Breast feeding is a very special time in the life of a mother and her baby. It is important for mom to maintain a well-balanced diet in order in-order for both of them to get the proper nutrients needed.
Foods that are beneficial to the body during breast feeding are called lactogenic. If you are a breast feeding mother, some of the foods that are beneficial to you and the baby are:
• Oatmeal – good for relaxation and increases the production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for the production of milk.
• Spinach – an excellent source of calcium, vitamins A. K and folic acid. It is also an excellent source of phytoestrogens, a plant based chemical that is similar to estrogen produced by the body.
• Carrots – contain phytoestrogens and also a good source of energy.
• Hummus – made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, a good source of energy.
• Papaya – has phytoestrogen and also promotes relaxation.
• Asparagus – contains phytoestrogen, fiber, folic acid, vitamins A, C, K and also tryptophan which stimulates prolactin, a hormone needed for milk production.
• Brown rice – Is a complex carbohydrate which is great for energy and also can increase serotonin level in the brain which is important for prolactin production.
• Apricots – contain fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. Also contains tryptophan.
• Salmon – contains essential fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acid both help in the production of hormones needed for lactation.
It is very important for women who are nursing to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you would like to discuss your breast feeding nutrition requirements with a lactation consultant in our Women’s Health Center, please call 718-291-3276
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.