I'm expecting another baby soon and want to strictly breastfeed. However, I am really not the healthiest eater and rarely get my fruits and veggies in (unfortunately).
I've just been this way since I was a child and never grew out of it as much as I've tried. I truely think I might be one of the pickiest eaters alive! : )
Anyhow, will my breastmilk still be whats best for baby even if I'm not eating the healthiest foods?
I plan on taking my prenatal vitamins while nursing and still getting extra calories to produce milk but is there anything else I can do or take (supplements) that will help my nutritional status to give my new baby the healthiest breastmilk possible?
Thanks so much for any and all helpful advice!
I just want to thank everyone for all of your responses.
I feel much better now knowing my milk is still the healthiest for my baby. I actually breatfed my first born until she was 18 mnths and my second only for 8 weeks because he developed a strong case of colic so we had to switch him to Gentlease. I would like to breastfeed my next baby for at least one year.
I've never had a problem with my babies latching on or producing the milk but something in me just started questioning if it was still the best for them even if I wasn't the healthiest eater.
Well, Now I feel alot better about everything and look forward to nursing my new son which I know is absolutely the best for him.
Thanks again Moms!
i wasn't the healthiest eater either and i breastfeed, i just drank Lots of water, Karina is 4 now but she so very smart, tall and way ahead of her peers
You go right ahead and nurse bc those vitamins will do the trick (my hubby is JUST like you) and our bodies know how to make good out of a greasy hamburger if that is what we eat!! The baby is also getting your immunities as well. So go for it and I am so glad you are nursing!! I agree with the post that said drink lots of water. I am not a big water drinker so I need to practice what I preach!! I am having a baby in about 6 weeks!! Good Luck!! :)
Anytime I have a question about breastfeeding, I go to www.breastfeeding.com/allabout.html It's a great resource!
I found someone on that site who asked exactly your question - should I breastfeed even if I'm not a healthy eater - and the experts on the site said, unequivocally, yes. Here is the link to that particular question and answer.
http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/roepke_anwers2.htm...
the baby will get it's nutrients it needs no mater what you do or don't eat. Granted it would be better for YOU to eat a healthy diet.
Continue to take a GOOD prenatal every day. Also, if you like pasta eat lots of it because pasta sauce is full of good veggies!
Another good site for any question about breastfeeding is www.kellymom.com. You'll do great!!
I agree with all the other moms that BFing is still the healthiest option. But I did have a possible suggestion for you. Have you tried the V8 Fusion? It's not too bad and a glass of it contains a full serving of fruits and veggies. They have several different flavors, we usually have Strawberry Banana. My daughter used to be a big time veggie eater but doesn't like them like she used to, and we've been giving her this to help make up for missed vitamins and such. Just a thought.
I have to agree with everyone else that breast milk is almost always going to be more healthful then not. Take your prenatals and consider trying some of those yummy yoguart shakes or juice if you want to get in some extra vitamins.
Good luck and god bless!!
What is going to happen is the baby will take the nutrients from you and you will be hungrier than usual. It might be a good idea to eat healthier so you aren't going to fill yourself up on empty calories.
I've always been told that if you breastfeed and your baby will get any vitamins you have first, before you do. I would definitely keep taking your prenatal! Plus the baby gets your antibodies - something babies can't get when taking formula. Drink lots of water and I like someone's idea of drinking an Ensure. I'm sure you will do fine! ;)
I agree with the other mommies....if you can breastfeed, go for it! It's the best for our little ones! But I will say that both of my kids had very sensitive tummies and certain things I ate caused "colic-like" behaviors (fussiness, gas, discomfort, skin rashes). So just watch out for that. Even though my daughter was diagnosed with milk/soy intolerance, I'm still breastfeeding her 8 months later. It's been tough giving up foods made with milk and soy, but I'm trying to do what's best for her.
Best of luck to you!
Definitely breastfeed! Two suggestions from a two-time breastfeeder:
Drink an Ensure everyday.
Ask your doctor to prescribe prenatals with a DHA supplement (plant based if possible - I used Citrical w/DHA) - the DHA supplement will ensure that you get enough Omega 3 fatty acids which are so VERY important to your baby's brain development.
