Your Diet

When breastfeeding, you need to eat a well-balanced diet, as you did while pregnant. And just as when pregnant, you need to consume approximately 500 calories more each day than you normally would. You should not change your diet during the first couple of months of breastfeeding. After the first couple of months your milk will be established, and you can begin cutting any empty calories you typically eat. Candy, cookies, soda and chips are examples of common snacks that have no nutritional value to you or your nursing baby.

Breastfeeding women should be sure to consume plenty of extra fluid, protein and calcium. Milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream are good sources of calcium and protein. Talk to your physician or lactation consultant about your specific nutritional requirements.

Common concerns about breastfeeding