Producing breast milk requires a lot of calories. In just five days of breastfeeding, you can burn about the same number of calories as it takes to run a marathon! And with a newborn in your arms, you may not be getting regular sleep and meals. It’s not surprising, then, that research shows one in five breastfeeding women may not be getting enough calories.
Taking good care of yourself is a great way to take care of your little one. Paying the same attention to good nutrition as you did during your pregnancy is what will help you produce quality breast milk for your growing baby.
Now is not the time to overly restrict your diet, or to try and lose weight too quickly. It’s not just your baby who misses out—if you’re not getting sufficient nutrients, your own stores could diminish, impacting your health and energy levels.
Sources
Aubuchon-Endsley NL, Kennedy TS, Gilchrist M et al. Relationships among socioeconomic status, dietary intake, and stress in breastfeeding women. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015; 115(6):939-46.
Kolasa KM, Firnhaber G, Haven K. Diet for a healthy lactating woman. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2015; 58(4):893-901.
http://www.healthfitnessexperts.com/calories-burned-running/ (Accessed January 11 2017)
Related articles
26 ways to settle your baby
When baby won't settle, you can do more than count from 1 to 10 - try 26.
5 mins to read
Using The 5 Senses to Understand Your Child's Development
Babies are born with all the necessary senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. However, these senses may need to be stimulated to ensure better motor skills and memory.
4 mins to read
How 2'-FL-enriched formula improves your child's immune system
Strengthen your child's immune system with 2'-FL-enriched formula which contains oligosaccharides to balance your child’s gut environment and to stimulate his or her cognitive growth.
3 mins to read
Breastfeeding mums
Mothers who breastfeed for more than 3 months must consume more food and increase their calorie intake to be able to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals to their little ones.
5 mins to read
Your baby's development milestones in the first three years
Different children tend to meet physical growth and cognitive development milestones at different times. To encourage them, parents can offer constant engagement and a nutrient-rich diet.
4 mins to read
Expert tips to ensure your child's all-round development
Parents can help stimulate their children's physical, mental, emotional, and social development by providing them with a nutrient-rich diet and positive intervention to encourage interaction.
6 mins to read
Looking for ways to get more sleep with your child? Here are some tips for you.
Sleep deprivation and fatigue are common amongst new mums or mummies with little ones. By being familiar with their children's sleep cycle, mums will be able to rest and sleep better.
4 mins to read
5 Common conditions that children suffer from and what parents can do to help
When babies constantly cry and parents cannot figure out why, there are several factors that parents can observe to ensure that they are not suffering from common ailments like diarrhea or jaundice
6 mins to read
How to Increase Baby Immunity with Child-Friendly Foods
Nothing is more painful than seeing your child fall prey to infectious diseases easily.
4 mins to read
The Importance of Eating Together – Family first!
Research has shown that shared family meals—no matter the size of your family—provide benefits for your baby beyond the joy of simply eating dinner together.
5 mins to read
Safe Food Preparation Principles
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
Common Pregnancy Complaints
Your body is working hard to create that little life. Find out how to relieve common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, cramps, constipation and abdominal pain.
3 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Ways to Feed a Baby – Take the Quiz Now
How you offer your baby food is at least as important as what goes into her mouth.
7 mins to read
Little injuries
Your baby’s small injuries: Small injuries may play a part in your baby’s daily life. The best solution is always to seek your doctor’s advice.
4 mins to read
How to help baby’s tummy problems
Baby tummy problems? If only they could tell you what’s wrong. Until we locate a baby whisperer, here are a few ways you can help an unsettled baby.
2 mins to read
Tips for settling your baby
Is your baby struggling to settle? Still getting up lots of times in the night? Being woken up before sunrise?
4 mins to read
Baby Screen Time – When to Switch off
Research shows that free play and engaging with you is essential for your baby’s speech, sleep, creativity, and brain growth.
1 min to read
Preventing Baby Food Allergy
In Singapore, babies with no family history of allergy can still have up to 15% chance of getting an allergy.
4 mins to read
