Energy
An additional 550 kcal for first six months and 400 kcal during the
next six months are required for a lactating mother. This can be
achieved by including whole grain cereals, pulses, milk and milk
products in the daily diet. There is no need for high calorie foods
like ghee.
Protein
Protein requirement is also increased during lactation due to the milk
production. The Indian council of medical research has recommended an
additional daily intake of 25gm for the first six months and 18 gm
during the six to twelve months of lactation. If the protein and
energy is lacking in the mothers diet there will be reduction in milk
volume rather than in milk quality but if very low protein are taken
then the proportion of casein may be reduced. The extra protein can be
achieved by including protein rich foods like milk and milk products,
egg, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and cereal and pulse combinations.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the important minerals required both during
pregnancy and during lactation. During pregnancy it is required for
the foetal skeletal development and during lactation for the milk
production. The first three months of the baby is fed only on the
breast milk so again the baby depends on the mother for the nutrient
requirement. An additional 1000mg per day calcium is required during
this period.500 ml milk or milk products per day must be taken for the
calcium requirement and the remaining from the other food stuff like
ragi, Bengal gram whole, soyabean, amaranth, fenugreek leaves and
fish.
Iron
There is no additional requirement of iron during lactation. The baby
is born with adequate reserves of iron since milk is not a good source
of iron. The additional iron in the mother's diet during lactation
does not pass on additional iron to the infant but iron rich foods are
essential for mother's own health and the requirement is same as the
adult women.
Vitamin
As calories, proteins, and minerals are increased during lactation
vitamin requirement also stand increased. Vitamin A, B1, B2, C,
niacin, folic acid and vitamin B12 are the major vitamin requirement
increased during lactation.
Water
Apart from all these, role of water is very important in the diet for
a lactating mother. Fluid is necessary for adequate milk
production. Major content of milk is water. Drink 10 - 12 glasses of
water every day.
- The diet should include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products, fish , poultry, nuts, whole grains, parboiled rice and pulses to provide all extra vitamins, minerals, protein and energy required during this period
- The number of meals can be increased to meet all the nutritional needs.
- The food items that help to stimulate the milk production are milk, garlic, fenugreek seeds, moong dhal and cumin. Some believe consuming goat's meat, liver and fish can increase breast milk secretion. There is not much scientific proof available on this.
- Weight gain should be monitored. The time when baby is switched over to other food, mother should reduce her calorie intake. Other wise chances of excessive weight gain are more.
- Avoid all emotional problems, and anxiety.
- Have confidence in your self that you can lactate enough milk for your baby. Remember lactation is controlled by hormone produced by a gland situated near your brain.
- All most all drugs reach babies through breast milk so before taking any medicine consult a doctor.
- Alcohol and smoking should be avoided since it can reach baby through breast milk and make baby feel sleepy and make nervous and irritable.
- Be baby friendly and start breast-feeding soon after delivery.
Recommended Allowances During Lactation
A nutritional demand on the mother is great during lactation. The nutritional relationship between the mother and child continues for some more time after delivery. The newborn baby is given only breast milk for first 3 months of life so the mother's diet should be adequate with all needed nutrients.
