In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, some common questions about breastfeeding nutrition are answered below. Breastfeeding provides many benefits for both mother and baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life helps reduce the development of many acute and chronic illnesses.
The benefits of breastfeeding:
• allergic symptoms;
• respiratory and ear infections;
• food insensitivities;
• and even diabetes, obesity and asthma.
Nutritionally, the balance of nutrients in human milk cannot be found in any other human milk supplement. These factors help mature the infant’s gastrointestinal tract to support immune function. For a healthy, full-term infant, breast milk provides all of the child’s nutritional needs without other food and water.
How many calories do I need to support breastfeeding?
Additional calories are needed to support breastfeeding—however, fewer calories then you may think. If you are breastfeeding exclusively, you only need about 300 to 500 additional kcals from food—just an extra snack or two a day! The rest of your caloric needs will be met by fat store that you built up during pregnancy. Breastfeeding will help you lose pregnancy weight as long as you are not overeating.
Does eating gassy and spicy foods while breastfeeding cause colic and reflux in my infant?
Babies are naturally gassy and at risk for reflux. Eliminating foods from your diet to try and prevent these symptoms in your child is not recommended. When you avoid such foods, you often eliminate entire food groups necessary for healthful growth and development. Don’t avoid foods because you think it upsets your baby; there may be other reasons for your baby’s behavior. Talk to your pediatrician and a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.
Are there foods or supplements that will increase my milk supply?
It is rare that a woman is unable to produce enough milk for her baby. No supplement should be consumed without the approval of your physician. Many supplements, though natural, may cause harm to you or your baby. There is no evidence that any supplement or specific food helps you produce more milk. Continual stimulation, adequate hydration and a healthful diet are the best methods for ensuring enough milk is produced.
For more information on healthy eating, visit: www.choosemyplate.gov. This website allows you to track the foods you eat with SuperTracker to help you meet your pregnancy and breastfeeding needs.
For More Information:
Breastfeeding education and services at Mount Sinai Beth Israel
Breastfeeding classes and support groups offered through the Mount Sinai Roosevelt Parent/Family Education Program: call 212.523.6222
To find an excellent doctor who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.