Healthy Eating
Breastfeeding mothers do not need to follow a special diet. Follow Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide, choose a variety of foods, eat when you are hungry and drink when you are thirsty. Breastfeeding women may need more calories. “Canada’s Food Guide recommends including an extra 2-3 Food Guide Servings from any of the four food groups each day for breastfeeding women. See My Food Guide Servings Tracker for women who are breastfeeding! Breastfeeding moms should not try to lose weight through dieting. Weight gained while pregnant will gradually be lost over time with the help of healthy eating and exercise. More information about Healthy Eating is available.
Caffeine
Caffeine can pass through breast milk to your baby. Too much caffeine can cause your baby to become over-stimulated, have difficulty sleeping or be more fussy than usual. Limit caffeine to no more that 300mg per day – equal to just two cups of coffee. Examples of other Caffeine Sources can be found here.
Exercise
Exercise is good for mom and baby, and can be fit into the breastfeeding mom’s lifestyle. There are lots of family friendly activities available for you and your baby. Follow the link to find information about Exercising and Breastfeeding. . Remember don’t try to do too much - start with light exercise and gradually increase depending on comfort level. Your six week postpartum appointment is a time to discuss this further with your health care provider.
For more information, call (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, or click Your Health Connection and speak with a public health nurse.
