how much i have to eat while i am brestfeeding?

Question

i am losing weight and nursing a 6 month old baby?pls tell me how can i gain weight and how much i have to food ?just tell me the amount in simple way ,dont in the form of calories?

Answer 1

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/12more_bf_myths.html
2. A breastfeeding mother has to eat more in order to make enough milk.

Not true! Women on even very low calorie diets usually make enough milk, at least until the mother's calorie intake becomes critically low for a prolonged period of time. Generally, the baby will get what he needs. Some women worry that if they eat poorly for a few days this also will affect their milk. There is no need for concern. Such variations will not affect milk supply or quality. It is commonly said that women need to eat 500 extra calories a day in order to breastfeed. This is not true. Some women do eat more when they breastfeed, but others do not, and some even eat less, without any harm done to the mother or baby or the milk supply. The mother should eat a balanced diet dictated by her appetite. Rules about eating just make breastfeeding unnecessarily complicated.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-diet.html
Do I need to maintain a perfect diet while breastfeeding?

The short answer to this question is NO – you do not need to maintain a perfect diet in order to provide quality milk for your baby. In fact, research tells us that the quality of a mother’s diet has little influence on her milk. Nature is very forgiving – mother’s milk is designed to provide for and protect baby even in times of hardship and famine. A poor diet is more likely to affect the mother than her breastfed baby.

It's common to hear women say that they want to wean (or not breastfeed at all) because they miss drinking coffee, or want to have an occasional glass of wine, or don't like worrying constantly about everything they eat. Guess what? You can drink caffeinated beverages (in moderation), have an occasional drink, eat what you want and still provide your baby with the absolute best nutrition and immunological protection - mother's own milk.

According to Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D., breastfeeding researcher and anthropologist, women throughout the world make ample amounts of quality milk while eating diets composed almost entirely of rice (or millet or sorghum) with a tiny amount of vegetables and occasional meat.

Are healthy eating habits recommended for mom? Absolutely! You will be healthier and feel better if you eat well. It is best for anyone to eat a variety of foods, in close to their naturally-occurring state, but this is not necessary for providing quality milk or for maintaining milk supply. Although it is certainly not recommended, a breastfeeding mother could live on a diet of junk food – mom would not thrive on that diet, but her milk would still meet her baby's needs.

Answer 2

You really don't need to worry about eating a certain amount of food - just eat when you feel hungry. If you find yourself getting busy and forgetting to stop and eat, get in the habit of keeping a few healthy snacks (along with some water) on a side table next to your usual nursing spot. Then you can munch while the baby nurses. If you find yourself too busy with the baby to prepare meals, go out to eat! I ate out a LOT during my baby's first year.

Answer 3

A sensible balanced diet from the 5 food groups is the key. It's also a good idea to avoid those foods which upset you or to which other family members are allergic. . Also drink plently of water.

It's not uncommon to lose weight during breastfeeding. If you are worried about loosing too much weight increase your intake, such as an extra glass of milk or yoghurt.

If you are worried about getting enough nutrients. there are some great breastfeeding multivitamins available.

You could always ring the Australian Breastfeeding Association for help. They helped me a lot.

Answer 4

You should take in an extra 300 calories a day. The best way to break that down is to add an extra small meal. You should have between three and five very small meals a day. It helps you add calories without gaining weight. Just make sure to make sure the meals have lots of protein, like chicken and beans. Protein is full of good calories.

Answer 5

eat 5 small meals daily if you can...and incorporate the following

5 servings of veggies ( serving 1/2 cup)
5 servings of fruit ( serving 1/2 cup)
4-5 servings of grains, pasta ( 1/2 cup or 1 slice of bread
2-3 servings of protein, including eggs & peanut butter
cvaried condiments

the better varied diet you have the better your baby will appreciate all the tastes of the new foods once he starts
eating... you notice I didnt mention dairy.....do add dairy sparingly...my baby was breastfed and had what they call colic, I was drinking lots of milk, eating yogurt and such..
well I finally read about how dairy can casue colic symptoms..
so I eliminated dairy, and guess what... happy calm baby...

also veggies that cause gas, brocolli and cabbage and onions, bell peppers and sausages or processed meats can also put the baby off the breast...so watch what you eat, but eat enuf...at least 2x the amount you used to eat.

I would say add 500 calories, but you asked for none of that..
good luck...I gained weight and didnt eat like I sugg above..
who knows=))

Answer 6

eat 5 small meals a day, healthy food: rice, fruit, veggies, etc. Eat the rainbow, seriously you have to eat all kinds of veggies and fruits. Eat protein to and don't forget fiber, and don't worry about how much you are eating just what, and it's o.k to snack to, I do, and I have still lost plenty of weight, hell I don't even follow half of what I said and I still am losing( I do jog though)