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World Breastfeeding Week 2022: Foods that mothers should eat and what to avoid while breastfeeding

Updated On Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

World Breastfeeding Week 2022: Breast milk is the best milk for babies and here's a guide from doctors on what foods mothers should eat and what not to eat while breastfeeding their little one

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Breastfeeding is an integral part of the experience of motherhood however, there are several apprehensions in the mind of a new mother around what to and what not to eat during this phase. Awareness on which foods are beneficial and clarifying myths is important for the health of both the mother and the baby. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ameya Kanakiya, Co-Founder and Gynaecologist at Elda Health, told Zarafshan Shiraz, “Typically it is advised that one shouldn’t eat sprouts, pulses, curd, brinjal, potato etc., as the baby might be intolerant to certain proteins in some food items. On the contrary, a mother should eat all of this and other food items as well because her body needs all the nutrients. Moreover, there is no blanket rule about babies and you can only learn things by trial and error.” (Photo by Bia Octavia on Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

Breastfeeding is an integral part of the experience of motherhood however, there are several apprehensions in the mind of a new mother around what to and what not to eat during this phase. Awareness on which foods are beneficial and clarifying myths is important for the health of both the mother and the baby. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ameya Kanakiya, Co-Founder and Gynaecologist at Elda Health, told Zarafshan Shiraz, “Typically it is advised that one shouldn’t eat sprouts, pulses, curd, brinjal, potato etc., as the baby might be intolerant to certain proteins in some food items. On the contrary, a mother should eat all of this and other food items as well because her body needs all the nutrients. Moreover, there is no blanket rule about babies and you can only learn things by trial and error.” (Photo by Bia Octavia on Unsplash)

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Dr Ameya Kanakiya advised, “Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables and foods which contain calcium is essential. It will help the body overcome the loss of iron and calcium and keep you healthy in the long run. It is also important for mothers to keep themselves well hydrated and eat food items that boost milk production such as fenugreek, garlic, coconut, and oatmeal etc. They should avoid going on any diets as the body needs balanced nutrition during this period. They should also just eat dry fruits, fenugreek and edible gum that comes in the form of laddoos but ditch that extra ghee. This is because the body needs nutrients from these ingredients and not the ghee. Last, but not the least, it is good to drink water at normal temperature as warm water has no extra benefits.” Asserting that breast milk is the best milk, Shruthi Mahesh, CAPPA certified Lactation Consultant at HUMM, shared a guide on what to eat while breastfeeding your little one and what to avoid: (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

Dr Ameya Kanakiya advised, “Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables and foods which contain calcium is essential. It will help the body overcome the loss of iron and calcium and keep you healthy in the long run. It is also important for mothers to keep themselves well hydrated and eat food items that boost milk production such as fenugreek, garlic, coconut, and oatmeal etc. They should avoid going on any diets as the body needs balanced nutrition during this period. They should also just eat dry fruits, fenugreek and edible gum that comes in the form of laddoos but ditch that extra ghee. This is because the body needs nutrients from these ingredients and not the ghee. Last, but not the least, it is good to drink water at normal temperature as warm water has no extra benefits.” Asserting that breast milk is the best milk, Shruthi Mahesh, CAPPA certified Lactation Consultant at HUMM, shared a guide on what to eat while breastfeeding your little one and what to avoid: (Unsplash)

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1. Spinach is a superfood rich in source of calcium, fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins A, K, E, and C. Include this in your everyday meal in a smoothie or lentil soup. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

1. Spinach is a superfood rich in source of calcium, fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins A, K, E, and C. Include this in your everyday meal in a smoothie or lentil soup. (Unsplash)

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2. Legumes and beans are loaded with minerals, fibre, and phytochemicals. You can include chickpeas, kidney beans, alfalfa, and horse gram in your diet. Add these to your breads/rice to make them more nutritious and filling.  (Vidya Subramanian /Hindustan Times) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

2. Legumes and beans are loaded with minerals, fibre, and phytochemicals. You can include chickpeas, kidney beans, alfalfa, and horse gram in your diet. Add these to your breads/rice to make them more nutritious and filling.  (Vidya Subramanian /Hindustan Times)

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3. Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, improving postpartum recovery and increasing breastmilk. Eggs are rich in protein, vitamin D and B12, riboflavin, and folate. (Shutterstock) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

3. Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, improving postpartum recovery and increasing breastmilk. Eggs are rich in protein, vitamin D and B12, riboflavin, and folate. (Shutterstock)

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4. Avoid Mercury-rich fish such as bigeye tuna, shark, and king mackerel. (Shutterstock) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

4. Avoid Mercury-rich fish such as bigeye tuna, shark, and king mackerel. (Shutterstock)

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5. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer increase calcium levels in your body allowing for stronger muscles and bones. Fluids like coconut water, and vegetable soups will keep you hydrated to maintain your breastmilk supply. (Shutterstock) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

5. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer increase calcium levels in your body allowing for stronger muscles and bones. Fluids like coconut water, and vegetable soups will keep you hydrated to maintain your breastmilk supply. (Shutterstock)

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6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as babies find it difficult to filter these substances from their bodies. (Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as babies find it difficult to filter these substances from their bodies. (Unsplash)

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7. Whole grains (rice, wheat, ragi, and millets) are nutrient-dense - they ensure energy levels are maintained and support hormones for making breastmilk. (Pixabay) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

7. Whole grains (rice, wheat, ragi, and millets) are nutrient-dense - they ensure energy levels are maintained and support hormones for making breastmilk. (Pixabay)

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8. Avoid highly processed foods rich in unhealthy fats to maintain a balanced diet. (Shutterstock) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Aug 06, 2022 08:41 PM IST

8. Avoid highly processed foods rich in unhealthy fats to maintain a balanced diet. (Shutterstock)

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