|
|
|
 |
| Returning to work? Check out the breastfeeding tips and resources for working moms in this free handout from the NWHRC. |
- Similar to when you were pregnant, it's important that you lead a healthy
lifestyle. Make the right choices for you and your baby:
- Get plenty of rest. As a new mom, you're probably feeling overly tired.
This can lower your resistance to illness and may make breast infections
more likely.
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium. Try to eat lots of fruits
and vegetables, whole-grain cereals and breads, meats or beans, and milk
and dairy foods like cheese. Nursing burns extra calories—about
500 more each day—so make sure you are eating enough and drink
plenty of fluids. Best food choices for calcium are: milk, cheese, yogurt,
broccoli, sesame seeds, tofu and kale.
- Steer clear of fish and shellfish high in mercury—shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. You can eat 12 ounces per week (two servings) of fish and shellfish low in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, clams, haddock, trout and catfish. Check with your health care professional about specific guidance with regard to eating fish and shellfish.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can get into your milk. If you don't
think you're getting enough calcium (about five servings a day), talk with
your health care provider about supplements.
- Also ask your health care provider about any prescription medications
or over-the-counter drugs you are taking, just in case these may be harmful
to your baby.
- Pay attention to any reactions your baby has to your milk
- Problems are common during the beginning stages of nursing. Although it's
a natural process, breastfeeding is also an art. Take your time and try not
to get discouraged or overly stressed, which may make it worse.
- Ask for help if you need it. Lactation consultants can offer encouragement
and help you overcome difficulties. You may also want to find out about
new mom support groups. Talk openly with your partner and family about how
they can be supportive of your efforts to breastfeed.
| |
|
View References for this Health Topic
|
Create Date: 5/1/07
Date Last Updated: 7/17/07
Review Date: 5/1/07
|
|
| |
|
|
|
