Nutrition for nursing mothers

From avoiding alcohol to reducing caffeine and seafood intake, there are a few items you might want to avoid in your diet while breast-feeding. In addition to what not to eat, California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) recommends a diet rich in proteins, calcium and whole grains — with a slight increase in portion sizes for mothers who nurse, versus mothers who are bottle feeding. (Visit the CPMC website for a helpful rundown on post-partum nutrition and nursing portion sizes.)  An extra 500 calories the first six months and an extra 400 calories from six months onward is a good guideline figure. Also, make sure to drink at least eight cups of fluid (mostly water) per day.
And just as it is perfectly safe to raise kids as vegans, it’s also safe for new mothers to avoid all animal products too — but you should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about a suitable vitamin and calcium supplement. If you are a strict vegan, be sure to supplement calcium and B12.                                                                        


                                                                                                          source by  

                                                                                                       Jenni Grover

                                                                                                      August 29, 2013, 2:14 p.m.