Diet Tips For Vegan Breastfeeding Mothers
A vegan mother should take care of her dietary intake while breast feeding since whatever she eats would reach her baby in the form of breast milk. If she lacks a specific nutrient then her child would lack it too. Since vegan mothers have no choice of getting nutrients from animal sources including milk, extra care should be taken to monitor their nutrient intake.Follow the tips given below and ensure that your baby is nourished properly. Read on to know more.
General Diet Tips For Vegan Lactating Moms:
- Calorie content of lactating mothers increases up to 2700 (additional 500 calories with normal allowance) in order to meet the increased need for breastfeeding.This extra allowance is required to meet your increased requirements during lactation. Lower levels of energy may make you tired and your child may not get adequate nutrients.
- An additional allowance of 15g of protein is suggested for breastfeeding moms’ up to 6 months and an additional 12g of protein is suggested from 6 to 12 months to ensure adequate milk secretion.
- The major vegan sources of protein are nuts, legumes, pulses etc.
Vitamins And Minerals:
- Breastfeeding mothers need adequate vitamins and minerals since it decides the nutrient content of the breast milk.
- Vitamins like A,D,B complex, folic acid etc and minerals like calcium, iron etc are essentially required and so must be sufficiently supplied through nutrient dense foods.
- Drink at least 8 cups of water per day during lactation to avoid dehydration.
- It would be better to drink a glass of water every time you feed your baby.
- Fluids like fruit juices, broths, milk, herbal teas and vegetable soups are recommended along with water.
- Restrict the intake of caffeine rich foods and beverages, like coffee, soda etc.
- Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and self-medication.
- Moderate exercising is desirable.
- Ensure that you sleep well and get adequate rest.
Vegans avoid milk, milk products and even eggs and so it is essential to make sure that they get adequate nutrients from plant sources. However, it would be wise to have a word with your healthcare provider before opting for dietary supplements in order to avoid health complications.
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