The Diet |
To ensure that the milk secretion continues regularly, and that the milk is well tolerated by the baby, the mother should follow a healthy and balanced diet during the breast-feeding period. The diet should be rich in fibres, liquids, mineral salts and vitamins, together with a good calorie intake (at least 600 more calories) to meet her own nutritional needs and produce a sufficient quantity of milk.
- If the mother has to follow a diet without milk or milk products, it is advisable to integrate the diet with calcium;
- It is fundamental, moreover, to have a large intake of liquids, above all, in the hot season, for example: water, herbal teas, and alcohol-free drinks, possibly non-fizzy;
- It is better not to eat “light” foods, as they contain synthetic sugars and tend to ferment: this could cause intestinal disturbances to the mother and colic for the newborn baby.
Apart from specific cases, for example in the case of allergies or intolerance to certain foods on the part of the parents, or the brothers and sisters of the newborn baby, which have to be communicated to the paediatrician, there are few limitations to the diet of the mother who breast-feeds:
- Coffee, decaffeinated if possible: 1 -2 cups a day;
- Tea: detanninated, if possible;
- Wine and beer: maximum half a glass of wine or a tin of beer during meals;
- Foods that might give the milk a particular taste, or which can cause problems to the breast-fed baby. The following should be avoided: cauliflower, artichokes, onions, garlic, asparagus, chocolate, flavourings, spices, and shellfish.
Things to Eliminate
Smoking must be eliminated or drastically reduced, because nicotine can pass into the milk, causing agitation, diarrhoea, and sickness. Spirits must also be eliminated.
 The mother who breast-feeds must have a peaceful life-style, obtain help with domestic chores and concentrate on the baby as much as possible. She must sleep sufficiently and be sure to be able to breast-feed the baby for all the time that is necessary. Physical traumas, strong emotions or psychological stress represents important reasons for the reduction or disappearance of milk secretion. It is advisable, moreover, to go for a walk to reactivate the circulation, stimulate the intestines and physical well-being. |
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