The A to Z of Breast Feeding
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Health And Diet
By Andrew Kelly
The nutritional requirements for the baby will rely soley on the breast milk, and therefore the mother will need to maintain a healthy diet. If the baby is large and grows fast, the fat stores gained by the mother during pregnancy can be depleted quickly, meaning that she may have trouble eating good enough to maintain and develop sufficient amounts of milk.
This type of diet normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which follows on from that in pregnancy. Even though mothers in famine conditions can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.
If they smoke, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution. More than 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in the infants. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke.
Heavy drinking is also known to harm the imfant, as well as yourself. If you are breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at a time.
The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability, sleeplessness, and increased feeding in the infant. Moderate use, normally 1 - 2 cups a day normally produces no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast feeding are advised to avoid caffeine or restrict intake of it.
By following a healthy diet and limiting your intake of the above, you'll ensure that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding. This stage of life is very important - as you don't want anything to happen to your baby.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly, copywriter for various websites including, The A to Z of Breast Feeding , part of an ambitious project to cover various subjects plus a great many other sites including health sites such as; Microdermabrasion, Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Hair Removal.
NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if the author details and links remain in place.
Related Breast-Feeding Articles:
Breast Feeding Homepage
Breast Feeding - An Introduction to
Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding
Benefits Of Breast Feeding
Breast Compression
Breast Feeding Adopted Babies
Breast Feeding And Jaundice
Breast Feeding And Positioning
Breast Feeding Complications
Breast Feeding In Public
Breast Feeding Toddlers
Engorged Breasts
Getting Started With Breast Feeding
Health And Diet
How Breast Milk Is Made
How To Choose A Breast Pump
How To Use A Breast Pump
Low Supply Of Breast Milk
Other Foods While Breast Feeding
Poor Milk Supply
Reasons To Breast Feed
Refusal To Breast Feed
Returning To Work
Starting Solid Foods
The First Six Weeks
Weaning From Breast Feeding
Your Nursing Area
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