Do you have to change your diet when nursing?

Question

I know that eating well, and taking your multi-vitamin are very important while pregnant, but what about afterwards, when nursing? are there foods that help or hinder milk production? very concerned about this, because I could only feed my first for the first 2mths of his life..and for some reason he was still hungry afterwards, so I switched him to formula.

Answer 1

Yes u have to change ur diet when nursing. It keeps ur baby healthy and strong. Now if u don't like what I'm saying to u then hey let ur baby be disabled or even dead. But I think ur follow my instructions though. U can switch the formula if u like too.

Answer 2

Only suggestion I have on this is to watch for dairy allergies.  If something funky goes on with his stool or behaviour, try cutting out dairy and see if it helps.  Be careful with spicy foods too...bad gas comes from it :)  Those two things might not hinder the production, but it'll definitely make him not want breastmilk anymore and make you want to switch to formula.

Answer 3

Well the doctors recommend that you still take your prenatal vitamins and they advise to drink lots of water. Apart from that you don't really need to do anything.

Answer 4

The main thing is fluid intake.  You need lots of fluid.  Many recomend that you have a drink near by when ever you're nursing to that you can sip on the drink while you nurse.

Otherwise, you just have to account for the extra 200 - 500 calories a day nursing burns.  This can either be extra calorie intake, or "baby fat", as nursing is an excelent way of sheding those pregnancy pounds.

Answer 5

you shouldn't have to at all...unless there is a tummy problem with the infant.....you sould eat lots of healthy foods and tons of water! don't worry about your diet, eat normally. Breastfeeding doesn't have to be so complicated....just eAt! you'll be fine =)

Answer 6

it's best not to switch babies to formula.

it is best for him to stay on human milk, it's proven in countless researches that it reduces SIDS (sudden infant death) and raise immune functions. (milk contains the t-cells from the mother, and is directly passed to the baby

if your nursing, it's best to get foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acid (DHA) However, stay away from foods that might contain mercury, lead, or heavy metals (yea that might be hard to do both at the same time)

Answer 7

Usually you just eat a normal, healthy diet, and drink enough fluids, and all is well.  Oatmeal does have a reputation for increasing supply (and sage reduces it), so indulge in oatmeal cookies and pass on the turkey stuffing ...

But rather than worrying about diet, I would be looking at why you dried up at 2 months -- if, in fact, that's what happened.  What led you to think your milk was insufficent?  How often were you nursing?  Were you feeding on a a schedule or on demand?  Did you see a lactation consultant?  How was his weight gain?  Enough wet diapers?

Insufficient milk is VERY rare.  Insufficient knowlege and support, much less rare.

Answer 8

You should try to eat healthy for you and the baby.

Answer 9

you should what ever you eat that is the nutrition the baby gets!

Answer 10

You need to stay away from spicy things. It can give your baby a tummy ache. Also watch what you eat. My kiddo would get sick if I ate to much chocolate. (He doesn't like it at all now he's 4).  

Answer 11

well it depends on what you are eating in the first place and if you want your child to be  healthy or not. of course the natural answer to that is of course. if now you are eating for example french fries hamburger and a soft drink try changing it to maybe a green veggie some chicken and water.still delicious and very nutritious and extremely healthy for your baby. also do not go near anyone who can cause you and your baby second hand smoke.

good luck and i guess the answer to your question has to be yesss. hahah. :]

Answer 12

Nope. Extreme amounts of sage or parsley are known to hinder milk production. Steel cut oats and barley help production. But pretty much, you can eat what you want.

A common cause of low supply is not feeding frequently enough. The breast will make more milk the more often it is emptied. I would suggest meeting with a lactation consultant before birth this next time.