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 new arrival 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 child.
Now is not the time to overly restrict your diet, or to try and lose weight too quickly. It’s not just your child 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)
Last revised: January, 2017
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