The nutritional requirements for the infant rely on breast milk, and thus it’s important for the mother to maintain a healthy diet. If the infant grows rapidly and is bigger than average, the fat stores obtained by the mother during pregnancy could deplete rapidly, meaning she may have trouble eating enough to develop and sustain adequate levels of milk.
A diet that includes a high calorie intake is usually necessary for nursing mothers. While milk can be produced by moms in famine conditions with proper nutritional content, a malnourished mother may produce milk lacking in essential vitamins like A, D, B6, and B12. If they smoke, breast-feeding mothers must be extremely careful.
More than 20 cigarettes a day can cause decreased milk supply and vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in babies. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is more prevalent in infants who are exposed to smoke. Heavy drinking is known to damage your health, as well as the health of your infant.
Mothers who are breast-feeding ought to either avoid alcohol completely or consume only small quantities at a time. If a mother drinks excessively, her baby may suffer from sleeplessness, irritability, and increased appetite. However, if the mother drinks only moderately – usually 1-2 cups per day – there should be no adverse effect on the baby.
Caffeine consumption should be limited, especially for breastfeeding mothers. By restricting your intake of caffeine and following a healthy diet, you can make sure that your baby gets the proper nutrients during this crucial time.
