Nutrition, Dieting & Breastfeeding Questions Answered

Worried that my diet is compromising my breastmilk

I am often concerned because at times, I feel I am not eating healthy enough for a breastfeeding mom.  I am taking prenatals, but my biggest problem is forgetting to eat, then, when I do eat, sometimes I am not probably eating what I should.  For example, lunch today was a piece of ham rolled up with a piece of cheese and a left over cantaloupe slice from my 3 year old's lunch.  Other than that and his cold scrambled eggs left over from breakfast, I have just had water.  Supper is in the crock pot, so I am planning on scarfing something down between now and bedtime.  My milk production is high, but what I am curious about is whether or not the quality of the vitamins and nutrients in my breast milk is compromised by my hit and miss diet?

Thanks so much!





Based on the information that you shared, I am more concerned about you than about Elizabeth.  You say that your milk production is high and Elizabeth is gaining weight, so her nutritional status is probably not compromised by your hit-and-miss diet

Diet does have dome effect on the nutrient quality of the milk, especially that of the water soluble vitamins and certain minerals.  However, you indicated you are still taking your "prenatals."  If this is a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement for pregnant women, it will provide considerable protection to the milk and to you.

I am concerned that people like me not say a mother "should and should not" do this or that - because a lot of shoulds create barriers!  It does make sense that what we eat will affect our health and that of our babies, whether a mother is pregnant or lactating, so I think it is wise to be careful about food choices. However, I am especially concerned about the effect of this diet on your own nutritional status.  It appears that you are eating nutritious foods, but that the quantity of foods isn't sufficient for a breastfeeding mother of an almost 4-month old.  An average size woman should consume at least 1,500 - 1,600 calories each day to maintain a normal weight.  With the diet that you described, you are probably not getting this many calories.  Overtime, if your caloric intake is compromised and you lose weight too quickly in the postpartum period, your milk supply could be affected. So, for your sake and Elizabeth's, I would suggest looking closely at your diet and making some changes to boost your caloric intake.

To comment on your diet more specifically, I would need more information on your pre-pregnancy weight, your current weight, and your height. However, I will make a couple of general comments.  First, I don't see that you mention drinking any milk.  Sufficient calcium intake is important for all women, and you are advised to drink about three 8-ounce glasses of milk each day, or getting the equivalent in other calcium rich foods (e.g. yogurt, cheese) or calcium enriched products (i.e. calcium enriched soy milk and fruit juice).  Second, remember that you are a role model for Elizabeth and your 3-year-old child.  Your children will learn what and how to eat by watching you, so it is very important to set a good example of a healthy, balanced diet early on.  I know that this can be difficult with two young children, but you might try because this is likely to be the most important issue in the long run!

I suggest that mothers look at the food pyramid for ideas: breads and cereals on the bottom should be the foundation of all snacks and meals as a vehicle for other foods such as peanut and others nut butters, cheese, meats, and fish as sandwiches, which can be eaten at any time of day, including breakfast.  Next are fruits and vegetables.  These can be eaten raw, cooked, or as juices.  I enjoy the mixture of fruit with yogurt and milk.  It makes a delicious and nourishing beverage, which when consumed with a nut butter sandwich would be a fast and nourishing breakfast.

It sounds as though you have a very busy and active schedule with two small children. Remember, though that the time you take for yourself can be time for your children too.  You can eat with them, modeling appropriate table behavior and you can have them "read to you" while you eat.



 

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