Start of breastfeeding. What the new mom needs to eat

The beginning of the breastfeeding period is a delicate moment in terms of the mother's diet. Many recommendations are those that circulate by word of mouth and on the Internet about the needs of the mother to produce quality milk and in quantity. But, what does the new mom actually need to eat at t

The beginning of the breastfeeding period is a delicate moment in terms of the mother's diet. Many recommendations are those that circulate by word of mouth and on the Internet about the needs of the mother to produce quality milk and in quantity. But, what does the new mom actually need to eat at the start of breastfeeding? What should the mother eat at the beginning of breastfeeding

- The reality is that, although the mother's diet during breastfeeding does not have to be different from the diet of any other woman, that is, healthy and balanced , the beginning of breastfeeding also coincides with the postpartum period, a time when the micronutrients and fluids that have been lost during delivery must be replenished

. -Postpartum anemia is very frequent in postpartum

, more than 25% of mothers suffer even if the delivery has been uncomplicated. The number increases alarmingly when delivery requires instruments and suffer blood losses higher than usual. After delivery, it is convenient to eat iron-rich foods in order to recover the loss that childbirth causes. Combining these foods with others rich in vitamin C makes the absorption of non-heme iron more effective. They are rich in iron heme red meats, and do not heme legumes and some green leafy vegetables. To ensure a good intake is also useful to avoid foods that hinder the absorption of iron, such as drinks with caffeine or dairy products, and postpone their intake at least 2h so they do not interfere. Fiber also hinders the absorption of iron, although it is, on the other hand, recommended to avoid constipation. El - Fish and nuts are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, nutrients that appear asprotective against postpartum depression y, and are also a very important source of iodine, the only micronutrient that may need to be supplemented in the nursing mothers. L - Hydration is also key during this period ya, since, to get rid of the fluid retention typical of the last weeks of pregnancy and that prevails after delivery, and although it seems contradictory, water is strictly necessary. Los - Slow-absorbing carbohydrates are other desirable foods in the lactating mother's diet, as not only

help to recover the line

, controlling caloric intake and allowing energy to be released slowly, but, by stabilizing the levels of blood sugar, help the emotional and physical stabilization of the mother. On the other hand, although it is absolutely clear that the flavors of the different foods reach the breast milk, these flavors already arrived, through the placentato the amniotic fluid, so the baby is already used to them . It is not sufficient reason, therefore, to avoid any food during lactation, and the mother can consume what she wants provided it is a healthy and balanced diet.