Nutrition in Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural process that not only nurtures the bond between a mother and her child, but also lays the foundation for the growth and health of the infant. However, what is often overlooked is the critical role of maternal nutrition in this equation. The dietary choices made by a mother during breastfeeding can significantly affect both his own well-being and quality of breast milk, directly affecting the growth and health of her baby.

Human milk is, undoubtedly, the food of choice for the infant. The composition is such as to provide the necessary energy and nutrients in appropriate amounts. It contains specific and non-specific immune factors that support and enhance the immature immune system of the neonate, and thus protecting the body from infections. The breast milk it's not a static product, but a living tissue, the composition of which changes all the time to meet the changing needs of the growing child.

The effects of breastfeeding on health:

The development of the child

• The exclusively breast-fed infants is more weak before the age of 12 months
• The breast-fed infants is higher in childhood and adulthood.

Obesity

• Breastfeeding can prevent future obesity.
• Low birth weight and increasing the efficiency increases with future obesity.

Neuro-cognitive development

• The breast-fed children have a better νευρογνωστικές functions.
• The preterm infants benefit even more from the breastfeeding.

Cardiovascular diseases

• Breastfeeding reduces the future blood pressure.
• A lower ratio of LDL / HDL in adolescents θηλάζονταν.
• There is no evidence that breastfeeding can reduce the risk and mortality of cardiovascular diseases.

Allergic reactions

• Breastfeeding for at least 4 months may prevent future atopic dermatitis and wheezing of early children with families at high risk.

What should we be eating a mother to ensure that she and her baby will have the greatest possible benefits?

At this stage of life, women have increased energy needs. Mothers with healthy weight before pregnancy, the estimated energy requirements during the first 6 months of breastfeeding is about 330 calories higher in comparison with the energy needs before pregnancy. This increases to 400 calories during the second 6 months of lactation. Excessive restriction of calories can negatively affect the supply of milk and the mother's energy levels. The dietitian will have to adapt the instructions for the energy needs of each person, taking into account factors such as the weight status before pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 is vital for brain development in infants. Fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines), the flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts and olive oil are excellent sources of healthy fats that can enrich the breast milk.

Protein: Breast milk is rich in protein, vital for the baby's growth and repair of tissues. Mothers need adequate intake of food rich in protein, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and legumes to support the production of milk of high quality.

CaRecommendation to increase daily intake of calcium 1200mg in pregnant and lactating women. The calcium requirements during breast-feeding is even greater and the pregnancy due to the need to replenish the daily loss of calcium in the breast milk. Good sources of calcium are dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, beans, and fish such as sardines.

Hydration: The maintenance of good hydration is vital for the production of milk. Nursing mothers should aim to drink plenty of water during the day, listening to the signals thirst of her body.

Alcohol: The not drinking alcohol is the safest option during breastfeeding. In general, the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages by a mother who is breast-feeding (up to 1 drink per day) is not known to be harmful to the infant, especially if the mother waits at least 2 hours after a single drink before breastfeeding.

Caffeine: Caffeine passes through breast milk in small amounts, but it usually does not adversely affect the infant when the mother consumes low to moderate amounts (2 cups of coffee).

Finally, it is important to recognize that breastfeeding can be difficult for some mothers. Factors such as low milk supply, mastitis and the inadequate weight gain of the infant may occur, often causing stress and frustration. In such cases, the search for support from lactation consultants, support groups or health care providers is vital.