Diet for a breastfeeding mother should be balanced and rich in essential nutrients. A balanced diet is helpful if the milk production is less or the mother is weak. If a nursing mother's intake of food is less she will continue to produce milk by using her body stores of food, but in this process she will become weak.

A breastfeeding mother should not go on a dieting schedule and at the same time should not increase the intake of food inordinately. If a woman goes on a weight reducing diet, she will become weak and malnourished. In case of an excess intake of diet, she will put on extra weight. Always eat what you have been eating before pregnancy.

There is a misconception among many women that if they drink more milk, they will secret more milk. Eat a balanced diet. A woman will however need extra calcium to supply to the baby. Milk, bread, cabbage and cheese are a rich source of calcium. There is no need to take extra vitamins, if a mother is eating a balanced diet. Foods if taken in excess will disturb the digestive system of the mother and will also upset the baby. A feeding mother should avoid strong spices or condiments as this gives the baby a mild digestive upset. Sometimes egg or cow's milk taken by the mother may cause an allergy in the baby.

A breastfeeding mother should strictly cut down or completely stop smoking while breastfeeding her baby. The nicotine from the cigarette passes into breast milk and this will make the baby restless, excited and unable to sleep. Remember, excessive smoking is known to reduce breast milk. Smoking can also cause lack of sleep in you, thereby reducing the flow of milk. Passive smoking may affect the baby. It is suggested that no one should smoke close to a baby or in the room where the baby in sleeping. The baby will inhale the smoke and may suffer from lung infection.

A breastfeeding mother should also cut down or completely stop drinking alcohol while breastfeeding her baby. The alcohol you drink will get to your baby through your breast milk. Approximately, 10% content of the liquor you consume will get into your breast milk and the baby will get a dose from the breast milk. You may drink tea or coffee while breastfeeding your baby. These are not harmful to you or your baby. They do not affect the breast milk supply. But do not drink tea or coffee in excess. An excess of anything is harmful.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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