Experts advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid oily, fried, spicy, and processed foods. Excessive caffeine, alcohol, and certain herbs can also negatively impact the health of both mother and child. Adequate water and healthy liquids are essential to reduce maternal fatigue and maintain milk supply.
Diet Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers: It is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to pay special attention to their diet. According to Dr. Nidhi Nigam, a Clinical Nutritionist and Health Coach, breastfeeding women should avoid oily, fried, spicy, and packaged foods. Excessive caffeine, alcohol, and certain herbs can affect milk quality and supply. Meanwhile, sufficient intake of water, coconut water, and herbal drinks keeps the mother hydrated and helps provide the baby with proper nutrition.
Avoid Fried and Spicy Foods
Dr. Nidhi Nigam explains that breastfeeding mothers should avoid fried and excessively spicy foods. These foods are difficult to digest and can disrupt digestion. When the mother experiences digestive issues, it can affect the baby as well. Additionally, such foods can increase problems like gas and acidity.
Avoid Packaged and Processed Foods
Nowadays, various types of packaged and processed foods are available in the market. These contain high amounts of preservatives and artificial flavors. Such products can be harmful to breastfeeding mothers. They not only affect the mother's body, but harmful elements can also reach the baby's body through breast milk.
Limit Intake of Tea and Coffee
Caffeine has a negative impact on both the mother and the baby. Dr. Nigam says that excessive consumption of tea and coffee can be harmful during breastfeeding. Taking too much caffeine can lead to problems like irritability, lack of sleep, and restlessness in the baby. For this reason, breastfeeding mothers should keep their caffeine intake very limited.
Mother's Diet is the Baby's Nutrition
Experts say that whatever the mother eats directly affects the breast milk. That milk goes into the baby's body and becomes a source of strength for them. Therefore, the mother's diet should be clean, balanced, and nutritious. If the mother is careful about her diet, the baby will also receive complete nutrition and their immunity will be strengthened.
Alcohol and Certain Herbs are Also Harmful
A breastfeeding mother should completely abstain from alcohol. Alcohol can directly reach the baby through the mother's milk and harm their health. In addition, some herbs and medications, such as sage or peppermint in large quantities, can reduce milk supply. If the mother consumes these, less milk is produced, and the baby may not receive adequate nutrition.
Staying Hydrated is Essential
During breastfeeding, the mother's body utilizes a lot of fluids. Therefore, drinking water is extremely important. The mother should continuously consume adequate amounts of water, coconut water, soups, and herbal drinks. This keeps the body hydrated and maintains a stable milk supply. Staying hydrated reduces maternal fatigue, and the baby also gets the right amount of milk.
Direct Impact on Baby's Health
Doctors say that sometimes mothers make small oversights that directly affect the baby. For example, if the mother eats very spicy or oily food, the baby may experience stomach pain or gas problems. Similarly, consuming caffeine and alcohol can affect the baby's sleep and overall health.
A Balanced Diet is the Greatest Support
During breastfeeding, the mother needs to be more vigilant. The body requires extra nutrition during this period. A balanced diet, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to better health for both mother and child. Experts constantly emphasize that whatever the mother eats goes directly to the baby. Therefore, eating and drinking habits should be chosen very carefully.
