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Breastfeeding and Nutrition: Expert Recommendations from a Lactation Consultant

Approved By: Dr. Lakshmi Devi M May 23, 2024 | 05:53 pm

If you are a breastfeeding mother, you might have several questions running across your mind. What type of food should you eat? Or what are the best breastfeeding positions? An expert lactation consultant in Bangalore can answer all your queries and guide you through the process of breastfeeding to make your transition into motherhood smooth and easy.

Important breastfeeding tips and recommendations from the top lactation consultant in Bangalore

Breastfeeding and a nutritive diet plan

A nutritional diet is always recommended and even more when you are breastfeeding. While breastfeeding you need a lot of energy and nutrition to produce milk for your baby. Therefore, it is always advisable to have nutrient-rich food that contains proteins, calcium, iron and vitamins.

Also, eating extra snacks while you breastfeed is recommended to meet your energy needs. A good nutritionist near you in Bangalore can advise you on the best diet plan for breastfeeding moms.

How much fluid intake is sufficient?

It is natural for breastfeeding moms to feel thirsty while feeding. An important breastfeeding tip is to ensure a good amount of fluid intake. Although all fluids count, water is the most recommended. To ensure an appropriate intake of water, you can use a bottle with measurement markings. This way, you can be sure that you are drinking enough water in a day.

Ideally, it is advisable to drink a minimum of three to four liters of fluids every day. Water, milk, buttermilk, coconut water and fresh fruit juices are highly recommended fluids during your breastfeeding months and after.

If you are an avid coffee drinker, you might want to limit your caffeine intake while you feed your baby. Caffeine traces in your breast milk might interfere with your baby’s sleep pattern.

Also, you must strictly avoid consuming alcohol while you breastfeed. Alcohol content in your breast milk is harmful to your baby.

nutritionist in Whitefield Bangalore

Managing your weight

One of the most frequently asked questions by breastfeeding mom’s is whether they can diet to lose weight while breastfeeding. The answer to this is quite straightforward. Going on a crash diet while breastfeeding is not a recommended plan of action.

Remember, you miss out on a lot of nutrients when you crash diet and consequently, you will be depriving your baby of essential nutrients too.

Therefore, it is advisable to be patient and concentrate on losing weight gradually and not all at once. You can eat nutritious food and avoid sugar intake in your diet. Also, on your doctor’s advice, you can start a light exercise to aid your weight management plans.

For lactating mothers, it is generally recommended that you do not consume less than 1500- 1800 calories per day. Also, remember to include at least 15g-20g of protein in your diet. Remember, compromising on your calorie and protein intake during breastfeeding may result in a lower supply of milk for your baby.

Also, as the body, already has stored fat of around 3kgs for lactation, there is no need to increase carbohydrates and fat intake. It is advisable to increase your protein intake to meet yours and your baby’s nutritional needs.

Comfortable breastfeeding positions for you and your baby

Research shows that breastfeeding exhibits psychological benefits for both mother and baby. That is why it is important to experience the most comfortable breastfeeding positions to enhance the bond between mother and baby.

Managing the best latching-on position is a skill. You will slowly discover the best position that is comfortable to you and your baby. Finding the best latching position also prevents cracked and sore nipples. You can try any of the recommended positions.

Cradle-hold position

This breastfeeding position is one of the most popular and comfortable for both mother and baby. Here, the mother is propped in a sitting-upright position with the baby cradled in her arms. A good lactation consultant in Bangalore can guide you with the most comfortable cradle-hold position, allowing you to experience the best moments of motherhood.

Also, you can visit good ANC classes for a live demonstration of the most comfortable lactating positions.

Lying on your side

Another popular position is lying on your side on a comfortable bed. This position is usually the most comfortable especially when you are feeding your baby in the middle of the night. Here, your baby too will be lying on her/his side. You can position some pillows behind your back to make yourself more comfortable in this position.

Biological nursing

You can also breastfeed your baby while you lie back comfortably on a bed or sofa. Here your baby will lie on your tummy while you feed. Visit the best ANC classes near you in Bangalore to learn the most comfortable biological nursing position for you and your baby.

Rugby holding position

If you have just undergone a cesarean delivery then this breastfeeding position may be the most comfortable for you as there is no pressure on your surgical cut in this position. The rugby clutch allows you to support your baby’s neck with your palm while your baby is comfortably nestled under your arm.

Conclusion

Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bangalore is a top maternity hospital in Bangalore. We have on board, a team of highly qualified doctors, nurses, lactating consultants and nutritionists in Whitefield Bangalore to ensure reliable care for pregnant and new mothers.

At Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, we offer superior medical and emotional support to pregnant and new mothers, making us one of the most preferred maternity and childcare hospitals in Bangalore.

Our proven techniques and diagnostic assessments allow us to provide superior healthcare services to our patients. From professional ANC classes to expert lactation consultants in Bangalore, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Whitefield Bangalore is a leading hospital for pregnancy.

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