Breastfeeding

Breast milk is nature's baby food and is perfectly designed for your baby's physical and mental development. The composition of breast milk is constantly changing to meet the needs of your baby at each feeding - it is dynamic and alive. Breast milk can help boost an infant's immunity and has been shown to positively affect both the infant's and mom's future health.

Breastfeeding Pointers
A well-balanced, high quality and nourishing diet is vitally important not only to you, as you rebuild your nutrient stores, but also to your nursing newborn. To get the most from dietary choices while nursing, always include fresh, wholesome foods in your daily diet, including the Power Foods for Pregnant and Lactating Women. Despite the desire to lose weight, do not limit nutrient-rich foods during breastfeeding — your growing baby needs the nutrients.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding should begin immediately after birth and that babies be breastfed for at least one year, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Challenges and obstacles can most often be alleviated with information and support. The first week can be difficult for first time parents, so it could be helpful to meet with a lactation consultant or expert even before birth.

Many herbs promote the secretion and flow of breast milk. Look for herb teas specific for nursing mothers. Special creams are also available to help sooth sore nipples.

Certain foods eaten by mom can disagree with some breast-fed babies. Keep a food journal to determine what, if anything, in your diet may cause discomfort or reaction from your breastfeeding baby. If you are experiencing problems, experiment by eliminating: broccoli family vegetables (such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli), eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, citrus fruits, gluten-containing grains, spicy foods, or chocolate. Mom can also try drinking soothing teas made from chamomile, fennel or lemon balm or taking probiotic supplements to help baby's digestion.

Babies will develop a taste for whatever Mom eats, during lactation and even during pregnancy. It is known that breast milk and amniotic fluid provide flavor exposure to the baby. These exposures influence taste preferences and food choices after weaning and are critical in determining food preferences later in life.