New Delhi: Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life and the journey for nine months is full of ups and downs both physical and mental. But the real struggle is after giving birth. Hence, it is quite essential to focus on nutrition during this time to support the recovery and overall well-being of the mother. For this, there is something called Postnatal Diet but what is it?
Dr Annamma Thomas, Senior Consultant-Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Sarjapur Road shared with News9, “Pregnancy is not an easy journey. It involves a series of physical, emotional and psychological changes influenced by the hormones of pregnancy. This is followed by the perils of labour and delivery. Next is the postpartum period which revolves around the care of the newborn and breastfeeding which poses severe challenges for the new mother. During this period postnatal diet plays an important role in their mental and physical well-being while the body heals from the pregnancy and the delivery and breastfeeding are established effectively.”
This article focuses on the important role of postnatal diet which influences the quantity and quality of breast milk by providing essential nutrients to support breastfeeding. The postnatal diet should include 500 extra calories rich in calcium and proteins in addition to extra fluid.
Essentials in your diet
1. The first step towards optimum beast feeding is to stay well hydrated. Incorporating 3 to 4 lbs of fluid in the diet either as milk, juice water etc will help in this venture. Since 80 per cent of breast milk is constituted by water.
2. Women lose blood naturally during childbirth, therefore their bodies must get more iron. It is imperative to incorporate foods rich in iron, such as organ meats, raisins, green leafy vegetables, and garden cress seeds.
3. Iodine is another essential mineral for nursing moms since it promotes thyroid function, baby growth, and brain development. Seafood, seaweed, table salt, milk, yoghurt, and cheese are some of the sources.
4. The development of an infant’s brain and the reduction of inflammation in mothers are both aided by omega-3 fatty acids, which may also lessen the symptoms of postpartum depression. Walnuts, flax seeds, and oily salmon are also great food sources of the same.
5. Pregnancy and lactation raise the need for calcium to maintain the bone health of the mother and the unborn child and breastfeed the newborn. Add ragi, green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, milk, yoghurt, and cheese to your diet.
For new mothers, during the time of breastfeeding period postnatal diet plays an important role in their mental and physical well-being while the body heals from the pregnancy and the delivery and breastfeeding are established effectively. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
