What to Eat While Breastfeeding

The stress and strain on your body does not end once the baby is born; breastfeeding too puts your body through its paces, burning calories and creating hormones that support both bonding with the newborn and physical recovery. As you might imagine, the right nutritional support is essential for successful breastfeeding. We believe that healthy, natural foods are best for people – this is why we created a line of baby foods that parents can feel confident about. Keep your body strong and fit with these important food choices.

Choose a Variety of Healthy Foods

These are some cornerstones of breastfeeding nutrition:

• Complex carbohydrates – whole grain cereals and bread are ideal sources
• Fresh vegetables and fruit – wash thoroughly to remove pesticide residue and other contaminants
• Monounsaturated fats – choose canola oil and olive oil
• Polyunsaturated fats – reach for fresh avocados and lightly salted nuts

Needless to say, highly processed foods are unlikely to deliver the optimal balance of nutrition nursing moms need. High fat and high sugar snacks should be avoided. The occasional desert will certainly not harm your baby but it is unlikely to provide you with the nutritional spectrum your body needs.

Eat At a Steady Pace

There is a good chance that you will feel extra-hungry while breastfeeding. This is because your body is constantly transforming blood into milk, which burns up the calories and nutrients you have taken in; you will feel hungry between meals. Plan small, healthy snacks to tide you through these hunger attacks. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great option; enjoy with a bit of yogurt or good quality cheese as a source of healthy fats.

Great Nutrition Leads to Great Health

Your body is working very hard right now so listen to your needs and adapt your meal choices accordingly. Try new foods and experiment with old favorites to keep them new and interesting. When it comes time to introduce your baby to solid foods, you can count on Amara Organics for baby foods that meet your high standards for nutritional quality.