If you cannot digest milk products, your health care provider or nurse can suggest other sources of calcium. A breast-feeding mother uses 500 more calories a day than a woman who is not pregnant or nursing. This extra calorie-burning helps you to lose weight after your pregnancy. It is important to eat foods from all the food groups, as well as continuing to take your prenatal vitamins. Include fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and protein-rich foods as much as possible.
Snacks can be an important source of daily nutritional needs if carefully chosen.
There is no evidence that any one food when eaten in moderation will cause problems in most breastfed babies. The mother's diet would only need to be adjusted if the baby has a reaction. It is important that the breastfeeding mother drink to satisfy her thirst. Fluids can include water, fruit juices, vegetable juices, milk and soup. It is a good idea for the mother to get into the habit of drinking during each nursing.