful! And don't make this list of things that are good make you crazy! I just wanted to stress that this is not the time to diet and what's another year anyway... you have a lifetime to diet! let go and have fun!
Also, if you do a search for 'breastfeeding' I have posted many articles on this subject... I love a breastfeeding mom and I always want to support this anytime and anywhere!
