Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for newborn infants and mothers, breast milk provides tailored nourishment to the growing needs of infants such as;

– offering optimal nutrition

– improved cognitive performance and neurological development

– enhanced immunity

– reduces the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome

– Reduces allergic/hypersensitivity diseases and the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Women who have a history of breastfeeding experience have a reduced risk of osteoporosis and reduced incidence of breast and ovarian cancers.

It is truly amazing what breast milk does for your baby, and those benefits might be one of the primary reasons you decided to breastfeed. But while you’re providing liquid gold for your little one, the benefits of breastfeeding are making good things happen for you, too!

Steps that a pregnant mom should take after delivery for a successful breastfeeding journey:

1- Perform skin to skin after delivery

2- Keep baby with you in the same room most of the time

3- Breastfeed on demand when a baby shows early hunger, and keep baby as long as e needs

4- Tell the nurses that you want to exclusively breastfeed and not to give any bottles

The most effective way to increase your milk supply is to nurse more, breastfeeding supplies demand and more milk the body makes.

Can a poor diet impact the quality of breastmilk?

Mother’s breastmilk remains of highest quality despite mom’s diet, the nutrients in breastmilk remain the same, the only macronutrient that is affected by diet is fat, and the type of fat that you consume will be present in your breastmilk, it is important to choose healthy fats.

Excessive dieting can reduce milk supply, but sensible dieting is generally is not a problem, Losing more than 1/2 kg a week during lactation may increase the number of toxins in your breast milk. This is caused by burning fat too quickly, which causes the toxins in your body fat to move into the bloodstream, and into the breast milk. If rapid weight loss happens, consult your doctor about how you can avoid it, mom should have a varied diet that contains all food group to stay healthy

Be proud of what you’re doing for your baby when breastfeeding – and know that while you are providing the best for your little one, there are plenty of breastfeeding benefits for you as a mom. And remember what you put into your body on a daily basis can affect your breast milk – and your little one who’s nursing.

Check out these tips to make sure you stay on track and give your body all it needs to nourish you and your little one.

Continue making healthy choices

While you had to watch your food choices closely during pregnancy, breastfeeding allows for a larger range of foods and fewer restrictions. That said, keep eating your rainbow of fruits and veggies and a variety of healthy foods from all food groups. This will benefit you and your baby with nutrients and energy, and the varying tastes of your breast milk may even help your baby be a less picky eater in the future.

• Don’t count calories Breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories a day, so you’re probably feeling hungry more often when nursing. Feed your body what it needs and don’t worry about the calories – your body needs them to continue to make that liquid gold for your little one.
• Stay hydrated Water, water everywhere – and you should be drinking it! Your body needs hydration to support your energy, health, and general wellbeing. So make sure you keep water bottles stashed at your nursing station or around the house where they’re easily accessible, and remind yourself to drink throughout the day.
• Caffeine We know – you’re a mom and you’re tired. If you’re reaching for your coffee mug or an energy drink as part of your daily routine, try to limit your caffeine intake to 500 mg a day (about three 300 ml cups of regular coffee ), as some sensitive babies may become extra fussy or wakeful if caffeine is present in the breast milk they drink.
• Be aware of baby’s potential food sensitivities You may notice fussiness or gassiness in your baby after you consume certain foods such as dairy, soy, or wheat.
• Medications and Herbs Many over-the-counter medications and prescriptions are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, but it’s always a good policy to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.

These efforts you give to your baby and taking care of what you eat can ensure that you are both happy, healthy, and thriving on your breastfeeding journey. Besides these health advantages, mothers and their babies are brought into closer contact through nursing itself.