breastfeeding mommies.... What is your diet?

Question

What do you eat in a day? What special things have you added? Or nixed out of your diet for the sake of breastfeeding?

I eat ALOT, and im just wondering what other mommies eat...

my son is 6months

Answer 1

I nursed all 3 of my kids, and I ate absolutely anything I wanted, with the exceptions of caffeine and alcohol. When you're nursing you're losing about 2500 calories a day, so don't be afraid to eat. Be smart and sensible about it, because as he/she is introduced to solid foods, he/she will nurse less, therefore you will lose fewer calories. Just eat well and don't worry about it. If you've eaten something that disagrees with your baby, you'll hear about it!

Answer 2

I can't help with the diet thing, but I just read an article about vegetarian parents and how the kids have more physical and mental developmental issues, and are more prone to becoming sick easier then those on a non-vegetarian diet. Something to keep in mind. Don't get me wrong, if you choose to be a vegetarian, great. But your baby requires a high leveler of proteins and fats then you do. Whichever meal plan you choose, put your babies nutritional needs ahead of any other moral convictions about eating meats and fish. There is plenty of time to diet and remove the pregnancy weight. It's not generally recommended while nursing.

Answer 3

I eat a LOT too! How old is your baby? Mine is 3 months. I keep joking that I must be pregnant again b/c I eat like I am. I'm trying to eat only healthy foods, but I crave sweets SOOOO bad! Remember you should not try to diet or anything while nursing, you actually burn more calories nursing than you do when your pregnant (I think, I'm pretty sure). I nixed dairy, onions, & spicy food out of my diet, but only because my baby's tummy would get upset when I ate that stuff. I've also heard that caffine can decrease your milk supply, so I don't drink any soda. I drink TONS & TONS of water too, hope this helps :)

Answer 4

Most nursing women can eat a normal, healthy diet with no adverse effects. Clearly, caffeine and alcohol need to be consumed in serious moderation, and all medication should be run by your doctor first. The idea that spicy food causes gas in babies is a myth. as is the whole "pump and dump" theory to get rid of alcohol, etc.

There are some babies who do have food sensitivities while nursing, but it's not common. A good friend of mine thought every fart her newborn made meant she had stop eating something. Seriously, it was like "Ffffpppttt!" "Oh, guess I can't eat garlic any more". Don't sweat it.

Answer 5

I was eating what I'd regularly eat, then I cut out peanuts since our oldest is allergic (not nursing, just don't have it in the house although I love peanuts) and recently I had to cut out milk as my youngest is allergic and I am trying to improve his eczema. I do eat a lot of higher fat foods though - I haven't been gaining weight, actually lost some of my first prenatal visit weight, so getting too much fat hasn't been a problem. I still don't drink alcohol since there just isn't enough time between nursings to have a drink and get it out of my system. Although I really want some eggnog this holiday season....

Answer 6

I pretty much eat whatever I want. I am a fairly healthy eater though, so I'm not saying I fill up on junk all day long. When my daughter was younger I avoided eating a lot of things with tomato because it upset her but she grew out of that. One thing to remember, your body (breast milk) will always give your baby what it needs, it is your own body that will suffer if your diet isn't good.

Answer 7

I breastfed for 15 months with my daughter and I pretty much ate whatever I wanted. I did and still do drink a lot of milk because I enjoy it. I did still take prenatal pills. I'm 14 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and plan on breastfeeding again.

Answer 8

I eat more in one meal than my fiance eats all day! I'm ALWAYS hungry! But it's not because of breastfeeding, I've always been that way (believe ot or not, I ony weigh 92lbs.!) I haven't added anything...truthfully, I eat alot of junk, but I also try to incorporate lots of Vitamin D.

The only thing I've nixed is Ginseng. (I haven't had garlic since the morning sickness....).

Answer 9

BFing burns alot of calories so eating more than usual is good! Eat whatever you want just keep in mind what goes in your body, goes into baby's body too. Drink lots of water and try to add more fruits and veggies. Your body knows what it's doing, it'll keep your baby well nourished! Keep taking your prenatals too.

Answer 10

I have tripled my intake of water, and have had to cut out alot of stuff because my daughter gets really bad diarrhea from alot of foods. I can't eat red meat and try to avoid tomatoes. I do eat alot more fresh veggies now though.